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holiday abroad

Hi to all, since I was diagnosed with cml 7 years age we have not been aboard so october half-term we are going to portugal for a week, so can anyone advise what to do with the gleevic do I need a note from the doctor to take this and do I put it in my suitcase or hand baggage? what are the rules for taking it abroad. any advice luv Sue d

Hi Sue

Nothing needed from the doctor but I would put enough in your case for the holiday and a similar amount in your hand luggage. That way if one bag gets lost you will still have sufficent.
The most important thing is to enjoy your holiday.

Susan

Hello Sue

Wow 7 year CMLer, congratulations.

A holiday with CML and Gleevec is easy, but I would take a letter from your doctor. My GP suggested this as it will cover you going through customs, this end and in Portugal. Also if you should need medical attention for anything whilst away it will be helpful. Take your hospital details. I have never needed to use it but is a security thing knowing I have the info with me.

Bill and I carry a full weeks supply of Gleevec each, in our hand luggage, that way I have enough if one lot gets lost, keep it in the package.

Hope you have a wonderful hoiliday, and tell us all about it when you get back.
Pennie

Sue,
Another thought is that you must take your european health card, can't remember the actual number/name of it. In the unlikely event of your being ill (leukaemia or otherwise) they may demand sight of the card before treating you.

Susan

When we've travelled, even since the restrictions on what you can carry on board, my wife has always taken her medication on board with her.
There is no way we would want to risk losing the Glivec if the luggae went astray. She's never been challenged about it.
I would endorse the need for taking the European Health Card if travelling within Europe (ec) - this entitles you to the same level of care as a local in the country to which you are travelling.

Paul

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), as with most things European, does not always do waht it says on the card. The EHIC enititles you to the very basic of health care (normally enough to get you well enough to ship you home under your own individual travel insurance) and the 'basic' level of care varies greatly from country to country. Sometimes this care can be at the level expected in the UK and sometimes does not extend much beyond low level tests such as bloods. It guarantees nothing and the 'Insurance' part of the card should be considered as a bit of a misnomer.

Getting personal travel insurance is a much safer bet.

Bon chance!

Paul C
XXXX

Paul C