Travel is an important part of the lifestyle of many Canadians. It could be short “staycations” and visits to family and friends , or it could be long international adventures. Either way, the methods to prepare for the trip are similar. The emergency kit in my purse to the grocery store is the same as the one that I take overseas.
I have visited Emergency Rooms in many countries for injuries, adrenal crisis, and insulin reactions. As a person with Adrenal Insufficiency (AI) the first thing that I do is announce that I have AI and produce my paperwork. I don’t wait for them to ask or for things to worsen. I start with information and instruction.
I have just returned from a 40-day international vacation. I was healthy and did not visit the ER anywhere! The following suggestions are based on my personal experience.
MOST IMPORTANT: Have fun, relax and enjoy the experiences that you are having. Plan ahead so that you are ready for each day. And just Do It!
Bring extra medication. I suggest twice what you expect to need. Then if your plans change, you will have meds to keep you going. Carry prescriptions in a labeled vial. Your pharmacy can repackage pills into a smaller container for you
You may want to up dose a small amount before you start traveling on a longer adventure. I find that a dose of hydrocortisone (HC) helps me get to the airport without issues. I carry a few tablets in my pocket on the plane as I worry that if “something” happened, I wouldn’t have time to find meds in my carry-on
- Put ALL your medications and medical equipment in your carry-on
- Bring your Emergency Injection supplies. I carry several vials of Solu-Cortef when I travel. Make sure everyone travelling with you knows how to give you the injection and carry printed instructions on how to do so
- I carry extra steroid pills in my purse. When something happens you want to be able to give your adrenal system an immediate boost. You don’t want to go digging in your luggage
- Buy travel medical insurance. I have an annual plan because you never know when you might need it. Travelling to a different province requires travel medical insurance, otherwise treatment costs might not be covered
- Bring all your paperwork. A letter with your emergency treatment plan from your doctor or Endocrinologist is important. Bring a paper copy of all your prescriptions
- If you are travelling to a country where a different language is spoken, take a copy of the emergency letter in the appropriate languages. I have used the Spanish version which had a positive impact on my care
- Take your Canadian Addison Society Emergency Card with you. My husband carries one with the Solu-Cortef Injection. Order yours for free with your CAS membership
- This is an excellent list of suggestions from the BC Children’s Hospital
- Find out if all your medications and nutritional aids are legal in the country you plan to visit and any countries that you are stopping, even just to change flights. Some countries restrict items, even if they are prescription
Submitted By Debby Thomson
President, Canadian Addison Society