I am going to Italy next month with my husband and children. It is our gift to each other in celebration of our 25 wedding anniversary. I was wondering if anyone has tips to share with me about traveling and avoiding germs. I have read how airplanes carry tons of germs that can be especially dangerous to cfer's. I do remember someone posting not to consume beverages with airplane ice as there is bacteria in them. Is this true? Any other recommendations for what I should do or bring with me would be most appreciated. Thank you! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
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Trip to Italy
- Thread starter Jem
- Start date
1st off, congrats! Italy is fabulous. I was there two years ago.
2ndly, are you able to fly long distances with one lung? The air in airplanes can lower O2 sats. I'm sure you have already looked into that, but I never assume anything.
3rdly, don't drink tap water or have ice cubes in your water on the plane. Drink only bottled water. Don't forget coffee and tea- these items are made with airplane tap water too.
4thly, I don't worry so much about airborne germs on planes. Cuz really, there's nothing you can do about it. But what I do worry about is dehydration. It is so easy to get dehydrated on a plane (and not realize it, especially on long flights). Dehydration gives PA a great opportunity to grow. This goes for walking around in Italy as well - it's super hot there this time of year.
5th, contact the CFF and identify local CF centers/hospitals in the cities in Italy where you are going. So in case something happens you'll know right where to go.
6th, remember that if you don't have the latest version of the Vest (www.thevest.com) you will need a transformer, and not just a little plug that converts the shape of your plug.
7th, check to see if your compressor works overseas. I have a PARI ProNeb ultra, and it doesn't. I found that out the hard way in Austria this past winter, and I was stuck with a $300 European version. Cash.
8th, find a way to boil/sanitize your nebs. I brought a deep flyer with me (it heats water to boiling point). It takes up a ton of space, but when it comes to our health, who cares? last thing I want is to pay for an expensive trip to Europe and then have an expensive hospital bill + time off from work. Staying healthy will make your trip more enjoyable.
9th, carry all of your meds on with you on the plane. ALL OF THEM. Your nebs. Your compressor. Your Vest. Everything. My stuff was hung up in SFO while I was in Austria for 3 days. And the wonderful thing was there was nothing to stress about because I had all of my meds with me. So I could enjoy myself for those 3 days, doing meds, staying healthy, etc. Don't let the airlines tell you that you're carrying too much on. Federal Law requires medical equipment to be carried on the plane.
10th, eat some prosciuto & melone for me in Italy.
<b>
ENJOY YOUR TRIP!!!!!!</b>
2ndly, are you able to fly long distances with one lung? The air in airplanes can lower O2 sats. I'm sure you have already looked into that, but I never assume anything.
3rdly, don't drink tap water or have ice cubes in your water on the plane. Drink only bottled water. Don't forget coffee and tea- these items are made with airplane tap water too.
4thly, I don't worry so much about airborne germs on planes. Cuz really, there's nothing you can do about it. But what I do worry about is dehydration. It is so easy to get dehydrated on a plane (and not realize it, especially on long flights). Dehydration gives PA a great opportunity to grow. This goes for walking around in Italy as well - it's super hot there this time of year.
5th, contact the CFF and identify local CF centers/hospitals in the cities in Italy where you are going. So in case something happens you'll know right where to go.
6th, remember that if you don't have the latest version of the Vest (www.thevest.com) you will need a transformer, and not just a little plug that converts the shape of your plug.
7th, check to see if your compressor works overseas. I have a PARI ProNeb ultra, and it doesn't. I found that out the hard way in Austria this past winter, and I was stuck with a $300 European version. Cash.
8th, find a way to boil/sanitize your nebs. I brought a deep flyer with me (it heats water to boiling point). It takes up a ton of space, but when it comes to our health, who cares? last thing I want is to pay for an expensive trip to Europe and then have an expensive hospital bill + time off from work. Staying healthy will make your trip more enjoyable.
9th, carry all of your meds on with you on the plane. ALL OF THEM. Your nebs. Your compressor. Your Vest. Everything. My stuff was hung up in SFO while I was in Austria for 3 days. And the wonderful thing was there was nothing to stress about because I had all of my meds with me. So I could enjoy myself for those 3 days, doing meds, staying healthy, etc. Don't let the airlines tell you that you're carrying too much on. Federal Law requires medical equipment to be carried on the plane.
10th, eat some prosciuto & melone for me in Italy.
<b>
ENJOY YOUR TRIP!!!!!!</b>
Buon giorno Amy! Thanks for taking the time to write these great tips for me. My O2 sats are at 98 with one lung so traveling should not be a problem. I went to CA several years back and didn't have a problem. I also have the latest version of the VEST (that's great that no converter is necessary with that model) but I will check out my nebulizer, which is an "Inspiration 626".
All your thoughts are wonderful and I especially like your idea on how to boil/sanitize my nebs and I agree that when it comes to our health it is well worth the extra effort. I will also carry on all equipment and meds on board with me. And I will most definitely eat some prosciutto & melon for you in Italy.
Grazie Amy <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
All your thoughts are wonderful and I especially like your idea on how to boil/sanitize my nebs and I agree that when it comes to our health it is well worth the extra effort. I will also carry on all equipment and meds on board with me. And I will most definitely eat some prosciutto & melon for you in Italy.
Grazie Amy <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
Congratulations on your 25th anniversary! That's wonderful, hope you have a super time.
My husband and I just went to Italy last month. The first thing I can think of to recommend is bring 2 of the largest size adapters (the ones that go into the wall). If you want to do your vest at the same time as your breathing machine, then you'll need 2 of those things. For me, I only brought one with me and had to take extra time doing them back to back instead of at the same time.
Secondly, have a super time and enjoy eachother!
My husband and I just went to Italy last month. The first thing I can think of to recommend is bring 2 of the largest size adapters (the ones that go into the wall). If you want to do your vest at the same time as your breathing machine, then you'll need 2 of those things. For me, I only brought one with me and had to take extra time doing them back to back instead of at the same time.
Secondly, have a super time and enjoy eachother!
A few more things while I'm thinking of them.
1. If you happen to stop in Germany as a layover or something (we did), for us they were far more cautious about all the med machines. Bring with you a note from your doc explaining that you need all these meds and machines. Also the Vest user manual or a xerox copy of their info with phone #, etc. We ran into a weight limit only passing through Germany which my med bag exceeded. They finally let us go with it onboard but it was quite the scene.
2. Amy mentioned about the breathing machines. I took the Pari Trek and everything worked out smoothly. Eventhough the Pari Pro Neb Ultra is the best machine for the medicines, at least with the Pari Trek I could take the meds.
Think that's it. Have fun.
1. If you happen to stop in Germany as a layover or something (we did), for us they were far more cautious about all the med machines. Bring with you a note from your doc explaining that you need all these meds and machines. Also the Vest user manual or a xerox copy of their info with phone #, etc. We ran into a weight limit only passing through Germany which my med bag exceeded. They finally let us go with it onboard but it was quite the scene.
2. Amy mentioned about the breathing machines. I took the Pari Trek and everything worked out smoothly. Eventhough the Pari Pro Neb Ultra is the best machine for the medicines, at least with the Pari Trek I could take the meds.
Think that's it. Have fun.
I am so glad I posted this question. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I am really getting
some good ideas here. Thanks Kelly for your congrats, advice
on the adaptors and how to prepare myself for a layover. I
happen to own a new pari trek that I received from a friend who
didn't need it so that can be an option for me <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"><br>
<br>
Thanks for your congrats too Sue. I am really getting excited
about going and with all this advice I will be able to enjoy my
trip more. <br>
<br>
Any more tips friends?<br>
<br>
some good ideas here. Thanks Kelly for your congrats, advice
on the adaptors and how to prepare myself for a layover. I
happen to own a new pari trek that I received from a friend who
didn't need it so that can be an option for me <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"><br>
<br>
Thanks for your congrats too Sue. I am really getting excited
about going and with all this advice I will be able to enjoy my
trip more. <br>
<br>
Any more tips friends?<br>
<br>
The latest edition of CF Roundtable newsletter was all about travel. Since you have some time you might want to order this back issue. Check it out at <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cfroundtable.com/">http://www.cfroundtable.com/</a> if you aren't already subscribed it is one of the best $10 I spend each year.
One tip I remember that was really helpful and I'm still trying to figure out how I could do it is to take all medicine in original bottles and to bring a list of all your Rx's, with all the details (dose, frequency, etc.) and on that list have the phone number of your doc.'s back in the states and in each country you'll be in.
You may consider doing the Ho2o, alcohol or bleach methods for cleaning so you don't have to worry about boiling in a foreign place. Personally for me the residue that develops on boiled nebs freaks me out.
I have noticed a marked decrease in the number of infections I have caught post trip (most likely from the plane) since I've been wearing an allergy mask on the plane. Sure people look at you weird, but it gives you an opportunity to tell them about CF and lowers my hysteria level when I inevitably sit near a young child screaming and spewing their germs.
Have a safe and healthy trip.
Why isn't that they don't do partial lung removal anymore?
One tip I remember that was really helpful and I'm still trying to figure out how I could do it is to take all medicine in original bottles and to bring a list of all your Rx's, with all the details (dose, frequency, etc.) and on that list have the phone number of your doc.'s back in the states and in each country you'll be in.
You may consider doing the Ho2o, alcohol or bleach methods for cleaning so you don't have to worry about boiling in a foreign place. Personally for me the residue that develops on boiled nebs freaks me out.
I have noticed a marked decrease in the number of infections I have caught post trip (most likely from the plane) since I've been wearing an allergy mask on the plane. Sure people look at you weird, but it gives you an opportunity to tell them about CF and lowers my hysteria level when I inevitably sit near a young child screaming and spewing their germs.
Have a safe and healthy trip.
Why isn't that they don't do partial lung removal anymore?
L
luke
Guest
Janet,
We went to Italy on our honey moon...It was nice. I actually bought a new nebulizer while I was over there, only 50 euro I think. That is so much cheaper than I sell them here! I wouldn't t mind to let you borrow the machine if you need it, just let me know. A word to wise not CF related..they do have 110 outlets in the bathrooms for us filthy Americans but most of our 110 appliances actually pull 120 so be sure to bring a converter for your hair dryer and such....and of course if you take a converter for your hair dryer it will also work for your nebulizer. The only other suggestion would be travel insurance to cover your medical costs in the case you get sick. I didn't get it because I didn't think about it but it makes great sense.
Have a great time and tell the pope hello for me
luke
We went to Italy on our honey moon...It was nice. I actually bought a new nebulizer while I was over there, only 50 euro I think. That is so much cheaper than I sell them here! I wouldn't t mind to let you borrow the machine if you need it, just let me know. A word to wise not CF related..they do have 110 outlets in the bathrooms for us filthy Americans but most of our 110 appliances actually pull 120 so be sure to bring a converter for your hair dryer and such....and of course if you take a converter for your hair dryer it will also work for your nebulizer. The only other suggestion would be travel insurance to cover your medical costs in the case you get sick. I didn't get it because I didn't think about it but it makes great sense.
Have a great time and tell the pope hello for me
luke
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>LouLou</b></i>
You may consider doing the Ho2o, alcohol or bleach methods for cleaning so you don't have to worry about boiling in a foreign place. Personally for me the residue that develops on boiled nebs freaks me out.
</end quote></div>
I considered doing that on my last trip as well. Problem is that you have to rinse the alcohol or bleach off with something - sterile water. So you either have to carry the sterile water with you (and if you're traveling for a long time and you're on multiple meds using 6-8 nebs a day, that can be cumbersome), or boil water out of the tap in the country you're in, and then rinse.
Be careful of rinsing with tap or bottled water .... PA is everywhere!
You may consider doing the Ho2o, alcohol or bleach methods for cleaning so you don't have to worry about boiling in a foreign place. Personally for me the residue that develops on boiled nebs freaks me out.
</end quote></div>
I considered doing that on my last trip as well. Problem is that you have to rinse the alcohol or bleach off with something - sterile water. So you either have to carry the sterile water with you (and if you're traveling for a long time and you're on multiple meds using 6-8 nebs a day, that can be cumbersome), or boil water out of the tap in the country you're in, and then rinse.
Be careful of rinsing with tap or bottled water .... PA is everywhere!
<p class="msonormal">Thanks <b>Amy</b> <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> about reminding me that
the Pari Trek is not approved for Pulmozyme which I am
taking. I will just bring an adaptor for my regular
nebulizer. Also thanks for the sterilization
information. I like using distilled water when I boil my nebs
at home (this way there is no film left on the neb cups) but
I don't think I will be able to acquire it easily on my trip so I
will just have to boil the water that's available. I have
purchased disposable side streamers for the pulmozyme treatments
which were cheap and I can bring those but for the HS I need my
Pari LC Plus which will need to be sterilized after each
treatment.
<p class="msonormal">
<p class="msonormal"><b>Lauren</b> - I looked up the CF roundtable
web link you suggested and it looks great! I subscribed and also
requested the travel back issue. I am looking forward to
getting it.
<p class="msonormal">I appreciate all your tips and the time you
took to respond.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
<p class="msonormal">
<p class="msonormal"><b>Luke</b>-- Thanks for your offer to
loan me your European nebulizer. I think that I will just
bring the appropriate adaptor but is was very sweet of you to
offer. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I will look into the travel insurance which sounds
like a wise investment. And yes, I will certainly say
hello for you to the Pope.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0"><br>
<br>
I appreciate everyone who took the time to write to me. Thank
you and if anyone else would like to share their tips I would love
to hear them!<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">
the Pari Trek is not approved for Pulmozyme which I am
taking. I will just bring an adaptor for my regular
nebulizer. Also thanks for the sterilization
information. I like using distilled water when I boil my nebs
at home (this way there is no film left on the neb cups) but
I don't think I will be able to acquire it easily on my trip so I
will just have to boil the water that's available. I have
purchased disposable side streamers for the pulmozyme treatments
which were cheap and I can bring those but for the HS I need my
Pari LC Plus which will need to be sterilized after each
treatment.
<p class="msonormal">
<p class="msonormal"><b>Lauren</b> - I looked up the CF roundtable
web link you suggested and it looks great! I subscribed and also
requested the travel back issue. I am looking forward to
getting it.
<p class="msonormal">I appreciate all your tips and the time you
took to respond.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
<p class="msonormal">
<p class="msonormal"><b>Luke</b>-- Thanks for your offer to
loan me your European nebulizer. I think that I will just
bring the appropriate adaptor but is was very sweet of you to
offer. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I will look into the travel insurance which sounds
like a wise investment. And yes, I will certainly say
hello for you to the Pope.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0"><br>
<br>
I appreciate everyone who took the time to write to me. Thank
you and if anyone else would like to share their tips I would love
to hear them!<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">
Lauren your question: <b>Why isn't that they don't do partial lung
removal anymore?<br>
</b><br>
I am not sure what the answer is to that question. I can only
share my experience. I had one lobe removed at age 19 and the other
lobe of the left lung removed at age 40. Both times it was
because of chronic hemoptysis. The lobe they removed 7 years
ago only had 11 % function and they said I wouldn't miss it.
They were right, I do not miss it and I do not miss the
multiple hospitalizations I had 2 years prior to removal. I
have not been hospitalized or on IV's since. You would never
guess I had I lung. My PFT's are 45 and I work hard
trying to keep the one lung I have as healthy as possible.
<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0"> <b><br>
</b>
removal anymore?<br>
</b><br>
I am not sure what the answer is to that question. I can only
share my experience. I had one lobe removed at age 19 and the other
lobe of the left lung removed at age 40. Both times it was
because of chronic hemoptysis. The lobe they removed 7 years
ago only had 11 % function and they said I wouldn't miss it.
They were right, I do not miss it and I do not miss the
multiple hospitalizations I had 2 years prior to removal. I
have not been hospitalized or on IV's since. You would never
guess I had I lung. My PFT's are 45 and I work hard
trying to keep the one lung I have as healthy as possible.
<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0"> <b><br>
</b>
Has anyone heard of a sinus spray that protects against viruses and bacteria? A school teacher told me about it (she's not been sick from her 3rd graders this year since she started using it) and she tells me that people who work on airplanes use it as well. She purchased it at our local food co-op. That would be something good for the travel bag.
littletally
New member
So when everyone travels you take everything medical with you on the plane? Do you take notes from the doctor? What do you do if the flight attendents or security people argue with you or tell you you have to put it in with the luggage and cannot take it as a carry on? I've had that happen to me a couple of times when I had a note explaining what it was. I do not have the newest version of the vest but it only ways about 35 lbs and fits in the overhead compartment. I've seen people with alot more than that take it on the plane. Any advice for ways to pleasantly get on board a plane? Please help!
Nikki
26/f/cf
Nikki
26/f/cf
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>littletally</b></i>
So when everyone travels you take everything medical with you on the plane? Do you take notes from the doctor? What do you do if the flight attendents or security people argue with you or tell you you have to put it in with the luggage and cannot take it as a carry on? I've had that happen to me a couple of times when I had a note explaining what it was. I do not have the newest version of the vest but it only ways about 35 lbs and fits in the overhead compartment. I've seen people with alot more than that take it on the plane. Any advice for ways to pleasantly get on board a plane? Please help!
Nikki
26/f/cf</end quote></div>
You don't back down. You don't take no for an answer. Because as a disabled person, you know your rights under Federal Law. End of story.
-Amy
So when everyone travels you take everything medical with you on the plane? Do you take notes from the doctor? What do you do if the flight attendents or security people argue with you or tell you you have to put it in with the luggage and cannot take it as a carry on? I've had that happen to me a couple of times when I had a note explaining what it was. I do not have the newest version of the vest but it only ways about 35 lbs and fits in the overhead compartment. I've seen people with alot more than that take it on the plane. Any advice for ways to pleasantly get on board a plane? Please help!
Nikki
26/f/cf</end quote></div>
You don't back down. You don't take no for an answer. Because as a disabled person, you know your rights under Federal Law. End of story.
-Amy
Thank you Laura for your suggestion. And Jane to answer your
question we are going to be staying in Rome, then making day trips
from there. We have several tours lined up at the Vatican,
which I am very excited about seeing. <br>
<br>
Thanks to you Amy for answering Nikki's question. You
really know how to make one feel empowered. As you said:
"<b>You don't back down. You don't take no for an answer.
Because as a disabled person, you know your rights under Federal
Law. End of story</b>."--- I like that!<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0"><br>
<br>
Thanks everyone for your good wishes and wonderful suggestions.
My trip will be more enjoyable because of them.<img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0">
question we are going to be staying in Rome, then making day trips
from there. We have several tours lined up at the Vatican,
which I am very excited about seeing. <br>
<br>
Thanks to you Amy for answering Nikki's question. You
really know how to make one feel empowered. As you said:
"<b>You don't back down. You don't take no for an answer.
Because as a disabled person, you know your rights under Federal
Law. End of story</b>."--- I like that!<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0"><br>
<br>
Thanks everyone for your good wishes and wonderful suggestions.
My trip will be more enjoyable because of them.<img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0">