Injections while travelling
Fri, 08/06/2012 - 21:37
I'm going to Chicago to visit my sister later this year. While I'm there my monthly injection will be due. My nurse here will give me the kit with the needle and drug to take with me but it has to be given by a doctor or registered nurse and my sister can't find someone to do it - it seems to be difficult because I don't have insurance.
Has anyone had any experience with the American health system, or have any advice on how I could find a doctor?
Thanks
Sat, 09/06/2012 - 14:19
#2
Re: Injections while travelling
G.day Allicat,
Go back to your specialist and ask him if he knows any facilities in Chicago area. I googled "cancer centers (American spelling!) chicago" and got a long list, some of which I had heard of. Get a letter from him to one of them, or better still someone he knows there, and take that with you. Also be prepared for US customs to confiscate your drugs - it happened to a friend of mine. You will also have to be prepared to pay, because, as you say, no insurance. But again if you have private health cover talk with them. Just look on it as part of managing you life and what has top be done for you to travel. Don;t let it put you off traveling.
Good Luck
Sailor
So when storm clouds come sailing across your blue ocean
Hold fast to your dreaming for all that you’re worth
For as long as there are dreamers there will always be sailors
Bringing back their bright treasures from the corners of earth. Eric Bogle, Safe in the Harbour
Sat, 09/06/2012 - 21:58
#3
Re: Injections while travelling
Thanks Sailor & Silly
My sister was being rather discouraging about finding someone to do it so I appreciate the encouragement.
I am getting a letter explaining my drugs when I go into the hospital next week. I will ask about what cancer centres they have contact with in Chicago while I am there. I just googled it and you're right it came up with lots so maybe I can start contacting them directly if nothing else seems to be working. It must be possible!
Thanks
Fri, 13/07/2012 - 23:53
#4
Re: Injections while travelling
Hi Allicat,
I know of some people who has come from the US and I'll ask them about this for you. They would know about this as they were in the US for a while. 14 years. Glenys 0
Sat, 14/07/2012 - 17:37
#5
Re: Injections while travelling
Thanks Glenys, that would be good.
I emailed the US Embassy a few weeks ago & the University Of Chicago Medicine Center last week. Haven't heard back from either yet which is annoying.
I am just about to Google for other cancer hospitals in Chicago and email them. If I still haven't anything in another week or so I'll have to start ringing them up.
Allicat
Fri, 20/07/2012 - 21:22
#6
Re: Injections while travelling
I emailed a few more cancer places in Chicago and one of them has emailed me back that they would be happy to help me. That was really great news. I have sent them some more information about my injection and hopefully they will able to schedule me an appointment with a nurse.
Sat, 21/07/2012 - 18:38
#7
Re: Injections while travelling
Great news .Your persistence paid off.
Wed, 25/07/2012 - 22:37
#8
Re: Injections while travelling
Hi Allicat,
I promised you that I will ask my friends here as they live in Craigieburn that you need injections to go to the US and haven't done it yet sorry Glenys. xx
Thu, 26/07/2012 - 07:47
#9
Re: Injections while travelling
That's ok Glenys, I'm all sorted out now. I have made an appointment with a Chicago cancer hospital for while I'm there - it is a monthly injection that I need. Luckily we get back home the day the following one is due.
Thu, 26/07/2012 - 23:17
#10
Re: Injections while travelling
Hi Allicat,
So you are organised with the injections as this is good. When do you see your sister in the US. Hope you have a great time with her.
Glenys. 0
Sat, 28/07/2012 - 11:48
#11
Re: Injections while travelling
My eldest sister and I are going to Chicago to stay with our sister who lives there for a week in mid-September. Then the 3 of us are doing a tour up and down the east coast of America & Canada for a month. I am nervous but also excited! I am relieved that the injection is organised and that makes it start to seem real.
The second anniversary of my diagnosis will be while we are on the tour. Last year the anniversary freaked me out a little bit but hopefully that will get less each year and also I will be busy having fun so will have other things to think about.
Sat, 28/07/2012 - 14:26
#12
Re: Injections while travelling
Hi Allicat,
I did see my friend and he said to me that when you go over to the US you have to have $20 - $30 for traveling and your passport to show the medical team over there. This is what he said to me.
Have a great time with your sister. Glenys 0
Sun, 29/07/2012 - 00:11
#13
Re: Injections while travelling
You will find your 2nd anniversary so much easier than your 1st ,I would think . I did . Travelling with your sisters sounds like a lot of fun . Have a wonderful time .
Sun, 29/07/2012 - 18:19
#14
Re: Injections while travelling
Thanks Silly
Mon, 30/07/2012 - 23:22
#15
Re: Injections while travelling
Hi Allicat,
How long will you stay in the US with your sister? Glenys 0
Tue, 16/10/2012 - 20:44
#16
Re: Injections while travelling
I'm back from my trip! Successfully got my injection although not without drama.
The day before the appointment I tried to ring to confirm but I only got an answering service who told me they were closed on Wednesdays.
So, the next day I went along at the appropriate time and the receptionist was not expecting me and had no knowledge of my appointment. I showed her the email arranging the appointment and she went to investigate. It seems that the person I talked to (who works in a different branch) had not actually told anybody at the relevant branch that I was coming.
Anyway, I waited for about an hour and a half and then they took my pulse, blood pressure and temperature, got me to sign a waiver, and then gave me the injection. Everybody was very kind and nice to me and so in spite of the scheduling problem it was a good experience.
It was interesting seeing in their chemo room and then in the little room where we went for the injection there was a weird extendible bed that had a dispenser for a disposal sheet for me to lie on.
The doctor signed the form that she had given me the injection, so I have to take that along to give to my regular nurse when I have my next injection this Thursday.
I don't know but maybe look online in some of the cancer sites . There are American ones which suggest doctors in your area .Their health system and insurances are so different to ours. Can't any doctor there give the injections?