posted
One of my best friends is getting married and I am her Maid of Honor.
There are just a few girls going to the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana. I have never been, but heard from others that it is very nice- just don't drink the water, wear repellant, etc.
On the CDC website it recommended a number of other vaccines. Now that I know I have Lyme and co. for the past almost 2 years, I am not sure about vaccines. I did have a Hep A and Hep B or maybe a C eleven years ago when I went to Bali, Indonesia, with some other vaccines.
I do have Babesia, so I don't mind taking Malarone, Larium, etc., whatever the doc prescribes. But I am curious on your thoughts about traveling there in general.
They know I am broke and they all chipped in and helped pay for the trip. But I do have a Picc line in, so I won't really be swimming, just hanging out, and I will not be getting drunk, ...seriously though, I won't be.
I know I am not well, still in bed most the time, but don't know if this is something I should try to push myself to do? I never thought I would be asking if I had to push myself to go to an all inclusive tropical place....until Lyme...
Thank you for your thoughts. Oh, it is for a short stay, Fri - Mon. Posts: 168 | From Southeast Tennessee/Chattanooga/Atlanta | Registered: Oct 2012
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randibear
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uh I really don't know about this. if I had a picc line i'd stay home but i'm a huge coward.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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posted
I would be chicken too. But I'm beyond traveling long distances these days. I don't do well when I travel.
Do you HAVE to get the vaccines? That would be huge concern for me.
If you go, I hope all goes well! Try to relax and enjoy it!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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linky123
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
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posted
My son went to the DR last summer on a mission trip and they required hepA, tetanus (they were doing construction in a remote area),
and he took a course of typhoid pills before and during the trip.
He handled all of the above ok. He came home with some nasty insect bites and a fairly mild case of the 'revenge'
No tick bites that we know of.
They were in a remote area in the central part of the country, but I would think the conditions, sanitation, conveniences etc in the resorts would be fine.
My son is in remission from Lyme, and handled it all pretty well.
If you decide to go and you need the shots, you might want to get them spaced out from one another.
Take care and keep us posted on what you decide to do.
-------------------- 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28 Posts: 2607 | From Hooterville | Registered: Apr 2009
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posted
Thank you so much for the info everyone! - And you cute chickens!
I am weighing this carefully because I read that there is really only one good private hospital in another city and they expect cash up front. (Don't have a lot of cash here...I'm afraid)..hopefully, I won't need to go to any real hospital down there.
I have had most of the vaccines but would have to check on the Typhoid. I didn't know you could take Typhoid orally now.
I am so thankful to hear your son is in remission linky123 and was able to go on a mission trip. That's wonderful.
They do urge the vaccines more for the remote areas, but Malaria is high there now all over so I would still take Mepron, Malarone, or whatever else they recommend for Malaria.
I have to make a decision pretty soon because I would need to start taking the Malaria drugs within a week or so. Some of them require you to start a couple weeks ahead of time.
BUT, even though I am the Maid of Honor, and my friend may be disappointed, I may not want to chance being that far away and in a country that has warnings.
I know lots of people have traveled there and had a great time, but a big part of me is leaning towards being cautious.
I'll let you guys know within a week or so. I am already nervous thinking about telling my friend if I can't go..... Posts: 168 | From Southeast Tennessee/Chattanooga/Atlanta | Registered: Oct 2012
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Dogsandcats
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
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posted
I had a port not a PICC, so forgive me for the stupid question....
Is a PICC something you can take out easily - when you leave on your trip and put back in - when you get back? That is what I did was take my port out while traveling.....
You would need to be deligent with your meds....if you decide to go, then go and have a good time- leave worry behind you.
If you are like me and worry seems to stay in your purse at all times, then ask yourself, " will I have a good time ?"
The decision is yours, not to worry about your friends. I did learn to make decisions for my health and let the cast of thousands -lol -deal with their disappointment. I am the one that had the 24 hour Lyme-a-thon, not them. Most are pretty good, at least to your face!
You will know what is best......trust your instincts.
-------------------- God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in heaven, and if it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there.
Billy Graham Posts: 1967 | From California | Registered: Oct 2010
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
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posted
my last cruise I was so sick the ship doctor put in a iv and left the attachment thingy. is that a port? well anyway they would not let me leave the ship.
no jamaica, grand caymen for me.
so I got it out b efore cozumel. but they taped me up really good and covered it in gauze and it was only a needle hole.
I also had a tetanus shot once and it sent me into a tailspin.
posted
randi .. I think you are referring to a PICC line
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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randibear
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posted
I dont know what you call it. it had a clear plastic type of thingy on the end and they used it for the abx. I had it for four days. hated it...
still, they wouldnt let me go ashore.
foreign countries scare me....
hey wait a minute. could they take this thing out for the trip and then put it back in later when you got back?
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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lpkayak
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
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posted
I dont know if you are brave or crazy. I never had apic or port. But im like tutu. Very difficult to travel now.
I just told my dil there is no wy i can go to a 4 hr christening(and reception) about 6 hrs from here
If you go i hope you have fun and stay well
-------------------- Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself. Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004
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linky123
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
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posted
I had forgotten that he also began a course of malarone before he left and also during the trip.
-------------------- 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28 Posts: 2607 | From Hooterville | Registered: Apr 2009
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quote:Originally posted by Dogsandcats: I had a port not a PICC, so forgive me for the stupid question....
Is a PICC something you can take out easily - when you leave on your trip and put back in - when you get back? That is what I did was take my port out while traveling.....
It is like the IV line you get in the hospital except that it is place in your upper arm most of the time and the actual line is longer. It is usually placed by a nurse or a radiologist.
I know with a port, like I have, once the needle is out, there is no infection risk.
-------------------- Faithful
Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor. Posts: 2682 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2009
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randibear
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oh. mine was in my hand. and it hurt...
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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poppy
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posted
I went to Australia for a month with a central line. It was too hard to transport the meds, so I just took flushes and dressing changes. Maybe some pills, I don't remember now. Was determined to go, on my life list, might get too sick at some point and never get another chance.
Didn't do any vaccinations ahead of time. Got my doubts as to whether they would take with a lyme caused dysfunctional immune system.
DR is another kettle of fish, though. Less sanitary. I would be especially careful about getting water anywhere near the line or tip of the line. Maybe sponge baths with bottled water, if you are really nervous.
All depends on how much you want to go.
Posts: 2888 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2004
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-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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GretaM
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posted
Watch out for sand fleas.
This is what put me over the edge-sand fleas from Cuba.
You don't see them, they are so small, but anywhere sand is on your body, you may get bit.
Even on the beach chairs, they were brushed off, but even then I got bit on my legs and arms.
Wear waterproof bug spray if you are going near sand.
Also, not sure if cholera is an issue, but there is also a drinkable vaccine for cholera and travellers diareha. It needs to be 2 weeks before you go.
If you are worried about that.
I would recommend skipping the tetanus vaccine. It flared me big time.
Have fun! It sounds like a good time!
Also, you may need a medical letter from your doc re: the PICC and also medical supplies. You will need them in the cabin? (they freeze in cargo?). I would phone ahead to be sure.
Have fun! Posts: 4358 | From British Columbia, Canada | Registered: Jun 2013
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poppy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
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posted
Avon skin so soft works on no-see-ums, which are a type of sand fly, so maybe it would work on that island. If you can stand that sickly sweet smell. Probably have to pack in checked luggage or put in smaller bottle that will get thru airport security.
Posts: 2888 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2004
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Lymedin2010
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posted
My wifes nurse co-worker went to Haiti in Feb & she came back with Malaria from a mosquito bite. She was very sick & was on multiple antibiotics. I've been meaning to make a post about this & I think I will.
2) Never, ever, ever, ever drink the water or any beverages made out of water (like the sweetened drinks & juices).
3) Don't walk barefoot in the pool or beach area. Many parasites & ones that can burrow into your feet. Bring slippers & have them close by.
4) I would not go into the pool & maybe the beach. I did on my vacation & was fine with the crystal clear beaches in Mexico.
5) This is just me, but I would not eat any of the raw vegetables there. You don't know how or where they were grown. I would only eat heated & fried stuff, just while there.
6) Don't over push yourself & try to please others too much. Rest when you need to.
Posts: 2094 | From NY | Registered: Oct 2011
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posted
Thank you everyone for all of your thoughts and replies.
I definitely thought, prayed, talked with hubby, and my friend's mom, who is wonderful
(and she had to go through radiation for thyroid cancer but is better now), and we all came to the conclusion that it is best for me NOT to go.
It isn't worth the risk.
Dogs and Cats- My PICC line was inserted into one of my central veins on the upper inside of my left arm by a radiologist.
He did a wonderful job (I was very scared and nervous)...it was over in like 15 minutes.
But a PICC line isn't something that you can take out so easily and have it put back in. Even with my insurance covering half of the outpatient cost,
I was still left with a $2600 bill. The hospital is nice and letting me pay $62 a month because I told them, I simply just don't have the money.
But after reading about the Dominican Republic, their water (even in the finest resorts) fresh fruits and vegetables (because they are washed by their water),
ice cubes if your out and about may not be safe, but there is Cholera, Dengue, Malaria, and some other things.
I just was like...I can't even brush my teeth without risking getting a little bit of water absorbed or swallowed by accident, and the same thing in the shower.
And with my PICC line-forget it...if some contaminated water somehow got to where the insertion site is...that would be very bad.
Too many red flags! And I am going to listen to them. I want to be able to be the Maid of Honor in my friend's wedding and after reading about travel there,
I didn't want to take any chances on missing the wedding, or even worse getting sick from something there and not being able to fight it off.
And as exciting as the trip sounded, I haven't been on a trip other than seeing my LLMD, so who am I kidding.
I don't think realistically I would have the strength in a week or so to go. I just hope I will be feeling well enough to make it through the wedding festivities,
which involves air flight travel and 1 stop to change planes to the Big Apple. I need to save my energy and keep getting well for the wedding.
Thank you all again! Posts: 168 | From Southeast Tennessee/Chattanooga/Atlanta | Registered: Oct 2012
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randibear
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my sister got deathly ill from brushing her teeth and rinsing her mouth with the water in mexico.
husband's friend got a bad infection from a scratch in nicarauga.
I just wouldn't risk it.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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Dogsandcats
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I know it is hard to pass up a trip, but you made the right decision.
The downside go going isn't worth it and hopefully you will be well enough to travel and enjoy the wedding.
-------------------- God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in heaven, and if it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there.
Billy Graham Posts: 1967 | From California | Registered: Oct 2010
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beaches
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FWIW I think you made the right decision for yourself.
Enjoy the wedding in the Big Apple!
Posts: 1885 | From here | Registered: Jul 2012
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linky123
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Sounds like you considered everything from all angles and made the right decision for you.
-------------------- 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28 Posts: 2607 | From Hooterville | Registered: Apr 2009
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I wouldn't know what to do without this community. Every one of you have been there for one another, new comers, and so on, in so many ways.
May God bless all of you, your healing, your family, and this forum, and moderators.
And may we keep encouraging one another to battle this despicable disease, infection, co-infections, all the above...
Posts: 168 | From Southeast Tennessee/Chattanooga/Atlanta | Registered: Oct 2012
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