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#HAWMC: Travel Time

#HAWMC Day 20.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Maybe you’ve already traveled to an exciting place and want to go back. We know traveling with a chronic illness can be challenging, so any tips for others that you can share would be great!

I went to Paris with my husband in 2012 to celebrate our 10th year anniversary. I’m going back there with him in June for #Doctors20. I love Paris!

I’ve not had to worry too much about illness why traveling, lucky me! Although I used to worry early on that high altitudes could increase intrasellar pressure and burst my pituitary adenoma.

As an endocrinologist, I often get asked about traveling with insulin. Insulin is in the allowed list for liquids, aerosols and gels. I give my patients a medical certificate stating that they are under my care and that they need insulin. From the Philippine Airlines (PAL) website –

Passengers carrying hypodermic needles will need to declare them at the screening point. When possible, documentation or identification to confirm the passenger’s medical condition should be submitted. Medication should have a professionally printed label identifying the medication or a manufacturers name or pharmaceutical label affixed.

 

I traveled a few times during my second pregnancy, so I know that there is a restriction on flying at 33 weeks age of gestation. Again from the PAL website –

If you are pregnant: You are required to advise us of the progress of your pregnancy at the time of booking and again at the check-in counter. We reserve the right to refuse you carriage should you fail to advise us that you are pregnant.

a.Pregnancy up to 25 weeks (inclusive):

We will accept without a doctor’s certificate subject to the passenger signing a Expectant Mother’s Information Sheet (EMIS).

b.Pregnancy between 26 weeks to 32 weeks (inclusive):

You shall submit a doctor’s certificate confirming the number of weeks of pregnancy and that you are fit to travel. The said certificate shall have been issued not more than seven (7) days before the scheduled flight departure date. You will be required to sign a EMIS.

c.Pregnancy 33 weeks and above:

We will refuse carriage.

I have scoliosis so I tend to wear loose empire cut dresses as a pregnant woman might wear. I’m also not reed-thin. On several occasions, I’ve been asked by ground staff if I was pregnant – when I wasn’t! Looking at it in a positive note, I guess I should be happy that I look young enough to still get pregnant. 🙂

When I travel, I usually bring the following:

  • Paracetamol
  • Antihistamine
  • Pain reliever
  • Salbutamol inhaler for asthma
  • Loperamide
  • Antacid

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a helpful guide on what to pack in your travel health kit here.

Safe travels!

 

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