Travelling with meds

[researchmonkey326]

I will be travelling next week to the beautiful Pacific Northwest and will obviously have to take my meds including shots and trial drugs that need refrigeration.  Any advice on how to carry this stuff without adding weight with an ice pack?  Anyone ever have problems with security or customs?  If you were travelling while in tx (this is a vacation, not business) what is the one thing that you would make sure that you had with you (beside the meds, of course)?  I made the commitment to take this vacation even though I knew that I would be in tx at the time and would not know my sx.  I just figured, you can't live your life based on what might happen.  I'm so glad I did because I know that I can do this and even if I move slower or do less things, I can enjoy it.

[medicmommy]

I'm afraid the weather gods are not cooperating. It is now 36'F and we may get snow tonight...It is almost May, right?!? You have any good sun dances? We had one sunny day last Saturday. It was 65' F, people were running around in shorts and tee-shirts like ants trying to get a bit of yard work in while it lasted. Global warming my backside. Puh. ~MM

[researchmonkey326]

found some Ayr nasal gel with aloe and it is helping immensely already.  Same company that makes the saline flushes.  C'mon now and get that weather warming up for me

Brianmo -I'll stay connected on here - I get to Victoria on the 3rd - maybe I'll bring some sunshine with me but I'll leave the tornadoes behind.

FYI, the TSA website gave me all the info needed about traveling with meds

[brianmo]

I have not had experience as of yet traveling with meds but I live in Port Angeles, WA, across the water from Victoria, BC. Yes,its still very cool here and damp. Have a great time and contact me if you arrive in Port Angeles!

[medicmommy]

Try finding a nasal spray that has a moisturizing gel in it. The plane ride may prove a challenge as you will be exposed to some very dry air which may irritate things more.
Also, if you venture as far south as Olympia, I can play tour guide and introduce you to our Mt. St. Helens (behaving herself lately) and/or Mt. Rainier and some of our wildlife. I'd recommend waiting until you get here to buy that polar fleece -it's cheap this time of year! -I'd send you some if there was time! Have fun! ~MM

[Mary4now]

Enjoy your trip, the Pac. Northwest is one of my favorites.....  I dont think at this point I could fully appreciate it, hope your doing better than me.  

[researchmonkey326]

Yes, I was there once but did not have enough time to enjoy everything that I wanted to.  I'm spending 3 days in Victoria and 3 in Vancouver and a few in Seattle.  Hope the weather improves - I'll be coming from 85 and sunny like it is today to what looks like mid-50's if I'm lucky.  I've developed a nagging sx this week - a raw itchy nasal passage that attacks without warning.  WTH?  Hopefully, I can get that cleared up before I hit cooler weather.  Saline nasal flushes twice daily are not helping much.

[medicmommy]

Have you been to BC before? If not, Victoria is a beautiful city and very clean. (I recommend the Old English Inn as a fun place to stay!) If you have time and you like gardens, Buchart (sp?) Gardens on Vancouver Island is a must-see! -You'll want an entire day. By the way, 100 KM/Hr is equivalent to our 55 mph. -don't ask me how I found that out..LOL ;) ~MM
P.S. Bring polar fleece and an umbrella...We are still getting wet snow and very cold rain..Actually, could you just bring some of that Georgia sun with you? Sun...That would be nice...You know -the bright warm kind? We only know when the seasons change here when the clouds get brighter and the rain gets warmer...:P

[EyesofBlue55]

Have a GREAT time and will talk to you when you return...Get some R&R for me !!!!

[blondie717]

I too am traveling. I am in a trial. I packed mine on coldpacks(freezer) I got a card from the trial clinic that says I am in a trial. I worried! But at the airport they did not need anything. They let me bring it on carry on. I did how ever fly the big D and I flew out of a small airport, next to the black cow with the spot on his ***. So n ow I will bring back one shot with me out of LAX. Hope it flies!  good luck

[researchmonkey326]

Very helpful -thanks to both of you.
medicmommy- heading your way but will be going to BC
Debra

[medicmommy]

Hi,
Within the U.S. just having your prescription accompanying your meds is usually sufficient. -It is wise to have an extra script (paper one) on your person in the event something happens to your luggage or meds though. That way, you can just go in to a pharmacy at your destination and get the Peg. (I'm, in WA state and most of our major pharmacies carry Peg and Riba.) As far as the packaging goes, I can't think of a substitute for ice packs other than dry ice which may freeze the vials...~MM

[uncledudeness]

pack the meds in a freezer pack that require it. make sure you have your prescription with you and get a note from your doctor that states you are on treatment. also check with destination country to ensure that you have all required information and are transporting the meds and needles properly.

here is a link to the TSA, regarding the proper procedures:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1059.shtm