Don't let illness spoil your trip
JUST because you have a heart condition doesn't mean you can't have a holiday ADRIAN LEE .
There’s nothing like a trip away to recharge the batteries but for many people suffering from serious illnesses or disabilities, arranging a holiday can be a daunting prospect.
However it doesn’t have to be. With careful research and planning it is possible to get away without putting your wellbeing at risk.
Here we ask the experts for their advice on how and when to travel if you have a significant health problem.
HEART CONDITIONS
If you’ve had a heart attack or are suffering from cardiac disease you should consult your GP or consultant before deciding to book a trip away.
If you’ve had heart surgery in the past six weeks you definitely need to put any holiday plans on hold while your body recovers.
KellyAnn Prime, a cardiac nurse with the British Heart Foundation, says: “If you have a heart condition or have suffered a heart attack in the past consider your destination carefully. Extreme temperatures can be a risk and cold conditions can increase the heart rate and raise blood pressure so we advise caution with skiing holidays.
“In very hot areas such as the Caribbean dehydration is also a risk. Sweating can decrease blood volume and bring on an angina attack. Saunas and spas can have the same effect. Altitude is another factor. We advise low-lying destinations, particularly those below 2,000 metres. A lack of oxygen in mountainous areas puts added strain on the heart.”
If you have a pacemaker it is vital to check that the country you are visiting can treat you if anything goes wrong.
If you’ve had a heart attack or are suffering from cardiac disease you should consult your GP or consultant before deciding to book a trip away.
DIALYSIS
In theory kidney dialysis can be carried out anywhere in the UK but in reality it is often difficult to book appointments at different hospitals.
Dialysis can also be arranged free of charge in EC countries and destinations including Australia where there’s a reciprocal agreement with the UK. Again finding space can be a problem so it’s important to plan well in advance.
Patients having peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) that doesn’t involve removing blood from the body can arrange to collect dialysis fluid while abroad and the specialist tour operator Freedom offers private “dialysis holidays” to many overseas countries and on cruises.
All the medical arrangements are part of the holiday package and the company also organises group trips with other dialysis patients.
Keith Wright, 52, from Braintree, Essex, who in 1968 became the first patient in the UK to have a donor transplant has been limited to one dialysis centre in Crete because he is carrying the hepatitis B infection.
“A holiday in the sun makes me feel so much better,” he says.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to go away as the whole family needs a break.”
Rosemary Macri, chief executive of the British Kidney Patient Association, says: “The growing availability of dialysis abroad over the past 20 years has allowed patients to make much more adventurous holiday choices but patients with infections linked to kidney problems are often excluded.”
The British Kidney Patient Association website has a section on holidays. Visit www.britishkidney-pa.co.uk
CANCER
You should re-arrange holidays if you’re in the process of having chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Between chemotherapy sessions patients with some types of cancer are prone to infection so take advice from an expert before arranging a holiday.
After chemotherapy finishes it’s normal to take other medication but this can be arranged overseas.
Jane Maher, Macmillan Cancer Support’s chief medical officer, says: “Treatment for cancer can be gruelling and unpleasant. When it’s finished it can be good to get away from it all and have a holiday. Spending time with the family is an important part of the recovery process.”
l Macmillan Cancer Support also has a section about cancer and holidays. Visit www.macmillan.org.uk/travel
STROKE
If your stroke has left you with any disability you are advised not to fly for about three months and then only with your doctor’s permission.
If you have had a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) you may be allowed to fly after 10 days provided you have made a complete recovery and you have your GP’s consent.
Be prepared:
INSURANCE
One of the biggest complaints from people with medical conditions is the cost of holiday insurance. Some companies refuse to offer insurance or the premium can exceed the entire cost of the holiday.
Phoning around can produce big savings and there are insurers, such as AllClear, which specialise in policies for passengers with medical conditions.
Some charities keep lists of sympathetic insurers so it’s always worth contacting an organisation that deals with your condition.
However whatever you do, don’t take the risk of travelling without insurance, no matter how tempting it might seem.
FLYING AND CRUISING
New EU rules mean airports have to provide free services to help disabled people get on and off flights and to get around the terminal.
If you have mobility problems you will normally be allocated an aircraft aisle seat but this should be arranged in advance.
Some airlines, particularly those flying long haul, normally have wheelchairs on board.
You should declare any serious medical condition in advance as airlines are entitled to refuse to carry passengers who don’t appear to be fit to fly.
“The last place you want to fall ill is at 30,000 feet,” says Dr Nigel Dowdall, BA’s head of wellbeing.
“Cabin crew are trained to help but aircraft are not flying ambulances. The more you plan in advance, the smoother your journey is likely to be.”
Disabled cruises are a popular choice of holiday for people with mobility problems.
Most cruise liners have some accessible cabins – generally the newer the ship the better the access will be.
For more advice contact Flying With Disability on flying-with-disability.org or visit the disability organisation RADAR on www.radar.org.uk
PAPERWORK
If you travel frequently it’s worth applying for a Frequent Traveller’s Medical Card (FREMEC) issued by airline medical departments.
It contains important medical information and replaces the lengthy forms that have to be completed for each flight.
Once you’ve registered, the airline’s reservations office records details of your medical requirements so that special assistance can be provided on every flight.
If your fitness to fly is in doubt, your doctor will need to complete a Medical Information Form (MEDIF), which is available from the medical department of the airline or your travel agent.
A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers travel within the EU, replacing the old E111 form.
If you become ill while abroad the EHIC gives access to state-provided medical treatment in that country.
It also covers any treatment you need for a chronic disease or pre-existing illness plus routine maternity care.
To get an EHIC card apply online at the Post Office or call 0845 606 2030
