Posted 5/8/2013 11:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Andy,
I have been on antibiotics for a year and I have had to fly many times during that period. So I understand the real stress of trying to pack everything well, make sure you have what you need, get through security, etc. Its enough to send you to the airport lounge for a nice glass of wine - but that's not allowed!
I travel with abx, probiotics (that need refrigerating) and loads of supplements . . . Oh and I fly internationally -- between US and Canada! So I have international issues to deal with, just to make it more fun.
In my experience, peace of mind (or trying to lessen stresses) is key with this!
So here are a few things I have done -- in addition to making a detailed list of everything I need each time and checking it before I leave for the airport.
My suggestions all involve carrying all meds with you, rather than checking some in your luggage. This means that they go through security with me every time.
If there is anything homeopathic/energy sensitive I do not put it through the scanner. I hand it to the TSA person and explain what it is. They usually take some tiny sample of it and test it. No big deal.
I do NOT PACK ANY MEDS IN MY LUGGAGE! I live in fear of my bags/pills ending up Atlanta while I'm in Toronto! So we bought a smaller carry on type bag and I make sure I have everything in there: what I need for that day of travel and everything else too. And I never let that bag out of my sight! (I'm sure I look like a neurotic traveler, but I don't care!)
If possible, get a letter from your doctor indicating that you need the meds; keep it always with your ticket, passport, etc.
As mentioned, meds (FOR YOUR PERSONAL USE) are allowed through security. Always best to have the prescription bottle(s) with your name on it with you.
But I am not sure if you can exceed the regular amount of carry-on liquids allowed by security (ie, the size and number of little bottles in the plastic baggie) even for medical reasons. So I would check with airline/transportation safety if you have a lot of liquid medicines. I have never had this problem.
I would just google or call the airline or transportation security department in the US (whose name I can't remember). Print out whatever you find and carry it with you also.
(of course, you could pack the liquids in your checked luggage, but again, the idea of letting them out of my sight throws me into a panic!)
Just to complicate things further, my probiotics are VSL packets that need to be refrigerated. So we got a freezable lunchbag (google "packit") and I put them in that and it goes into the carry-on bag. I carrry a paper cup, and PLASTIC (!) spoon and then just have to get some water when I need to mix them up and take them. I'm sure I look like a crazy lady, but again, I really don't care anymore.
Also, I always bring more supplies (meds, etc) than needed for the number of days away. Especially when I was travelling in the winter, I was afraid that there would be flight cancellations due to weather. And there are other reasons you might need to stay at your destination longer than planned. I also try to make sure I have enough 'reserve" supply of stuff back home for when I return.
Now that I think about it, no wonder it has felt like my whole life this past year has been consumed with "lyme logistics"!! guess this is why I don't seem to get much else done . . .
If its any comfort, I have found this all pretty stressful and daunting at times, but so far -- thank God -- things have gone pretty well.
bon voyage!
Trish