Having been diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy
and having an ICD implanted is not really good news. In the great scheme of
things its probably means my days on this earth may be less than Joe average.
Actually, maybe not. With all the medicine screening I get I’m beginning to
think my prospects of a lengthy life are really good. After all, not many
people get an ECG, echocardiogram and full medical screen annually. Plus the
blood tests and blood pressure checks, not only for me but my children as well
(some people would pay a fortune to have this sort of medical treatment!)
Also on the plus side, I feel grateful for everyday
knowing what might have happened to me without my ICD, so my theory is ‘Just Do
it’, if you can. You know what they say, the only things in life we regret are
the things we don’t do, so this brings me onto travelling with an ICD.
Stating the obvious always travel with adequate
medication and due to ash clouds and any other act of God, possibly triple the
amount you though of initially. You will need your ICD card given to you by
your cardiologists as security now insist on seeing it to ensure you really do
have an ICD and can’t go through the scanner (this has been implemented in the
last few years). Ladies, I suggest you always wear trousers as it’s a much more
dignified way to be frisked. Don’t even attempt to explain you have an ICD, it
causes too much confusion. Just tell security staff (especially foreign) you
have a pacemaker. Believe me, it makes translation much simpler!
Whilst in the air drink plenty of water and avoid
alcohol as you could become dehydrated. If you do decided to have an alcoholic
drink, try to drink two glasses of water to every alcoholic drink you have.
The CMA and IDC support groups can recommend
insurance groups. Not surprisingly I discovered the free holiday insurance
which came linked with my bank account would not cover me for cardiomyopathy
and an ICD. However, with a supplement of approximately £40 I could have annual
world wide health insurance covering my pre existing conditions through the
holiday insurance linked to my bank account. For me this account was a bargain.
As previously stated, carry information as to ICD
type and settings in case this is needed.
Final piece of advise, pack medication and
documentation (insurance details, ICD details, and ICD travel card) in your
hand luggage. I believe approximately 10% of suitcases go missing, in fact I
keep my ICD travel card in my passport.
Have a great time.
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