Prepping for Poland

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Johnson
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Prepping for Poland

Post by Johnson »

As I gear up to head for Poland, I wonder a few things;

How long ought I plan to stay? is 5 days enough? 10 days? (I would love to stay a lot longer, and check out that part of Europe, but my family will want me home ASAP)

Is there any compelling reason to not go alone? I can still walk, and see, etc., so I don't feel like I need a care-giver. Does that seem reckless?

Has anyone taken "Medical Complications Insurance"? If so, could you name a provider, and indicate costs?

I have no bladder problems, and do not want to be catheterized. Is it a requirement? It is my understanding that they want us to stay in bed for a time after the procedure, but can you get up to pee? Do they provide a flask, or such, in case you do have to go?

Is there a safe at the Qubus for valuables for when one is in the clinic? (I wouldn't want to leave things in the room if I go by myself)

Thanks for any feed-back.
My name is not really Johnson. MSed up since 1993
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Mutley
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Re: Prepping for Poland

Post by Mutley »

Johnson wrote:As I gear up to head for Poland, I wonder a few things;

How long ought I plan to stay? is 5 days enough? 10 days? (I would love to stay a lot longer, and check out that part of Europe, but my family will want me home ASAP)

Is there any compelling reason to not go alone? I can still walk, and see, etc., so I don't feel like I need a care-giver. Does that seem reckless?

Has anyone taken "Medical Complications Insurance"? If so, could you name a provider, and indicate costs?

I have no bladder problems, and do not want to be catheterized. Is it a requirement? It is my understanding that they want us to stay in bed for a time after the procedure, but can you get up to pee? Do they provide a flask, or such, in case you do have to go?

Is there a safe at the Qubus for valuables for when one is in the clinic? (I wouldn't want to leave things in the room if I go by myself)

Thanks for any feed-back.
Hey Johnson, good luck for your forthcoming trip. This is what I know:

You can leave on the third day after procedure so long as no complications, like bleeding etc.

Going on your own will be absolutely fine.

Catheterization is NOT compulsory and there is a toilet in the room less than 20 ft away.

Yes, there is a safe in the Qubus hotel room.

All the best!!
Mutley goes to Poland 1st symptom was Optic Neuritis in 1998, DX RRMS Jan 2001, DX SPMS 2007. Last EDSS by doctor 7.5
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annad
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Post by annad »

Johnson,
can't help you with your questions as I haven't been but just wanted to wish you all the best!
Hope you come back feeling as beautiful as your picture!
a :)
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Squibbles
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Post by Squibbles »

Hi Johnson

As Mutley has already said they don't catherterise you as a matter of course. I was a bit worried about that but I think that they must have been able to see that I was mobile and so didn't even try to catherterise me...

I didn't take out insurance as I figured if I told the insurers what I was going to Poland for, they would charge some exhorbitant amount...

Good luck with your trip and let us know how it went...
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Post by Zeureka »

Hi Johnson, wish you good luck !

Just to tell you how I booked my stay+flights for end May. Will arrive Monday morning and leave Saturday. With some tests Mon late afternoon/Tuesd and procedure taking place around mid week, Wednesday.

But best you ask Marta when you checked flight options what is best.

I also go alone and am in similar situation as you as regards mobility and family. Fpr me will be the longest stay away since a long time from my beloved ones...usually never go away more than 3, max 4 days...maybe I'll be more worried about them coping for a whole week than about myself...

But am sure you will be absolutely fine with the warm-hearted and committed Euromedic team - there are two Marta's now;-) while Marek left for a MS marathon. And there will be other nice MS patients that will look forward to meeting you!

Was told my last week of May we will be 14 for the procedure. And as regards the weather was told: the weather here is changing too! recently raining but the temperatures now are around 12-18 during the day, and evenings are chilly. I hope it'll ger warmer until you arrive!

So in bocca al lupo Johnson! Let the dizzy dog wake up and if still chilly, tell all your fellows in the hotel to warm up the bar at the Qubus for us ;-) Or are you going same week/later than me? Sorry that can't remember. If so, we'll do it then.
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caraboo
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poland

Post by caraboo »

Johnstone,

All the best for poland, hope amazing things happen for you.


Take Care
Caraboo
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Rici
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Post by Rici »

Hi Johson
Tomorrow I will ask a translator and I will send you an e-mail. I will try to explain everything to you. Now, thank you for everything you've done for me. Brother forgot. I told him that it is enough to buy a ticket and are still a few hundred. On my website had 14000 people...Once again, many thanks.
Regards
Rici
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Johnson
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Post by Johnson »

Thank you one and all!

I am not worried about anything really - except leaving my son. I have been here for every day of his life, and I even miss him when he goes for his nap. (I'll miss my wife too, but we've been 22 years together, and absence makes the heart grow fonder... or so it is said) Thank the tech gods for web cams and Skype.

Zeureka - I will be arriving on the 5th or 6th of June. I go for the eye exam and MRV on the 7th (Monday), and the procedure on the 8th. It seems as if I will miss you by a day. Too bad - I''d like to practice my pitiful Italian. Please don't drink up all of the red wine at the bar - save some for me!

It's starting to feel like the home stretch.
My name is not really Johnson. MSed up since 1993
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Zeureka
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Post by Zeureka »

Johnson wrote:Thank you one and all!

I am not worried about anything really - except leaving my son. I have been here for every day of his life, and I even miss him when he goes for his nap. (I'll miss my wife too, but we've been 22 years together, and absence makes the heart grow fonder... or so it is said) Thank the tech gods for web cams and Skype.

Zeureka - I will be arriving on the 5th or 6th of June. I go for the eye exam and MRV on the 7th (Monday), and the procedure on the 8th. It seems as if I will miss you by a day. Too bad - I''d like to practice my pitiful Italian. Please don't drink up all of the red wine at the bar - save some for me!

It's starting to feel like the home stretch.
By a week :wink: And thanks for reminding me: still need to install Skype on my laptop and test it with my husband/kids - funny to test it now just from one room to the other...

And will certainly send them some pics and movies as well - so not to forget the camera...! Il vino rosso, I could check out which one liked best :) but only if feel less dizzy...
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Post by Johnson »

Zeureka - I have discovered that more than a little bit of red wine actually stabilizes me. It's weird. I noticed it one night after I had been staggering around and bouncing of off things all day. I had about 2/3 of a bottle, and I was walking pretty normally. I was not sloshed, but feeling pretty good. I noticed it again, and asked my wife if she noticed it. She did. Now she just has one glass, and lets me have 4. Woo Hoo!

It seems counter-intuitive, but it is observable. Not a bad placebo.
My name is not really Johnson. MSed up since 1993
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BELOU
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wine

Post by BELOU »

I felt the opposite after I drink 3/2 bottles of wine. Wonder why... Shit I inverted the fraction...

Marc
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Post by Katie41 »

Hi Johnson,

A great adventure awaits you!

Check on the hotel's website re the safe. There was one in our room.
They want you to stay in bed for 6 hours after the procedure so there are no bleeding problems at the insertion site in your groin. They are quite strict about that. It usually prevents large hematomas. I did not see any bedpans/urinals around in the cabinets next to the beds, nor did I hear of anyone using any.

I told them I didn't want a catheter and was not even offered one. I am mobile, however. I also was very fortunate because the IV ran very slowly, even when they tried to speed it up. Make sure you go to the bathroom right before they have you go in for the procedure.

Lots and lots of good wishes!
Katie41
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Post by Cece »

hey Johnson, you have my well wishes too!!
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Post by Lyon »

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Last edited by Lyon on Mon Nov 21, 2011 3:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by Vhoenecke »

Hey Johnson, just back from Poland. I left my husband and daughter's home and took my brother. He wasn't a caregiver but a companion. You can't call home right after, not for quite a few hours later so having someone just to phone for you is big. I stayed longer, I was allowed to leave the 1st but chose to go to Krakow for 3 days, what a beautiful city. The Qubus is great, lovely breakfasts and staff. There is a safe in your room and a business centre for the guests to use a computer for free. I took my laptop but could have easily left it at home. I wish you all the best and you will come back a new man. Just losing the fatigue is huge. We are so fortunate to have Poland and I must say they are the masters of this procedure. Practice makes perfect.


Val
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