Injections while travelling

[Allicat]

I'm going to Chicago to visit my sister later this year. While I'm there my monthly injection will be due. My nurse here will give me the kit with the needle and drug to take with me but it has to be given by a doctor or registered nurse and my sister can't find someone to do it - it seems to be difficult because I don't have insurance. Has anyone had any experience with the American health system, or have any advice on how I could find a doctor? Thanks

[SILLY]

I don't know but maybe look online in some of the cancer sites . There are American ones which suggest doctors in your area .Their health system and insurances are so different to ours. Can't any doctor there give the injections?

[Sailor]

G.day Allicat, Go back to your specialist and ask him if he knows any facilities in Chicago area. I googled "cancer centers (American spelling!) chicago" and got a long list, some of which I had heard of. Get a letter from him to one of them, or better still someone he knows there, and take that with you. Also be prepared for US customs to confiscate your drugs - it happened to a friend of mine. You will also have to be prepared to pay, because, as you say, no insurance. But again if you have private health cover talk with them. Just look on it as part of managing you life and what has top be done for you to travel. Don;t let it put you off traveling. Good Luck Sailor So when storm clouds come sailing across your blue ocean Hold fast to your dreaming for all that you’re worth For as long as there are dreamers there will always be sailors Bringing back their bright treasures from the corners of earth. Eric Bogle, Safe in the Harbour

[Allicat]

Thanks Sailor & Silly My sister was being rather discouraging about finding someone to do it so I appreciate the encouragement. I am getting a letter explaining my drugs when I go into the hospital next week. I will ask about what cancer centres they have contact with in Chicago while I am there. I just googled it and you're right it came up with lots so maybe I can start contacting them directly if nothing else seems to be working. It must be possible! Thanks

[glenys48woods]

Hi Allicat, I know of some people who has come from the US and I'll ask them about this for you. They would know about this as they were in the US for a while. 14 years. Glenys 0

[Allicat]

Thanks Glenys, that would be good. I emailed the US Embassy a few weeks ago & the University Of Chicago Medicine Center last week. Haven't heard back from either yet which is annoying. I am just about to Google for other cancer hospitals in Chicago and email them. If I still haven't anything in another week or so I'll have to start ringing them up. Allicat

[Allicat]

I emailed a few more cancer places in Chicago and one of them has emailed me back that they would be happy to help me. That was really great news. I have sent them some more information about my injection and hopefully they will able to schedule me an appointment with a nurse.

[SILLY]

Great news .Your persistence paid off.

[glenys48woods]

Hi Allicat, I promised you that I will ask my friends here as they live in Craigieburn that you need injections to go to the US and haven't done it yet sorry Glenys. xx

[Allicat]

That's ok Glenys, I'm all sorted out now. I have made an appointment with a Chicago cancer hospital for while I'm there - it is a monthly injection that I need. Luckily we get back home the day the following one is due.