Before getting sick, I never considered all of the challenges that can arise when traveling with chronic medical needs that require special equipment, tubes, drains, liquid medications, and supplies. My first experience with this was in 2011 when I need to fly to a conference for work, but was still requiring home oxygen. Getting all of your ducks in a row to fly with oxygen is no small task! I had to find the approved paper work, fill it out, obtain signatures and a letter from my doctor, make sure my oxygen compressor was one that was TSA approved, then all of the paperwork had to be faxed to the airline a week before the scheduled flight. Once I arrived at the airport I had to check-in at a special desk and show all of my paperwork. It was doable, but not easy by any account.
Most recently I have traveled with a Hickman central line, a port, a PICC line, g-tube with a drain bag, and countless IV fluids, supplies, and medications. All of these things can have challenges. If you are interested in hearing some helpful tips on how to navigate travel with a central line, call into this conference all on Tuesday. I am sure Marianne will have some great tips!
February 5, 2019 Call in time:4:00 PM PST6:00 PM CST7:00 PM EST
Catheter Care Hints for Traveling
Our call guest this month is Marianne Opilla, RN, CNSC
Marianne has been a Nutrition Support Specialist in the home and hospital settings since the mid-1980s and a certified nutrition support clinician since 1992. She joined Nutrishare in 2005. Marianne has published several book chapters, research abstracts and journal articles on nutrition support topics. She has a particular interest (and expertise) in all aspects of vascular access.
Call in number: 1 866 305-2467 Passcode 994976