Type II Diabetes - public or private consultations?

bravo

Hi Guys,
Diagnosed with Type II Diabetes last year and seeing a consultant privately since then. Its costing €140 a visit 2/3 times a year, which I can't really afford.
Can I just tell hime I want to be seen publicly and does he arrange it, or does anyone know what the story is? I'm on insulin and a load of other medication.
I'm supposed to be going to the sun for a week, anyone know what the story is with taking insulin ion flights?
Thanks in advance

Roy_Boy

As far as I am concerned, medication such as yours is perfectly allowed on board as long as it is clearly labelled.

I would still call the airport and inform myself if I were you.

graflynn

When flying and to be on the safe side you should get a letter from your doctor stating you are a diabetic and listing all the meds - the GP will do. I use the same letter until it gets so tatty that it's illegible. Sometimes security ask for it.

Then pack all of your medications in your carry-on. Never put any of your medical supplies in your checked bag because the cold temperatures of cargo can damage insulin and bags sometimes get lost.

You might be able to claim your doctors fees through your health insurance. And asking him/her would be a good idea if you want to go public.

Enjoy the hols.

robinph

Don't know anything about the public/ private stuff.

As far as taking insulin through airports though, it will not be a problem. As said above though do not put any medications in your checked luggage, always carry it on your person. You will not have any trouble going thorough security though, you don't need a letter from a GP, you don't need to tell the airport, you don't need to tell security, you don't even need it in it's original packaging. Security will not care about it, but I do always tell them that I have sharps in my bag before they start searching around it for anything else though. I have never had my bags searched becasue of those sharps, only even becasue of other electronic gadgetry I have in there as well, or a tube of toothpaste.

Do not bother mentioning about the needles to the girl on the checkin desk though as she will just get confused, only metion it to security if they search you for something else. They really will not be interested in the needles or insulin though.

If your going somewhere hot on your holidays then maybe consider something like this to keep the insulin cool whilst traveling though.

tbh

robinph wrote: »

Don't know anything about the public/ private stuff.

As far as taking insulin through airports though, it will not be a problem. As said above though do not put any medications in your checked luggage, always carry it on your person. You will not have any trouble going thorough security though, you don't need a letter from a GP, you don't need to tell the airport, you don't need to tell security, you don't even need it in it's original packaging. Security will not care about it, but I do always tell them that I have sharps in my bag before they start searching around it for anything else though. I have never had my bags searched becasue of those sharps, only even becasue of other electronic gadgetry I have in there as well, or a tube of toothpaste.

Do not bother mentioning about the needles to the girl on the checkin desk though as she will just get confused, only metion it to security if they search you for something else. They really will not be interested in the needles or insulin though.

If your going somewhere hot on your holidays then maybe consider something like this to keep the insulin cool whilst traveling though.

Agree with everything Rob has said there - I've never declared insulin, never put it in those little plastic bags, and never had a problem.

The_Conductor

Having had a few probs in foreign airports (Spain, Portugal, India) with meds- I would be inclined to try to have a GPs note specifying that the medication (listed) is for medical condition (stated). Thats it- nothing more, nothing less.

I'd also suggest a small cooler bag if you're going to a hot climate- I'm guessing you'll be putting your insulin in a fridge when you get there- often they may keep their fridges very very cold- a cool bag will stop the medication from freezing (not indefinitely of course!!!). Also- keep in mind if you're out and about in the Mediterannean or elsewhere- daytime temperatures can exceed 40 degrees- keep this in mind- its not good for medication.

S.

Ps- I'd agree totally about saying absolutely nothing unless you're actually stopped- not only will you confuse the airline or security staff- they can be suspicious as hell- without drawing attention to yourself. If you are asked anything- you have your little note (or laminated card with the details on it)- let it answer any queries they may have.

robinph

smccarrick wrote: »

Having had a few probs in foreign airports (Spain, Portugal, India) with meds- I would be inclined to try to have a GPs note specifying that the medication (listed) is for medical condition (stated). Thats it- nothing more, nothing less.

You have just reminded me that I did have a breif delay with security over the insulin pens when going through Geneva once. That was solved by just getting the attention of the security supervisor though who immediately OK'ed it, it seemed to be a trainee security guy that I had got searching my bag.

dubtom

A month or so late,but in regards to public V private,get your GP to refer you to your nearest hospital with a diabetic centre. Every thing to do with Diabetes is free in this country,except GP fee's. Once you get into the program you only see the specialist once a year. Why didn't your GP refer you in the first place I'm wondering,as opposed to an expensive specialist.

bravo

Hi guys,
Thanks for all the replies and info. have been to the sun (greece) and back.
Security at Dublin airport was only interested in syringes I had in hand luggage for another condition - took a quick look at them and no problems. Didn't look aof letters or anything, maybe just lucky - and wasn't carrying anything on the way back.

DubTom, thanks for that, gP wanted me straight into hospital when first diagnosed and quickest way was through a private specialist, so i got into the private system that way, and am not looking for a switch to public. Another private appointment due shortly so will see what the outcome is and switch then if I can.