Access to pain meds during international travel.

MickyLuv

Between flare ups, I think myself lucky that I can ease the pain to tolerable levels with 1 gram of Naproxen a day. I do have a distinct sense of the progress of my condition being a trip down a one way street though.

Considering the current reputation of 'care for the elderly' services in the UK, even for the physically functional oldies, I'm about to grab my passport and push-bike and head for sunnier climes. The bonus there being that some locations have a wider range of non-destructive pain meds available. Fortunately my rather more sprightly wife is keen to join me on the trip. :-)

Now for my main question to the forum members:
In the UK, is there some form of GP issued documentation that I can take with me which will make it easier for me to obtain the standard pain killers throughout my international travels?

barbara12

Hi Mike
Its good to meet you, how lovely that you are going to a warmer climate, I am sorry I cant help with the meds but I am sure if you are going in the EU you will be fine.
Next time you see your GP asked them about it, I really am pleased for you, and may you have a lovely retirement wherever you go , and dont forget you can come on here from anywhere in the world..
You take care x

MickyLuv

Hi Barbara, thanks for the warm response. I'm thinking of heading a little further out than Europe. Panama has quite a lot going for it I understand. I find that cycling in the sunshine eases my joints and lifts my spirits. So I thought, that being the case, why not go for a long one. :-)

I will ask my GP, as you suggest. It's really in preparation for asking my GP that I posted here. I find that if I consider what I've learned from my GP before I post here, then consider what I've learned here before consulting my GP, I kind of leap-frog to a better understanding of my situation.

barbara12

Hi Mike again
Panama...now that will be warm...good for you..I really do wish you good luck with it all, please let us know how you get on x

MickyLuv

delboy wrote:

You need to find out the equivalent names of generally available painkillers as they differ from country to country. Tylanol is used a lot in North America rather than paracetamol but are very similar in what they do.

Good point delboy. I guess there will be a range of problems associated with sustaining a supply of painkillers while travelling internationally.
This is why I'd like to learn about and try to overcome as many of them as possible before I leave.
An official document, supplied by my GP (if such a thing exists) for the purpose of qualifying me for the acquisition and use of standard medical painkillers, would probably be a help.

MickyLuv

barbara12 wrote:

Hi Mike again
Panama...now that will be warm...good for you..I really do wish you good luck with it all, please let us know how you get on x

Thanks Barbara, I'll be more than happy to keep the forum posted on all aspects of my travels. Luck is a very important component of the proposed adventure. :-) A little forethought and planning may help too.

dreamdaisy

Is buying them over-the-counter a possibility? There are versions of doc-prescribed ones or are you going to register with a doc wherever you go? It's going to be some adventure though! Good luck with it, I must admit I am rather envious. My bike-riding days are long gone and I miss it even now. DD

MickyLuv

dreamdaisy wrote:

Is buying them over-the-counter a possibility? There are versions of doc-prescribed ones or are you going to register with a doc wherever you go? It's going to be some adventure though! Good luck with it, I must admit I am rather envious. My bike-riding days are long gone and I miss it even now. DD

Hi dreamdaisy, yes buying meds over the counter will work very well in some places. For instance, Mexico is famous for it.
I would definitely tend to register with a doctor in places like Maine, Oregon and California if I do ever get to such places.

Hey, if you're envious of an old f*rt with Arthritis and a couple of elasticated bicycle clips, you must be in a bad way. ;-)

Maybe I'm lucky and if so, I'm grateful for it. Every time I have a week or more off cycling I'm convinced my cycling days are over. Then my exercise devil of a wife whips my creaking frame into action and before I know it I'm pedaling along without a care in the world. In low gear of course. :-)

elnafinn

Could you not take your meds with you that you may/may not need?

http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1074.aspx?CategoryID=70&SubCategoryID=175

Elna x

MickyLuv

elnafinn wrote:

Could you not take your meds with you that you may/may not need?

http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1074.aspx?CategoryID=70&SubCategoryID=175

Elna x

Yes, I hope to take as much of it with me as possible.
I'm thinking I might live another ten years if I'm lucky.
If so I'll likely run out somewhere along the line.

dreamdaisy

I'm 53, I've been on crutches since 2002, now I've graduated to a four-wheeled rollator so yup, I am indeed envious of an old boy with bicycle clips who can still do the necessary! You get out there mate and do your very best to outwit the inner pestilence - show it you're the boss and not vice versa! DD

PS Don't forget a puncture repair kit.

MickyLuv

dreamdaisy wrote:

I'm 53, I've been on crutches since 2002, now I've graduated to a four-wheeled rollator so yup, I am indeed envious of an old boy with bicycle clips who can still do the necessary! You get out there mate and do your very best to outwit the inner pestilence - show it you're the boss and not vice versa! DD

PS Don't forget a puncture repair kit.

I'm 65 and you seem to be in a worse condition than me, which is a shame for a relative young 'un. I'm sorry that you're so disabled and I'm grateful that I can still think about adventuring. Even so I'd better get a move on while I still can. The possibility won't last forever.

Puncture repair outfits may be particularly useful in Mexico and Honduras. :-)

elnafinn

MickyLuv wrote:

elnafinn wrote:

Could you not take your meds with you that you may/may not need?

http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1074.aspx?CategoryID=70&SubCategoryID=175

Elna x

Yes, I hope to take as much of it with me as possible.
I'm thinking I might live another ten years if I'm lucky.
If so I'll likely run out somewhere along the line.

I did not realise that you were going away for years. You could be away for 30 years then? I wish you well with your exciting venture.

Elna x

MickyLuv

elnafinn wrote:

I did not realise that you were going away for years. You could be away for 30 years then? I wish you well with your exciting venture.

I hope that in 30 years what's left of me will be nestled somewhere warm, lush and peaceful, though it may not matter so much by then. :-)

salamander

Can you get them to give you a large supply to take with you with appropriate documentation?

frogmorton

Ten YEARS :shock:

Wow!

fab idea!

I too would have suggested taking a good supply with you till l read that part

I imagine your repeat prescription would be a help....l have had to show that when taking some liquid meds on a plane and a letter verifying the need (for my daughter).

What a fabulous idea

Love

Toni xxx

MickyLuv

salamander wrote:

Can you get them to give you a large supply to take with you with appropriate documentation?

I'm hoping so. I have 4 bags on my bike but I'll need to leave some room for cooking and camping gear.

MickyLuv

frogmorton wrote:

Ten YEARS :shock:

That's a very round figure, not unlike the one I'm developing myself.

Wow!

fab idea!

I too would have suggested taking a good supply with you till l read that part

Exactly, to keep popping back to Boots pharmacy would be too exhausting.

I imagine your repeat prescription would be a help....l have had to show that when taking some liquid meds on a plane and a letter verifying the need (for my daughter).

Yes, that would be a help. I'm working along similar lines to that.

What a fabulous idea

Soon to be turned into a practical reality, is the plan.

Love

Toni xxx

Much appreciation for the love and kisses. Can never get enough of those.