bibliotecaria71

In three weeks time, my husband and I will be taking my mom to Paris and Provence for two weeks. DH and I are in our early- to mid- thirties; mom is an otherwise healthy 50-something. DH and I traveled to Italy two years ago, but this is mom's first trip outside North America.

My primary concerns relate to my mom's condition. Any suggestions you have would be very appreciated.

My mom will be bringing, in addition to her meds, a list of all of her prescriptions, actual prescriptions for each med, and a note from her doctor. She is going to ask her pharmacist for her new prescriptions to be filled in smaller containers or in ziplock-like bags (with the labels, of course). She will have a few snacks (in case of lows) and emergency glucose, etc.

While in Paris we plan to use the metro as much as possible (to keep her from having to walk like we did in Rome!), and will be purchasing the Carte Orange metro passes. (We arrive on a Sunday.)She has purchased two pairs of good walking shoes and is in the process of breaking them in.

I've already mapped out the nearest Monoprix grocery store, and we plan to purchase yogurt and other simple things she can easily eat for breakfast (while DH and I will be enjoying strong coffee and pastries!). We hope to visit outdoor markets for some fresh fruit to keep her diet somewhat healthy.

Have I missed anything? Thanks for any advice. I really want this to be a terrific vacation!

Girlspytravel

Sounds as if you have everything well in hand, B, your mother is not going to have any problems at the screening checkpoint, this is a very normal thing to have diabetic medications and equipment. She should always have snacks with her, as I'm sure you know, in case her blood sugar levels fluctuate, which you can buy at the Monoprix, of course, and bring some along on the plane as well. And of course, comfortable shoes are an absolute must, very important that she not get blisters or have other problems with her feet, as diabetics often do have foot problems. But your mother is not that old, so she should do just fine.

It sounds like you will have a lovely trip. Bonne Voyage!

StCirq

Sounds like you've got everything covered.

Remember the bus system in Paris is great, too, and you're above ground and can SEE stuff while you're moving around.

bibliotecaria71

Thanks for your replies, and I am relieved to hear that going through screening with properly labeled meds shouldn't be a hassle.

I'll have to look into the bus system in Paris more!

Thanks, again!

kismetchimera

Your Mom is going to have a fabulous times, dont worry it look like that you have everything you need to make her trip very pleasant.
This web site will come handy in case that you decide to take the bus,

http://groups.msn.com/DestinationPar...lingbybus.msnw

Buon Viaggio or Bon Voyage.. I am going to Provence also..

NeoPatrick

Since one of the most important issues for diabetics is keeping schedules consistent, be prepared for the time leap going and coming. That's when I had my greatest problem -- trying to just switch to the new time and being 5 or 6 hours off my schedule. Some planning ahead to start altering meal times before going so they will be closer to the European times is helpful.

Sassafrass

What a treasure of a daughter you are. Your husband must be very special also. I have no advice, but I hope you and your Mom and husband have an absolutely wonderful time.

bcirish

If your Mom uses splenda- take it with you - I understand from a previous thread that it does not seem to be available although there may be other substitutes available. By the way, my husband and I are on our way to Europe in three weeks and we have no concerns about getting around for a month and our trip is celebrating our 60th birthdays .Don't sell her short - in this day and age she is young and diabetes is more a condition. I am sure she will be fine so stop worrying - you've done your homework and you'll have a great time.

nomadwoman

Hi, I am also a 50 something diabetic woman. I have traveled all over the world without any problems but I am a type 2 diabetic which makes it a little different. You should get a note from your doctor about your mom having to carry insulin and syringes since I assume being a type 1 diabetic she would be on insulin. She should get the generic names of her medication not the brand names on her prescriptions. She will have no problems bringing her medications into the country. Just make sure each medication is in a separate bottle with a label. I use to just throw a trips worth of pills in one bottle and never had a problem but with tighter security it's better if each medication is separate. She should try to wear her shoes that are all ready broken in rather then trying to break in new shoes because one of her biggest potential problems would be blisters. Just have her check her feet EACH night to make sure there is no problems and she should take a triple antibiotic cream with in case she does get a wound on her foot. She should just check her blood sugar often to make sure she is O.K. If she is very active with walking she has to be careful of low blood sugar because of the increase in exercise. Try to stick to meat,vegetables and salad.But most of all she should just have a great time.

anchoress

Splenda is readily available in Europe; so is Stevia which is a better option.

chatham

It wouldn't hurt to have a small supply of sweetner with you for the trip and in case your hotel does not have it in stock.

hanl

Hello,
The only other thing I might suggest would be to know how to say "my mother is diabetic" in French, just in case.

"Ma mère a le diabète"

You could even just write it out on a little card that you could show if necessary.

lincasanova

did the same trip with same situation recently. we took no metros and only used buses and an occasional taxi.

there can be LOTS of up and down at the stations.. and my mom doesn´t do well on escalators, either.

we did need her sugar pills and orange juice boxes several times.. as mentioned.. the extra walking can create the low sugar at a time she would normally not have it.

we found sacharin everywhere.

enjoy!!!

hetismij

My DIL is a type 1 diabetic and has travelled a lot, even camping. She uses an insulin pump rather than syringes, but does carry a prescription for syringes in case the pump fails. She always takes a small coolbag with her too keep her insulin cool in during the trip and uses the minibar fridge to store it whilst in a hotel.
The main thing is for you to be vigilant too. Make sure she checks her bllod sugar, and know the signs of her having problems. My son quickly recognises when my DIL is too high or too low and makes her do something about it. Just don't fuss - that will spoil it for you all. Have a great holiday.

ira

Hi B,

Bring bandaides. They are very helpful if one develops blisters.

Enjoy your visit.

marigross

Please don't check in all your medications. Lost baggage can take a few days to catch up with you. Carry on supplies for at least four days.

basingstoke2

If she happens to develop a blister, there is a product made by Spenco called 2nd Skin QuickStick. It is like a bandaid but has a hydrogel pad instead of gauze that promotes healing. I used hydrogel to great effect during my running days.
Make sure she takes her blood sugar readings more often than usual because of time differences, circadian rhythm disturbance, mealtime changes and probably more walking than she is used to, although if one keeps up with blood sugar readings and has no foot problems e.g. circulation, numbness, walking is good.

bibliotecaria71

Thanks so much for all of your advice! I read the various messages over the phone last night to mom, and not only did we get some very important tips, but also feel more reassured about the trip itself.

I think we can relax and get ready for a great trip. Thank you!

palmettoprincess

It is a good idea to have a medic alert tag indicating that someone is an insulin diabetic. Also a wallet card with the person's name, permanent address, travel address, meds taken and weight can be handy. (If she needs to tke glycogen for an extreme low, a doctor may want to know her weight. list the weight in pounds and kg.)

There are handy things that a diabetic can take while traveling. A needle clipper removes the points from needles so you can dispose them in regular trash. The most important thing is keep the insulin cool. Don't leave it in a closed car. Consider as a carryon a little 12-pack size cooler. During the flight can hold the supplies and when you land you can stock the cooler with some juice and water.

palmettoprincess

P.S. She should pack spare batteries for her meter. They last about six months and always die when you are away from a store.