"necessities" for India
Dec 9th, 2016, 12:00 PM
#22
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Do not include antibiotics. They are being massively over prescribed and it is contributing to drug resistance. The suggestion above for a two day course is foolish as it will not be long enough to clear many bacterial infections and guess what survives.....the most harmful and resistant bacteria. If your husband has problems it is far better for him to see a GP when they occur and get a properly tailored treatment.
Imodium should be sufficient to deal with any minor troublesome GI symptoms, thought it is important not to take it on an empty stomach or it can cause discomfort and bloating. Anyone with a delicate tummy should try and stick mainly to bottled drinks as has been mentioned a number of times already.
Not medicine, but a thing I really enjoyed when I travelled alone was a playlist that had been put together specially for my trip.
Imodium should be sufficient to deal with any minor troublesome GI symptoms, thought it is important not to take it on an empty stomach or it can cause discomfort and bloating. Anyone with a delicate tummy should try and stick mainly to bottled drinks as has been mentioned a number of times already.
Not medicine, but a thing I really enjoyed when I travelled alone was a playlist that had been put together specially for my trip.
Dec 9th, 2016, 02:27 PM
#23
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Sorry but I disagree. The last thing you want to do is seek out an MD unknown to you for medication that you need. I am sure Peter is smart enough to know when to take meds especially if they have been prescribed by a qualified MD he knows.
Dec 9th, 2016, 03:22 PM
#24
Actually, I'd say the best thing to do is to ask the hotel to send a doctor to your room. A hotel like the JW will normally have an experienced doctor (probably trained abroad) and he or she will know the best drugs to treat local bugs.
I've gotten sick in India a couple of times with GI issues and once for whooping cough. In one of the stomach cases, I had taken the standard Cipro or Zip Pak prescribed by my travel Docs in the US and it wasn't working. The doctor sent was excellent and the Oberoi hotel charged me less than US$20 for the visit and medication. I was up an about by that evening.
A small bottle or two of hand sanitizer, a blister pack of Immodium, Pepto bismol, and some comfort snacks is all that I'd pack. Anything else can be easily purchased or provided by the hotel. He's going to be in a luxury hotel in Delhi, not out trekking in the country!
I've gotten sick in India a couple of times with GI issues and once for whooping cough. In one of the stomach cases, I had taken the standard Cipro or Zip Pak prescribed by my travel Docs in the US and it wasn't working. The doctor sent was excellent and the Oberoi hotel charged me less than US$20 for the visit and medication. I was up an about by that evening.
A small bottle or two of hand sanitizer, a blister pack of Immodium, Pepto bismol, and some comfort snacks is all that I'd pack. Anything else can be easily purchased or provided by the hotel. He's going to be in a luxury hotel in Delhi, not out trekking in the country!
Dec 9th, 2016, 03:32 PM
#25
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Boy did you get off cheap! That's incredible. The MD called by hotel in Bangkok cost over $300.00 USD including medication which we did recover back home after filing and insurance claim. $20.00 from the JW??
Dec 9th, 2016, 03:42 PM
#26
I think $300.US was the aberration, not $20. I had a doctor visit & 2 prescriptions in a hospital in Bangkok once for less than $30 altogether and a doctor who made a house call to help me in India was so inexpensive I don't remember the exact figure, but around $20 I think. They saw you coming, jacketwatch.
Dec 9th, 2016, 03:54 PM
#27
$20 was at the Oberoi in Delhi. $15 at the Amarvilas Oberoi in Agra.
While in Bangkok two years ago, I fell and ripped my Rotator cuff in Bangkok. After a painful dinner Hanuman, Rhkkmk, and Hawaiiantraveler, and their wives I eventually took a 1 AM taxi to the ER at Bumrungrad Hospital.
Consulted with two doctors, had about 6 X-rays, and was given an arm sling and a large supply of three pain meds plus some Prilosec. Cost me a grand total of $130, including a free followup visit the next day.
I almost felt guilty filing my insurance claim!
While in Bangkok two years ago, I fell and ripped my Rotator cuff in Bangkok. After a painful dinner Hanuman, Rhkkmk, and Hawaiiantraveler, and their wives I eventually took a 1 AM taxi to the ER at Bumrungrad Hospital.
Consulted with two doctors, had about 6 X-rays, and was given an arm sling and a large supply of three pain meds plus some Prilosec. Cost me a grand total of $130, including a free followup visit the next day.
I almost felt guilty filing my insurance claim!
Dec 9th, 2016, 04:03 PM
#28
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Yes, that hotel doctor bill reminds me of hotel laundry bills of $4 per pair of socks. Let's see - 2 weeks worth of sock laundry -- $56.
I recall my partner Lee having an attack and passing out at a restaurant in Nice (early dementia). EMS to hospital, the night there, many tests including a cat scan -- total bill just over $100. An identical experience at home a few months later was something like $5000.
I recall my partner Lee having an attack and passing out at a restaurant in Nice (early dementia). EMS to hospital, the night there, many tests including a cat scan -- total bill just over $100. An identical experience at home a few months later was something like $5000.
Dec 9th, 2016, 04:29 PM
#29
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It is pitiful how the USA health care system is so expensive whereas treatment abroad is so much less.
As for my suggestion regarding bringing along an antibiotic, we have done that in the past upon our physician's recommendation with the dosage prescribed for only two days for a stomach bug. I would suggest consulting with your own physician prior to leaving. In our eight weeks in India, my husband, who has a sensitive stomach, used Imodium and antibiotics twice, with symptoms being relieved within a day. I do agree though with the above poster that antibiotics should not be abused and it is normal to take a full course of antibiotics.
As for my suggestion regarding bringing along an antibiotic, we have done that in the past upon our physician's recommendation with the dosage prescribed for only two days for a stomach bug. I would suggest consulting with your own physician prior to leaving. In our eight weeks in India, my husband, who has a sensitive stomach, used Imodium and antibiotics twice, with symptoms being relieved within a day. I do agree though with the above poster that antibiotics should not be abused and it is normal to take a full course of antibiotics.
Dec 9th, 2016, 04:56 PM
#30
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Agree with dgunbug personally. See your MD here before you go.
As for the bill abroad this happened. After getting a horrid go bug in India we went to Bangkok where the malady really hit are required 5 days in the hospital there at Samitivej. I was very pleased with the care speak from my own experience as a critical care RN for 35 yrs.
We had a travel policy form Allianz so I called them and they told be to have finance run it past my own insurance first. Most likely it will be denied and it was so Allianz took over. The bill was around 6k for 5 days which of course is very reasonable by our prices here. It was fully covered.
Upon coming back home my insurance co. said they will cover the MD visit to the hotel as that was considered an emergency but not the hospitalization. Ok well it was covered so I really didn't care. About 6 weeks after we got home or mid Dec. I received a letter from my insurance co. It said foreign claim and enclosed was a check for around $5300.00 or about 90% of the bill. Huh?? Well apparently the hospital submitted the bill to them as well after it was finalized and they covered it at 90% back to us.
Merry Xmas!
As for the bill abroad this happened. After getting a horrid go bug in India we went to Bangkok where the malady really hit are required 5 days in the hospital there at Samitivej. I was very pleased with the care speak from my own experience as a critical care RN for 35 yrs.
We had a travel policy form Allianz so I called them and they told be to have finance run it past my own insurance first. Most likely it will be denied and it was so Allianz took over. The bill was around 6k for 5 days which of course is very reasonable by our prices here. It was fully covered.
Upon coming back home my insurance co. said they will cover the MD visit to the hotel as that was considered an emergency but not the hospitalization. Ok well it was covered so I really didn't care. About 6 weeks after we got home or mid Dec. I received a letter from my insurance co. It said foreign claim and enclosed was a check for around $5300.00 or about 90% of the bill. Huh?? Well apparently the hospital submitted the bill to them as well after it was finalized and they covered it at 90% back to us.
Merry Xmas!
Dec 11th, 2016, 05:02 PM
#32
We take an oral e-coli vaccine called DUKORAL. Never had a problem. Also take the pep to tablets. One other thing you could add is some sachets of gastrolyte for quick electrolyte replacement should he need it.
Dec 11th, 2016, 05:15 PM
#33
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I haven't read the responses, but here is our list (just gave it to our friend):
Band aids and neosporin
Small bottles of Purell
Packets of wipes
Kleenex
Pepto Bismol tablets/Imodium (but he won't need these if he takes the Rifaximin - see below)
Mucinex tablets
Sudifed tablets
Benedryl tablets
Advil or Alleve (a must - can't get these there)
sample size sunscreen
Prescription meds:
Rifaximin (antibiotic - prevents gastro issues, no side effects)
Z-Pac (take only w/ fever or infection)
Cortisone cream
We followed a vegetarian diet while there (no meat, poultry or fish) and had no issues. We did eat some street food and lots of spicy food. For more about the wonders of Rifaximin, see my trip report: http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/crosscheck/
Band aids and neosporin
Small bottles of Purell
Packets of wipes
Kleenex
Pepto Bismol tablets/Imodium (but he won't need these if he takes the Rifaximin - see below)
Mucinex tablets
Sudifed tablets
Benedryl tablets
Advil or Alleve (a must - can't get these there)
sample size sunscreen
Prescription meds:
Rifaximin (antibiotic - prevents gastro issues, no side effects)
Z-Pac (take only w/ fever or infection)
Cortisone cream
We followed a vegetarian diet while there (no meat, poultry or fish) and had no issues. We did eat some street food and lots of spicy food. For more about the wonders of Rifaximin, see my trip report: http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/crosscheck/
Dec 11th, 2016, 05:31 PM
#34
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Wow, crosscheck, your list is identical to mine, except I add:
Claritin
Benadryl
Thermometer
Tylenol
Moleskin for blisters
I also agree with the vegetarian diet. Bacteria likes to grow in old meat, or even new meat that has not been refrigerated properly.
Claritin
Benadryl
Thermometer
Tylenol
Moleskin for blisters
I also agree with the vegetarian diet. Bacteria likes to grow in old meat, or even new meat that has not been refrigerated properly.
Dec 12th, 2016, 07:11 AM
#36
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CaliforniaLady, Yup - moleskin and thermometer! Also sample size sunscreen.
MmePerdu, If you bring all this stuff we've found it serves as insurance and you won't get sick. The one time I didn't have the PB on a family trip was the time we needed it (in Belize).
Neo, I forgot to mention Tamiflu (prescription antiviral) - a must this time of year. Relieves symptoms if taken within 48 hours of flu onset. Good to have even if you've had a flu shot because different strains present themselves in different parts of the world.
MmePerdu, If you bring all this stuff we've found it serves as insurance and you won't get sick. The one time I didn't have the PB on a family trip was the time we needed it (in Belize).
Neo, I forgot to mention Tamiflu (prescription antiviral) - a must this time of year. Relieves symptoms if taken within 48 hours of flu onset. Good to have even if you've had a flu shot because different strains present themselves in different parts of the world.
Dec 12th, 2016, 07:22 AM
#37
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I think I'll pass on the sunscreen considering Peter is planning on being inside a major office building about 12 hours a day plus up to an hour or so before and after commuting from the hotel by car. He'll have to keep reminding himself he's not in NYC, but possibly the car trips between the two places will remind him. Sadly he is not expecting to get any "India" experience.
Dec 12th, 2016, 09:07 AM
#38
MmePerdu, If you bring all this stuff we've found it serves as insurance and you won't get sick. The one time I didn't have the PB on a family trip was the time we needed it (in Belize). >>
but you will have very long arms from carrying it all round with you.
but you will have very long arms from carrying it all round with you.
Dec 12th, 2016, 09:19 AM
#39
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I'm reminded of years ago when a friend accompanied us to Key West for a weekend. He carried a satchel full of medical supplies -- ready to tackle anything from upset stomach to doing brain surgery! But we had only been there about an hour when he asked if he could get a ride to the drug store. What could he possibly need? A band aid and some neosporin because he got a splinter in his foot from the deck. Malaria or dysentery he could have dealt with but not a splinter.
