Medical Care on Princess

[sutherlinsusanm]

Well I'm in a sticky spot. I've developed pretty severe back pain and we're scheduled to leave on an Alaskan cruise May 28th. We are taking our 82 year old parents for their 63 anniversary and I am brought to tears when I think about canceling my trip, although I would have my husband continue to go. My question to all of you, how is the medical care on Princess, or in the ports if needed? We purchased trip insurance before this all happened so we are protected there. I'm a nervous wreck as I've had back surgery before and I know this could get bad!

[Clarea]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

You may also want to post on the Princess forum, where your question will be seen by many more people with experience on Princess:

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=197

[Essiesmom]

What kind of medical care do you anticipate needing? Think it through. It's not like a heart attack or stroke, broken bone. Get the meds you need before you go. If you need more than pain meds, they will send you to a hospital in Juneau/Ketchikan/Anchorage. No hospital in Skagway. Limiting you activities and spending time in the hot tubs may be your best option. Heating pads are forbidden items as a fire hazard. EM

[spookwife]

very very basic. they can stabilize a heart attack victim but any long term care is right out. they also do not have a lot to work with equipment wise or drug wise. narcotics are a no go so bring your own.

 

what they have is usually fairly modern but they are not going to be able to do more than basic X-ray.

[chengkp75]

Every ship I've been on, including cruise ships, have narcotics onboard. They are kept in the Captain's or Staff Captain's safe, not in Medical, but they are available.

[Roz]

If you're going to be miserable the whole trip and possibly do more damage to your back, what's the point in going? I understand your disappointment, but what are you expecting the onboard doctor and nurses to do for you?

 

Roz

[Kartgv]

I also suffer from back pain from several sources, so appreciate your concern. Good answers so far, but has the cause of your back pain been diagnosed? What are you doing for it now? If pain meds are your only recourse, then of course get those beforehand and bring them. As others have said, there's probably not much the medical staff onboard could do for you expect provide more pain relief if your condition suddenly worsens. Though heating pads are probably not going to be allowed, get yourself an old-fashioned hot water bottle. You can then fill it with hot water (order from room service) or ice, whichever feels better on your back.

 

Ask your doctor if massage would be appropriate, and if so, what kind of massage - some types can be pretty brutal. You might then treat yourself to a massage onboard (though it is expensive). I'd make sure to explain your medical condition before starting, though that presents the risk that they could refuse to treat you in fear of liability issues.

 

You might also have time for one or two physical therapy sessions before leaving; the therapist could instruct you in some exercises that would help relieve the pain. Good luck!

[Langley Cruisers]

...I've developed pretty severe back pain and we're scheduled to leave on an Alaskan cruise May 28th....I'm a nervous wreck as I've had back surgery before and I know this could get bad!

 

Well, I'm not really sure what it is exactly you are asking... :confused:

 

Have you seen your doctor about it? What did s/he say? Are you cleared to go on this cruise?

 

There are a few doctors here on the boards but I don't think any of them would diagnose you or dispense advice without examining you. Personally, I would take with me whatever medications are needed, not relying on buying them on board (expensive!!).

 

All the best and I hope you feel better soon. :)

.

[Langoustine]

I think you need to consult your own doctor immediately about this, and take their advice, not ours, as to whether you should go or not.

[sutherlinsusanm]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

 

Sorry I wasn't more detailed previously, three years ago I had emergency back surgery after a disc 'exploded' after months of pain.

 

I've been seeing surgeon, and I have the maximum amount of oral meds I can take, just concerned that if another disc 'explodes' that the ship staff have IV pain medication I can get before getting off at the next available stop.

 

If this is true, I feel like I can get on the ship and feel assured that my needs can be met in the event of an emergency.

 

Thanks in advance.

[6rugrats]

Exploding disk? Do you mean a herniated disk?

 

If your doctor feels you are medically unable to travel, you can cancel and file a claim with your travel insurance company. I am not sure why you would cruise if you were in so much pain and worried.

[Langley Cruisers]

Vacation is precious, but so is your health.

 

If you do need IV pain medication on board ship and a physician's constant care, do you know how expensive this will be? Are you prepared to deal with that cost and inconvenience? Just asking, worst case scenario.

 

Yeah, no one here can make this decision for you.

.

[ZeroSeven]

Most infirmaries on cruise ships are well equipped for basic emergencies. It's like an urgent care on sea, they'll have the basic diagnostic equipment such as x-ray, ekg / ecg, IV pump, etc.

 

But as far as your decision of going, you're the only one who can make that decision at this point. You may want to seriously consider in seeking an orthopedic specialist advise to evaluate what your treatment options will be. Alaskan ports and excursions can be physically demanding and will require a moderate amount of walking and having constant back pain will hinder your enjoyment throughout the entire time. It's almost better to cancel and re plan your visit once you're all well and in good health:)

 

Good luck:)

Edited May 18, 2016 by ZeroSeven

[IsanTom]

If you need to be airlifted off the ship, you will inconvenience the rest of your fellow cruisers. If you are anticipating something is going to happen don't go! Think about everyone before you make a final decision.

[Dayenu]

Be aware that the medics on ships do not accept any insurance. You will have to pay out of pocket, and send the paperwork to your insurance for reimbursement. Also, the hours are limited, but you can dial 911 any time.

 

What kind of bed you need for your back? Soft mattress? Hard mattress? Will you need help getting on and off the LOW toilet?

 

If you don't feel well, you don't have to go to other decks for food, you can order room service, or your husband can bring food to you. From buffet - yes, for sure, from a restaurant - depends on service.

[Flatbush Flyer]

Well I'm in a sticky spot. I've developed pretty severe back pain and we're scheduled to leave on an Alaskan cruise May 28th. We are taking our 82 year old parents for their 63 anniversary and I am brought to tears when I think about canceling my trip, although I would have my husband continue to go. My question to all of you, how is the medical care on Princess, or in the ports if needed? We purchased trip insurance before this all happened so we are protected there. I'm a nervous wreck as I've had back surgery before and I know this could get bad!

 

 

"Trip" insurance? A comprehensive policy (including supplementary medical and med evac)? Did you purchase it within the required time window after first trip deposit so that you have a "waiver of pre-existing conditions?"

Even though your surgery was several years ago, if you've had any related changes in the condition (including newly prescribed or changed dosage meds) during the insurance company's "look back period" of XX days, you may be considered as having a "pre-existing condition" which, without a waiver, could mean you'd be SOL as regards claims.

[GUT2407]

What kind of medical care do you anticipate needing? Think it through. It's not like a heart attack or stroke, broken bone. Get the meds you need before you go. If you need more than pain meds, they will send you to a hospital in Juneau/Ketchikan/Anchorage. No hospital in Skagway. Limiting you activities and spending time in the hot tubs may be your best option. Heating pads are forbidden items as a fire hazard. EM

 

What's said above, and hire a power wheelchair.

 

I cruise with severe back pain all the time, it's not something you are likely to need emergency life saving care for.

 

Take your mess, don't over do it.

[cruisead]

From my personal experience, I don't find health care on ships to be very good. I've had two major screw ups from ship's Doctors, and my mom had a really bad experience on Celebrity. Knowing that, I can't recommend enough to have medical evacuation insurance as high as $200,000.

[Roz]

And it would need to cover pre-existing conditions, which normally needs to be purchased within 14-21 days of booking.

 

Roz