Travel

A bleeding disorder should not keep you from the activities you enjoy or need to do. This includes travel. People with bleeding disorders can travel anywhere, anytime. Following a few simple tips can help make travel safer, less stressful and much more enjoyable. Perhaps the most important thing you can do is think about what you might need in case of emergency and bring it with you just to be safe.

Before you embark on your travels, find out the names, addresses and phone numbers of treatment centers along the route. A list of treatment centers can be obtained from the Hemophilia/Bleeding Disorder Comprehensive Care Program. There are also Web resources that provide locations of treatment centers. Also take along up-to-date written medical information, including:

• Your exact bleeding disorder diagnosis
• The exact prescription for desmopressin or factor concentrates or other medication
• The name and phone number of the treatment center where you are best known

These papers could also prove useful at border crossings if customs officials become suspicious of the drugs, needles and syringes you are carrying. Make sure you or your family member's MedicAlert bracelet is up to date. If you or your family member self-infuses desmopressin or factor concentrates, make sure you have more than enough for the whole trip. Also check that you have all the supplies (such as needles or syringes) you need before you go.

If you do not self-infuse, talk to the nurse coordinator at your Hemophilia/Bleeding Disorder Comprehensive Care Program about the possibility of carrying along a supply of desmopressin or factor concentrate. These products are not available everywhere. If you do not want to carry these products with you, find out before you leave where they are available.

Be sure to have a cooler on hand to keep the products at the right temperature. You might also want to find out if your insurance coverage applies in the province or country you are visiting. If not, take out special travel insurance.

Most important, enjoy yourself!