Posted by 8 Miles on January 23, 2004, at 19:20:30
In reply to Afraid psych problems will limit my career! Help, posted by PhoenixGirl on January 21, 2004, at 22:18:31
Well.......
Objectively, YES, a medical condition (not just "mental") could cause you quite a bit of problem on a LONG stay in a third world country. But do you think that they would send you anywhere in excess of 30 days? I would think not. It is very simple to carry a 30 day supply of your meds with you (I do it whenever I go to a foreign country, and come next month, it will be 6 times in 7 years.) I WOULD recommend/advise you about a few key issues to make sure you can keep your meds (and yourself) safe during your travels. I certainly agree that you should have a letter stating all the meds that you take (you don't HAVE to say what they are, or what they are for, so don't volunteer that info or show your list unless asked for it). ALWAYS, ALWAYS keep your meds in your carry-on bag....ALWAYS! As long as you can prove your ID (passport and another photo ID such as your state driver's license), and ALL your meds have a label with your address that matches your ID, you won't have many (if ANY) problems with U.S. or foreign country's customs people. The first time I went, I didn't put my meds in my carry-on bag, and my regular luggage got delayed. At the time, I did not know how long it would be, and I was afraid that I wouldn't get the luggage in time to take my meds as scheduled. Luckily, they came in about 6 hours later on the next flight. Now, I carry about 10 meds that I take daily in my carry-on, and I have never once been asked about them. Should you be asked why you have so many meds, just keep going on (take a long time so they get bored) about "these are the meds my docs prescribe me." They have much greater concerns than one bag with pills in it. Just remember to ALWAYS keep them in the container as issued from the pharmacy. As far as BEING in a foreign land, and finding meds for some unknown reason, you would be surprised what most countries allow to be sold OTC. Many places do not even require a script for meds. You may have some trouble locating some meds for "mental" conditions, and you may find them in different doses than what you take. Keep in mind that the rest of the world is where our mega-pharmaceutical companies "experiment" with their products before submitting them for FDA approval here. Just last year, for instance, I was trying to find a Z-Pack (zithromyicin). In the states, we are familiar with the 5 day pack, but they had a 3 day pack of a stronger dose. Now I see where the company is seeking FDA approval (if they have not already done so) to sell the 3-pack here. Also, other foreign countries market and sell meds around the world that the FDA has not approved for U.S. sale. It's not hard to find something *similar* to what you are taking. It helps, of course, if you know the chemical name of your meds, and that you can read at least Spanish or German enough to understand the ingredients. I have purchased quite a few meds in Central and South American countries simply by asking at the farmacia about what they have to treat so and so. If you show a keen understanding of the meds and what you need (it helps to at least be able to speak and understand enough rudimentary Spanish to do this well)you will get on OK. Well, I see that I have been rambling along here, so I'll sum it up. IF you can go to another country, don't let your fears about your meds and their availabilty stop you from going. Keep your meds with you at all times. Keep records and use labeled bottles. Try not to act nervous when you go through customs, just be as natural and straight forward as you can be w/o volunteering information that they have not asked you for. 98% of the time, you will walk right through w/o your meds ever being asked about. They may ask you about that big knife in your bag though. Good luck in your endeavors, and don't let fear be a burden to you. I can tell you more if you need it.
8
poster:8 Miles
thread:303982
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040120/msgs/304797.html