Question regarding international flying

[bandit317]

Hello all. I have a question for those of you flying long haul routes and being away from home for 2-3 weeks.

I am thinking about taking a job that keeps me away from home up to that long, but have a medical condition that may cause a problem. I have to take a certain arthritis medication that must be kept refrigerated until using it. I would have to take this medication with me on my trips and am wondering how I could keep it refrigerated during my time away from home. Do hotels in other countries have refrigerators? Has any one else had this problem and what ways are there to deal with it. This may be the deal breaker for me if I can't figure out a way to make this work.

Thanks for everyone's suggestions.

 

[A300FE]

Not all hotels have. Some do some don't. I have been to many hotels in Europe, 4 & 5 stars, and some have a refrigerator and some don't. Most of the hotels I have been to do not have ice machines in the floors either. Over there ice is not used as much as here. Last december I spent two weeks in Asia. The hotel I've been to did not have a fridge. That does not mean that they could not provide it. Your best chance will be to ask the company which hotel chain they use and call them directly.

 

[GogglesPisano]

Almost all hotels have minibars, though. Take the Jack Daniels out and put your meds in for the duration of you stay. That's how I keep the bottle of H20 from the aircraft cool.

 

[LIGHTDRIVER]

Those old fashion cold compresses work really good. The kind that you screw off the top and fill with ice to apply on your head. It's like a mini fridge and nothing gets wet. Good luck.

 

[Draginass]

Given your circumstances, I think long haul international may not be for you. Chances are you'll have to deadhead commercial, perhaps for as long as 16 hours at a stretch. Keeping the meds cold may turn out to be a problem. I always ask . . . what is the worst that can happen, and how will it affect.

Let's say you were put in a situation where the meds spoiled and you were in a 3rd world country. What would be the worst that would happen? Could you get replacements on the local economy, would it require a physician's script, how long could you go without taking the med before you had to disqualify yourself medically from flying?

There's a lot of crazy and unforseen happening going on out there. You have to be ready for the worst.

 

[767pilot]

I wouldn't worry about it. There is always a way

 

[bandit317]

Thanks. Just the other day I found a micro refrigerator made specifically for my meds. It plugs into 12V dc, and 110v ac. I'll just get some adapters!

 

[Skualo3]

That's the spirit!
Good luck

 

[tinman]

I've got a little ice pack container that came with my RA meds. I've only had to use it for a couple of days at a time, so that prolly wouldn't help in your situation. Where could I find that unit you've got? Did insurance cover it?

 

[AV80R]

Bandit - the meds you are taking aren't for gout are they? Friend of mine used to take meds that had to be refrigerated but eventually got them changed to something different that wasn't as temperature sensitive. Either way, good luck.