Dear Smile E.,
My wife and I have had a prepaid vacation scheduled soon and unfortunately my doctor wants me to get a PICC placed and start IV antibiotics. I’m concerned about our trip. I was wondering if a person could go on vacation while on IV antibiotics. It’s not like we are going out of the country either. Would you happen to know if this is possible?
Signed,
Vacation in Peril
Dear Vacation in Peril,
I would suggest that you immediately get in contact with your home care company and your doctor to facilitate your requests. In short; yes it is entirely possible to vacation while on home IVs. It requires a lot of logistical issues that need to be resolved, and those take time and your assistance to resolve as well. But it can be done. There are however a few instances that it may not be possible, so please aware and prepared for that outcome.
Usually for trips less than a week, all you’ll have to do is to arrange to have your IV medications shipped to your vacation destination. Your home care coordinator should be able to help you with this. Plus you’ll need to take your IV supplies with you and know where the nearest emergency room is located, in case you need medical help for IV access issues and or any other thing that may pop up while vacationing. If you are planning on vacationing longer than a week then it gets a little more complicated, due to dressing changes for your PICC and if your doctor has ordered lab work. Dressing changes can be pushed to ten days; if you keep the dressing neat, clean, and dry. Sometimes home care companies won’t stretch out the days between dressing changes; but it can’t hurt to ask. You can also check with the local emergency room near your vacation spot to see if they would be willing to change your dressing and preform and lab work that your doctor needs while on vacation. If they agree ask what orders you may need to bring with you to let them know the care that you will need. Your doctor can write orders and you can carry the orders with you for the duration of your trip. Now what you need to realize is that your doctor’s orders aren’t really valid in other areas (States/ regions so on), but another doctor wherever you are can review your home doctor’s orders and then determine if that doctor agrees and will order the tests or procedures that your home doctor wanted. (Hope that makes sense!) Most will, but I can’t guarantee they will do so. Just be persistent and advocate for your care will on vacation. Now for the limitations on home care IV drugs while traveling; any trip longer than two weeks is virtually impossible. This has something to do with insurance reimbursement, state lines, dispensing, prescription, and licensing issues.
I’ve traveled countless times on IV s without issues; and even had to visit a local er for a dressing change and lab work. It can definitely be done, even though your home care agency may not be totally thrilled with the idea. I hope that you and your wife have a great time. Enjoy your vacation!
Yours Truly,
Smile E. Turtle
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