Well, I did it. Against my specialists advice (well, grudgingly he ""allowed"" it after I explained very carefully all the strategies I had in place for myself).
14 1/2 hr flight from Australia to the USA, then another flight to Vegas. More flights to Indianapolis, New Orleans, driving to Texas, flying to San Francisco , driving to LA then back to Oz. 5 weeks all up carefully toting my ice pack bag with my Humira and enough meds, supplements, lotions and potions to open a drug store LOL.
Have to say right now, there's NO WAY I could have have done this if I hadn't carefully listened to what most of you are saying! That is, in a nutshell, suck it up sister and utilise WHATEVER is available to assist.
Have never used a wheelchair or mobility scooter before & was very resistant (& , I'll admit, embarassed) but I requested wheelchair assistance at ALL airports. MAN OH MAN! I had forgotten just how far it is to get from your plane at LAX through to customs, then baggage then your next terminal. If I had not requested assistance I think I'd still be trying to get to customs!
That wheelchair assistance was the BEST move I have ever made (next to commencing Humira) Was treated like a VIP and whisked straight past the huge queues through to the crew section. Bam! Then whisked through security at the next terminal. Same thing happened at EVERY airport- you guys in the USA have it good! and I must say all the staff were very friendly , patient and polite.
Next challenge, mobility scooters. TNT Lamb & a few others suggested that one, again I was resistant but had no choice if I wanted to get out & about to see stuff and participate in what the others were doing (we were in Vegas for my daughters wedding). Again AWESOME assistance and once I learnt how to use it I was able to whizz around like a champion. Also organised to hire one in New Orleans and San Francisco. Didn't for the other places cos we either hired a car or a car and driver.
Travelling with my Humira was scary at first but once I sorted out ice , fridges etc I was ok. Before I left Australia I was able to get a travel fridge pack (free!) from the drug company that distributes Humira here.
So, all in all, a successful trip! Glad to say I only had a few days where the pain levels were unbearable resulting in a lot of swearing & tears. I enjoyed myself and didn't catch any diseases because of my lowered immunity (my docs major concern). It worried me that I couldn't get comprehensive travel insurance in the US but as it turned out, didn't really need it (& if anything did go wrong my family would have had me back on a plane asap)
Not all light & bright tho! Obviously I overdid it and have been paying BIG since arriving home- pain levels ++++ sciatica playing up etc etc but I know it will settle down. Frustrating but still worth it as I got to do what I wanted- not what others told me!
and.....now I've discovered the joys of mobility assistance I've used a scooter here now to get around my local mall
cheers all!