Cas-

We talked about this a long time. Take out insurance and book the trip. That way even if you cancel, you should be covered. At least that is the way it works here. A bit more pricey but a good investment for people in our state. I have a trip booked to Disney World in March that has me on edge myself. But I think, all I can do is hope for the best and when the time comes, make the best of the situation either way it goes.

Ellen-
My infection is in my colon. It is not a direct result of the medication I took that caused the gastritis, but instead is a cause of misfortune, an unlucky immune system and antibiotic usage. I have been dealing with it for several months and I lose hope all the time because they are so confused by my case. For most people it is an easy infection to beat, but it just hasn't been in the cards for me yet. I instead focus on just trying to take whatever life does give me and going with it. Like I said, when we are at our weakest, we are often at our strongest. Even if hope is failing us for the moment.

Hang in there and know you will get thing under some bit of control and that will make a big improvement. You just need to keep your spirits up and focusing on all the good until you get there.

thanks Kel,
I will do as you've suggested. I can't let this take any more from me than it has. When I paid my deposit last June I thought this would be done and dusted by now. How naive I was!
Thanks for the support. I'm embarresed that I dropped my bundle. Just find it hard to keep piecing myself together.
Cas

i will take out insurance once i make the final payment but it won't cover pre existing issues. It asks is there any reason i know of now why i may need to cancel. I will call them and check everything out before i sign on the dotted line.

That is so odd. I wonder if it is a location thing. I know my father in law said there were no ramifications if we ended up canceling at the last second even. Maybe it was because someone else is taking out the insurance too- though I can never imagine him saying he wouldn't have known ahead of time about my condition, even to save money. He is a doctor himself, so he is honest all the time. Hopefully everything will work out for you either way. Try not to worry about it too much now anyway. Tomorrow is a new day and as much as I know you fear things won't get better by then, there is always a chance that they will too.

i know i won't be healed by May. My fears are about being able to eat safely on board. Once I'm on I have no other options. I know for the three main meals I'll be ok. It's the snacks in between. I've emailed the company again but may have to wait for an answer. I think they're based in QLD and most of the CBD is flooded and 75% of the state is under water. I'll give them a weeks grace then email them again. Travel insurance must be different over there. No health cover in Australia whatsoever will cover pre-existing conditions- be it travel or regular. I don't think the gastritis will be such an issue in terms of claiming, as I haven't gone to the doctor with my pains for months now.
Thanks though and lets both enjoy our holidays!
Cas

I am def. going on the cruise and my mum is coming now. Somehow I feel more secure knowing she has my back. This will be a special trip.
Cas

Great idea! Don't worry too much about the food issue either. Bring some of the non-perishables with you if you can, that you know sit well. I am even shipping a box ahead of time, with everything I am taking, if I go.... (it all depends on the doctors approval and how I am doing by then also). Either way, even if you have to get a doctors note to grant extra approval for the food, take what you can. That way no worries!

Cas -
What cruise line are you going on?
For a bit of reassurance - I've been on 4.
They ALWAYS have food out!
Actually that's one of the things they're known for. :)
They have a big breakfast buffet, & food to go so you can grab a banana, or a roll for mid day. Lunch is the same thing, or they have sit down rest.
Then they also have snack shops on the ship too.
They also had little cafe shops on the ship too when I went last Sept.
They had little sandwiches along with the treats.
Do you eat sandwiches?
Are you gluten/wheat free?
B/c I'm sure you can have turkey on a roll/bread with lettuce.
Then dinner was sit down for most. They always had a selection of about 5 entrees.
OR they had a buffet open too!
AND you can tell them if you have specific dietery needs.
So, I hope this helps!
I honestly think you'll be fine!
When my husband & I went away in Sept for our 1 yr this past Sept, I was SO SCARED!!
We went to an all-inclusive in Mexico.
I actually had an anxiety attack the morning we left.
I got myself SO WORKED up b/c I was thinking OMG - what am I going to eat, is there a Dr on property in case I'm ill, etc.
And guess what - I was completely fine!!
It was all in my head!!
By the end of the weak, I was SO relaxed my tummy pains were practically non-exsistant!
They had such a variety of food, & they'll cook for you, so it wasn't a big deal!
So what if I had eggs or oatmeal everyday I told myself!
I'm here to relax & enjoy my husbands company!
So think positive!
Maybe let them the customer service ppl know ahead of time about your dietery needs & enjoy yourself!
By the way - where are you going?

Kel - same thing!
Disney is AWESOME with dietery needs!!
My niece is lactose intolerant & went last yr & my sister-in-law was very impressed!!

Do you both carry crackers with you?

I have been to Disney about nine times, so I am pretty familiar with their food options. It is more of an issue of getting my proteins and lactose free items down there- which we can ship directly to our resort. I don't really eat crackers anymore honestly. They were great for the gastritis, but the yeast I have read can help feed my colon infection, so I try to avoid it most of the time. Who knows though after I see the nutrionist next week, that may all change again!

Departing Brisbane then Noumea and Vanuatu. I've spoken with a P&O rep and feel ok now. They can make me wheat free breads and all i do is talk with the matre d daily about my options. I've emailed my food list and will update that in late April and of course take it with me.
What a killer being around so much food and still eating like a sparrow. Oh well I've guts myself most of my life so now I have to play nice.
Thanks for the support. Having mum coming with me now is a great comfort to me also.
Cas

You will be fine dietry wise cruising, they really do tend to your every need. I have done 2 so far. Absolutely nothing is too much trouble for them. You will feel like a new woman when you return.

Enjoy.
G.

this all sounds very encouraging. My mum is sharing the experience with me and I'm thrilled about that. There will be about 16 of us in the group. Watch out P&O!
Thanks so much for all the words of support. I'm no longer stressing about it. I just love this forum and everyone helping me through the maze.
Cas

Now that is the gal we all adore! Happy to hear you are feeling a bit more yourself. Never let this tear you down lovey. You are much stronger than your fear and this illness.

thanks raven. I gain so much strength and inspiration from all the amazing women in this group. I'm working with my naturopath and coping better on the rough days. I have some flower remedy to take when needed using Australian native plants. Haven't needed it yet. I'm sure it will help along with everything else.
Off to see my parents again next week which will be great. Only a short catch up this time though.