Go on vacation or not?

[jordansmom4life]

I live in new york and am planning a trip to florida in the end of july. I have to drive because cardiology will not allow my son to fly. The doctors have medically cleared him so far but I am still so very nervous. It makes me crazy thinking that I am leaving my security blanket here and driving so very far away. Any advice for a first time vacationer with a cardiac and digeorge kid?

[shellymom]

Is the trip necessary? Is there someone else, other than your son of course, going along with you for moral support? I would say to trust your instincts. Maybe there's a reason your so nervous? I don't know how old your son is, and I'm not a doctor, so I would be nervous going that far too. LOL So I'm probably not the best person to give advice, I was a nervous Mommy when my son was very little. My confidence has grown as he's grown and gotten stronger. Maybe you could wait til you feel more confident to go on the trip? Or just trust the doctors who cleared him, and keep them on speed dial. Plan ahead, learn all the hospital's phone numbers along the way and directions to them...lol.  Maybe that'll help boost your confidence too, having a back up plan if something goes wrong. If the docs have cleared him then he should be fine. Maybe the trip will help YOU to be more confident. :)

[jordansmom4life]

Thanks for that reply. def made me feel better. I am jut nervous cause he is only 19 months old. I trust the doctors but my nervousness of leaving my security here is whats getting to me. I will have my parents and my grandparents with me so I def have a support section with me. But this will be the first time i am leaving the state so still a little nervous!

[bailey0919]

I know its hard to balance normal activities when you have a child with so many complex issues.  If you are set on going, just do some pre-planning and take with you the name and phone number of your son's cardiologist and also do a little research and find out the names and phone numbers of children's hospitals that  are along the path of your planned route.

I can tell you that if you drive through GA, Children's healthcare of Atlanta is an excellent organization for our kids.  Pediatric Cardiology is located at Children's at Egelston the number is 404-250-kids. 

If you run into trouble, call 911 tell them he's a cardiac baby and if at all possible, he needs to be taken to the nearest children's hospital.

Try not to worry, just be prepared for what you would do "in case."

Good luck to you and I hope you enjoy the trip.