Travelling & Contact numbers

[rossi_mac]

Hi,

I'm heading off to Morocco with some mates on a long weekend trip bit of walking and some rafting. I'm a bit concerned about monitoring while being active but I'm sure I'll be fine, there a good bunch of lads and know me well.

However as I'm quite new to this I saw my new Diabetes hospital doctor for the first time last month, and he suggested that I should find the telephone number for my Insulin supplier or similar that I can contact in Morocco that speaks english? I've tried but failed, not sure why I need it, there's only so much planning/prevention you can do, should I also book a funeral director just in case!?

Any comments welcome.

Thanks

 

[aymes]

Try giving diabetes uk a call, they produce guides for most countries with useful information, telephone contacts etc.

 

[Northerner]

I guess the problem might be if, for some reason, your insulin supply got compromised - broken, lost, overheated etc. then you'd need to find some more pronto. The manufacturer should be able to provide you with the necessary info for the country you're visiting - e.g. whether it has an alternative name, and what places might stock it.

 

[rossi_mac]

Cheers, I will.

 

[Sugarbum]

there's only so much planning/prevention you can do, should I also book a funeral director just in case!?

Any comments welcome.

Thanks

You really made me chuckle with that!!!! I know your pain!!!
Cant think why you would need your insulin manufacturers number, unless you were after shares.....perhaps its Lucozade you should be calling for sponsorship of your raft???! 😉

 

[Copepod]

Rossi Mac
I think you're right to put your faith in yourself and your friends, rather than an insulin supplier. Concentrate on not losing / damaging your supplies by taking spares and keeping the stashes separately. If you do need replacement insulin, I'd go first to a pharmacy - hotels and tour operators will be able to recommend one where English (or more likely, French) is spoken, as well as Arabic. That will be much quicker than replying on a supply to be sent from the manufacturer. It might be worth getting contact details for your insulin and glucose meter - not for Morocco, more for general informtation, as I found them very hlepful when first diagnosed - they less restrictive in the temperature and humidity ranges when I spoke with them than what they print in their patient information leaflets and gave helpful advice for looking after insulin, meters and strips in climates more extreme than UK - and I have spent the last 13 years testing their products!
I spent a lovely week in Morocco in May 2001, which included 3 days hiking between gites in the Atlas Mountains, visiting Marakesh and swimming in Atlantic Ocean - pretty hot weather, cold sea, very friendly and interesting.

 

[rossi_mac]

People,

Thanks (again) I've done all you said so will be prepared for all events (sugarbum - I can't decide on music, so I'm holding off on funeral arrangements!)

Keep smililng.

 

[rossi_mac]

I've just got responses in time before I go from both Diabetes UK and my Supplier, really pleased. I'm sure nothing will happen as I've just found out I'll be up the mountains most of the time!

 

[Copepod]

Morocco - travel insurance altitude limits

Hi Ross, as you're going into the mountains, can I just suggest that you check if your travel insurance policy has an altitude limit - when we hiked in Atlas Mountains, we crossed passes just over 2000m, which is the maximum altitude for some policies. Not that the risk suddenly doubles or somethins when you go from 2000m to 2001m - but insurance companies are good at finding ways to avoid paying out.

 

[rossi_mac]

Cheers, yes, I've been told we will pass over 2000 but spend most time under so I haven't told the insurance company, their details says no need to tell them and not covered! But I've paid the extra for white water rafter to grade 5!Not sure what to expect a lot of water I suppose.

 

[Copepod]

White water grading

For a description of white water grading and rafting in Scotland, see http://adventure.visitscotland.com/...er-rafting/?page=2&order=-1337886101931998672
or http://www.blackmountain.co.uk/whitewater/White-water-kayaking.htm (scroll to bottom of page) gives an idea how to interpret grades if kayaking in Wales.

Just be aware that the same white water grade affects rafters, kayakers and canoeists differently - and inexperienced rafter can get down grades that a similarly inexperienced person in a kayak or canoe couldn't, although inflatable kayaks, decent wetsuits (buoyancy and protection against abrasion if you come into contact with rocks) and helmets open up higher grades to inexperienced kayakers on similar grades to rafting.

I've only kayayed up to grade III in Wales and rafted on what was approx V in Chile. You'll love it!