My son is 8, diagnosed at 6 and this year we took the plunge and I got over my fear of travelling with him and went to the Dominican Republic in May and we just got back from California last week. I must say he was great. I was a nervous wreck and almost cancelled but we all had to go since my brother was getting married!
We are a family of 5, I also have a 13 year old and a 5 year old but they, thankfully,are diabetes free!
I was extremely prepared for the trip, with extra everything. My son doesn't have a pump, so two different insulins, needles, lancets, strips etc...enough for 3weeks! I had a letter also for airport security from Mikey's doctor. I was so prepared and of course they asked for nothing. The only thing I wasn't allowed to pass was his junior juice boxes, which I suspected. No big deal since I bought an apple juice once we passed security.
The only problem was once we arrived to the Domincan. We arrived at the airport and were quickly whisked away to our bus that was to take us to the resort. I didn't have anytime to buy another apple
juice. The bus drive was another hour and Mikey's sugars were high, since there was a lot of time sitting. I had to give him insulin but I was afraid to since I didn't have any juice or candy in the event that he went low. I gave him a bit of insulin and once we got to the resort my husband went quickly looking for juice. By the time we got our room it was very late and we had to eat late. It all worked out well but if I were to do that again I would definitely pack more than one snack and lots of candies..
The entire Domincan trip was a success, everyone got the touch of some stomach flu bug that lasted a few hours except Mikey. He was great!!
On the way back again, no problems at security in the Domincan it was easier than Toronto.
Our next trip to California, again I almost cancelled because I was scared of the American security. Again I had no problems, I even pointed out to them that I was caring insulin for my diabetic son and that I had a letter and they just smiled and wished me a nice day!? Don't get me wrong I'm very happy about our experience just a little mad at myself for being so paranoid. On the way back from San Diego, they looked at Mikey's insulin bag and pulled me aside to talk to me about the contents of the bag. I was quick to show them my letter but the lady at security said actually that it wasn't the insulin or the supplies...they were curious of a little bottle that was in the bag.
I had forgotten that I had placed my little bottle of oil of oregano with my son's supplies and that is what they were curious about! After testing it they wished me a very safe flight and that was it!! The San Diego airport security was just like the Buffalo security, extremely friendly and understanding!!
We had an amazing time in California and even went to Disneyland!! I do recomend that if you do go to Disneyland go for the "fastpass" which gets you on rides faster!
The 3 hour difference was hard on all of us but Mikey still did great! We adjusted and his sugars were perfect!
To all of you that are afraid or hestitant to travel or fly just be prepared. I had so many lists and started preparing way in advance. My fear only made more organized. Everything was great. We are back in Canada and Mikey is doing great and has fond memories of his trips.
Next, we are planning to go to Chile, South America in July. I must say I'm just excited, not scared!!
