Traveling with Lupus...

[Hamster]

I tried doing a search on this topic and was unsuccessful. Has anyone traveled to Mexico with Lupus, or any other disease that compromised their immune system? What was your experience like? I am aware of the precautions to take while down there, but I am just wondering if it is that risky.

[Lil G]

Originally Posted by Hamster

I tried doing a search on this topic and was unsuccessful. Has anyone traveled to Mexico with Lupus, or any other disease that compromised their immune system? What was your experience like? I am aware of the precautions to take while down there, but I am just wondering if it is that risky.

Haven't heard of any extra precautions. Have a family friend that is dealing with it. I will try and get her email and hook y'all up together. She has been dealing with it about nine years now. The only thing I know is for that area...you cannot donate blood. They consider you a malaria risk. Thoughts and prayers with you.

[Hamster]

Originally Posted by Lil G

Haven't heard of any extra precautions. Have a family friend that is dealing with it. I will try and get her email and hook y'all up together. She has been dealing with it about nine years now. The only thing I know is for that area...you cannot donate blood. They consider you a malaria risk. Thoughts and prayers with you.

I appreciate your response. Do you know if your friend traveled to Mexico without any problems? I was just concerned because I hear so many stories of people getting sick, and I never know who to believe. My travel agent advised me to only travel to St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, and Aruba. Her reasoning was that they had a safer water supply. I don't know if she is being over-cautious. We traveled to Punta without any major intestinal problems, eventhough several people were sick with vomiting and diarrhea. I would hate to miss out on Mexico.

[Lil G]

Originally Posted by Hamster

I appreciate your response. Do you know if your friend traveled to Mexico without any problems? I was just concerned because I hear so many stories of people getting sick, and I never know who to believe. My travel agent advised me to only travel to St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, and Aruba. Her reasoning was that they had a safer water supply. I don't know if she is being over-cautious. We traveled to Punta without any major intestinal problems, eventhough several people were sick with vomiting and diarrhea. I would hate to miss out on Mexico.

Don't know about that. I always just drink the bottled water. You can't go wrong there. In some of the places we have stayed, I have drank the water, not thinking about it, brushing my teeth as such. I am still checking for you though, trying to track down her brother in law. He is the one I stay most in touch with. Her husband was my high school coach!

[Hamster]

Lil G, I appreciate your thought and effort. You are sweetheart. Thanks so much!

[jessimn]

I have traveled to Playa with Rhuematoid Arthritis (Very similar to Lupus) with no problems I was very careful though. I did not drink the water or have anything with ice, I used bottled water for brushing my teeth. I also brought antibiotic hand gel. I was also very worried before I left since I have a very low immune system but being very careful worked well for me. Just be careful like I am sure you are now (with cold and flu season) and you should be fine. Go enjoy yourself.... Playa has been so far my favorite vacation spot and cant wait to go back.

[Heather]

[quote=jessimn]I have traveled to Playa with Rhuematoid Arthritis (Very similar to Lupus) with no problems I was very careful though. I did not drink the water or have anything with ice, I used bottled water for brushing my teeth. I also brought antibiotic hand gel. QUOTE]

Just so you know, all ice served in restaurants and bars here is made from purified water.

Incidentally, I have a friend who lives here who has been suffering from lupus for much of her life, but has not suffered any serious effects for some time.

[jessimn]

I understand that most of the ice there is made with purified water, but with a very low immune system you can never be to careful. Just to say I am not a medical Dr. but I have lived with my disease for 12 years and have had lots of experience traveling and just giving some of my tips for staying away from something that could lead to something serious. Unfortunaly people with auto-immune diseases that in turn has lead to a comprimised immune systems have to be extra careful, things that a healthy person comes in contact with and have no problems could lead to something very serious to someone like me.
Anyway I loved Playa and will be back as soon as possible.....So Hamster go and enjoy yourself just be careful, just like at home!

[Michael]

The word "all" contradicts my own experience in Playa. I think Jessi summed up the situation very well.

[james]

as Heather mentioned, we have a very good friend here with the disease that you can speak with if you are interested. PM me or Heather and we will be happy to ask her if she wouldn't mind replying to you directly.

If anyone has any specific, personal experiences, please PM the thread author.