macca22au Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 To all of us ancients who still like to travel: my wife and I are each 79yrs of age. Over recent years as my heart has got worse, we have confined ourselves to travel in Australia and NZ where public health schemes are reciprocal and Travel Insurance is thereby affordable. (The USA is a total no-no). My wife is fit and active, so the understanding is that if anything happened it would be to me. We left from Sydney on a cruise around NZ and back to Sydney. Six days into the cruise after near perfect weather we found ourselves in Wellington, where my wife took seriously ill. Suddenly I was the carer! Being a cruise line we were quickly dumped ashore, tho to be fair the on-board medical help was good, and an ambulance took her to the local hospital and the Port Agent fixed up accommodation close to the hospital for me. But walking up and down slopes I found very hard, but fortunately we have many relatives in NZ. My wife’s niece flew up from Christchurch and probably saved my life, and fetched and carried for both of us. Six days later we arrived in Brisbane flying directly from NZWN, we were met by our doctor daughter who immediately had her admitted to a local hospital. I am staying with daughter and son-in-law but we’re still 60 miles from home. Some costs have not stopped...as well as the killing worry. Moral: don’t assume that it is the unhealthy partner who will take sick. My wife’s condition is not life threatening but I can’t risk it happening again. I am simply unable to give her the help she needed. Long distance travel is out. Standby for endless screenshots. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rodger Pettichord Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 Macca, I can't imagine how difficult this has been for you, your wife, and your family. What a shock! Please know that you are held dear here and please keep us apprised. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Kane Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 Macca had I known you were stranded in Wellington Hospital I could have given you a hand. We are frequent flyers at Wellington Hospital as I have a daughter that at 2 months old got a case of meningitis. She recovered but is still in that hospital very regularly to monitor development until she turns 2. She is now 7 months old but seems like everything is fine, lucky baby. Anyhow I am well known in that hospital and think the world of the care. Had I known you were there I would have been happy to take you for lunch or bring you provisions, I am very used to doing that job now. Good thing you had family to help and I wish you and your wife the best. If you come back to Wellington let me know. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macca22au Posted February 1, 2019 Author Share Posted February 1, 2019 Thank you Rodger for your kind words, and Matthew I am sorry about your family trauma, really sorry, and I hope your daughter keeps on improving. However, I also realise that any of us in similar circumstances should put out a call for help on these pages. Simmers are truly international. Matthew I stayed at the Southgate across the street, and ate at Bebemos every night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveller Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 Macca, In the end, that's fine. The important thing is that you are aware of the limitations that surround you both - you and your wife. I wish the best for both of you. Cheers, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lifejogger Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 Ian ,I am so sorry about your wife getting sick and I am praying for a full recovery!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macca22au Posted February 2, 2019 Author Share Posted February 2, 2019 Traveller thank you for your wise words. Lifejogger, we are grateful for your prayers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingleaf Posted February 2, 2019 Share Posted February 2, 2019 Ian I wish your wife a speedy recovery and for you all the very best. God Bless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olderndirt Posted February 8, 2019 Share Posted February 8, 2019 Ian - as a long time heart patient (bypass-AAA-angina) I can sympathize with your shrinking radius of operations. My best to your wife and bring on those screenshots. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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