Being on TPN does not mean you can never go away again. I have been to the Lake District, the Isle of Skye and further. It takes planning, and the earlier you start the easier it is.
Start with your nutrition team
Talk to them before you book anything. They can tell you whether it is safe, help you plan around your feeds, and give you a letter explaining your condition, your line and the equipment you carry.
Tell your homecare company early
They can often deliver your bags and supplies to where you are staying, in the UK and sometimes abroad. Deliveries abroad can need several weeks' notice, so contact them as soon as you have dates. Check how your bags will be stored when they arrive, especially if they need a fridge.
Packing
- Pack more supplies than you need, in case of delays.
- Keep your pump, charger, dressings and line care kit in your hand luggage, never only in the hold.
- Bring your letter, your prescription details and your nutrition team's phone numbers.
- Take a cool bag if your bags need to stay cold on the journey, and plug adaptors for your pump charger.
Flying
Contact the airline before you fly. Most allow extra medical equipment, and many offer help at the airport. Tell security staff you have a central line and medical equipment before you go through.
Insurance and healthcare abroad
Buy travel insurance that covers your condition, and tell the insurer about it fully. If you are travelling to an EU country, take your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). It covers necessary state healthcare in the EU and a few other countries, but it is not travel insurance and will not pay to get you home. Find out where the nearest hospital is to where you are staying.
Remember: every trip I have done started with a conversation with my nutrition team. Start there.