I feel like saying just forget it

[CountAllVotes]

:hi:
I was planning to go on a trip overseas at the end of June for two weeks to Ireland in hopes of seeing a physician there among other things.

However, with all of the things going on, I feel like saying to hell with it.

This includes the following:

1. Possible United Airlines strike
2. Have not traveled since 9/11
3. Do I really want to?
4. Reasons: All of this crap and searches, etc.; can't even bring a pair of nail clippers .
5. Hearing of all of the hatred of Americans abroad these days.
6. My inability to do many physical things due to poor health.

I have the ticket, reservations for hotels, etc. However, the way I'm feeling now (especially after given the "traveling with drugs" *warning*) I feel like saying to hell with it. I am already exhausted.

So horray for America! You have won! You are ALIENATING YOUR OWN CITIZENS.

Thanks so very much Mr. *.

:(

[BelleCarolinaPeridot]

1. Don't let this stop you from seeing whe world ...

And Ireland is a very beautiful country . I lived in Germany for 3 years and did not experience any hatred toward Americans . If there is any hatred its toward the Bush Junta and not Americans .

[uppityperson]

2. Don't let Mr.bush and his evil minions get to you. Go do it.

1. Do they have to accomdate you somehow?
2. So? Time to travel.
3. Yes, you want to see another doctor, take care of yourself
4. Searches are bs. Play their game, be polite, think rude things
5. Ireland will be fine. People generally like people, it's the gvt relationship that gets you into trouble, usually. Ireland should be fine.
6. Go now. See the doctor. Take care of yourself. It won't get any easier. Take it easy when you travel, don't overestimate what you can do. Sleep when you can and when you need to.

Fuck Mr.bush and his evil minions.

[CountAllVotes]

4. yes

and my health insurance is luckily good at this specialist in Dublin (actually my health insurance is better in Ireland than it is here in the USA if you can believe that one!). Also, a big reunion going on too and a couple of places I'd like to visit. I really want to go, but I feel very sick constantly and I must carry numerous prescription drugs with on such a long trip and many of them are considered "controlled" substances. This could be a total hell!

It will take me almost 20 hours to get to Dublin from where I live and I have wheelchairs lined up all the way. It is a discouraging way to attempt to travel at best, especially at my age.

I have been to Ireland before, but at this point, I'm becoming very discouraged of returning. I have yet to use my recently issued passport lying in wait. I wonder if I'll ever use it is how I feel now.

I have heard that Americans are "hated" in Ireland (an in-law) Direct quote: "Do you know how much they hate us!?" were the words (my brother-in-law is ready to go back after being here for over 50 years now; really bums me out and I feel like crying about it actually :cry:).

If this is true, I might as well not go where I am hated I was told as there will be no fun to be found nor help.

Hell I don't know. :(

[Southsideirish]

3. Is the Dr. a world specialist? Maybe it would be worth it to you.

Some conditions require the expertise of the very best.

[CountAllVotes]

6. yes he is a knee specialist

I consulted with him via a referral before 9/11 when they discovered the problem. Believe me it is a real nightmare.

I wrote him a letter and he said he would review my xrays if I sent them to him. However, there are huge and in a big folder thing alone with an MRI scan as well.

Here they are blaming this problem on another cause and this Dr. in Dublin thinks it may well be a congenital problem that I have had my entire life.

If this is the case, I have a whole lot more hope than what I get here. They last doctor I went to here literally laughed me out of the office when I asked for treatment.

[KT2000]

13. "laughed you out of the office"

or in other words - that is the new method of "gatekeeping" that doctors are expected to do to keep medical costs down.

I think you have identified some annoyances about travel but they are minute compared to the rest of the experience. Ten years from now you will remember Ireland - not the BS it took to get there.
I say go and enjoy.

[CountAllVotes]

14. sad isn't it?

I'm on Medicare and have a supplemental plan - cost for two persons is at present over $9,000 a year and yes, I was laughed out of the office. This same insurance will pay 80% of the bill being they do not have Medicare in Ireland. I could even get surgery if at all possible.

Pathetic IMO. At least this doctor in Dublin was interested in my case and I just found more info. about him on the web.

Keep hope alive!

[KissMyAsscroft]

5. Most of your fears are not going to materialize.

I think you are suffering from the belief that things that are far away somehow are different and have control over you. Most people have this same fear, and it's irrational because all industrialized nations are basically the same. Different languages and cultures, but the similarites far outweigh the differences.

If anyone gives you shit for being an American, just ignore them. Most people will probably just give you a good natured ribbing. It might actually result in you having a good conversation!

[CountAllVotes]

7. ok

Ok, I'll hang for awhile. I can cancel out up to within a couple of days of departure and get most of my money back. Believe me this is not cheap.

It may well be my last chance to ever go anywhere again, that is my personal reality.

It is so hard to face it.

And all of this going on I hope is irrational.

I've heard different things from different people. I have nothing to "hide" so to speak. In fact, if I get really disgusted I can stay forever if I like.

It could be a whole new world and life for me if I should so choose.

Opportunity only knocks once on your door.

:toast:

[amazona]

8. Do it, do it, do it!!!!!

You'll have a blast. I must be in the computer somewhere because I get searched a good deal, but it's just part of the game. Individual Americans are not hated abroad. I'll tell you a little secret. People know the trouble they've had getting their own governments to listen, and even if Americans expect more of ourselves, other peoples are more realistic and understand that we don't have Chimpy's ear. I can't even remember where-all I've traveled since 9-11 but Europe, Africa (Kenya), and Central America are on the list for sure. No one is going to hassle you for being American and if they do you can do what I saw another guy do in Paris, wear your Kerry/Edwards button even though the election is over. Or you can go the classic route of wearing the Canadian Maple Leaf. I haven't found a need to do either. People may ask you questions, just answer to the best of your ability and don't worry about it. They know you are not Bushie's personal buddy.

The searches are a pain but I get searched a lot for whatever reason and I just don't let it get to me. Your airline will have a list of prohibited items on its website. Use that list as a guide to packing, and you'll be fine. Don't wear an underwire bra, and wear shoes that you can take off easily to go through security. When a security person or airline personnel tells you to do something, do it, you don't have the same rights at the airport you do elsewhere. However, even the dreaded "patdown" is not so awful as people make it sound. It is done in a businesslike manner. No one is getting their jollies off this.

I don't know what drugs you travel with but do keep two copies of your prescriptions on hand just in case. My prescription drugs have not raised even a tiny eyebrow of interest (admittedly I am not prescribed any scheduled drugs). People with bum knees, diabetes, and who-knows-what-all travel all over the world without being arrested, although sometimes they may have to take extra time going through security. Always get to the airport early, and just don't let anyone get you aggravated.

Don't forget -- you can request a wheelchair if needed at the airport. If you have pain or fatigue and need the chair, insist on it. Don't let a disability keep you home, especially if you have a chance to see a doctor with a different perspective on your illness. My mom saw a doctor in Ireland and just loved her.

I believe you will never be sorry if you force yourself to go through with the trip. We all get pre-trip jitters but once we're there, we wonder what we were so worried about.

Go!!!!

P.S. While I have not been to Ireland itself, the Irish I meet traveling all over Europe are super-duper friendly and outgoing and couldn't care less if you are an American.

The conservation movement is a breeding ground of communists
and other subversives. We intend to clean them out,
even if it means rounding up every birdwatcher in the country.
--John Mitchell, US Attorney General 1969-72

[RagingInMiami]

9. I spent 18 months in Dublin and loved it

They are awesome people. I was there when Clinton gave a speech and they loved him. And they hate Bush, judging by the way they protested him when he visited the country.

But they won't take it out on you, especially if you tell them you hate bush yourself.

[CountAllVotes]

11. I know all about how they are

being one of them myself so to speak. I'm married to a man from Ireland also so I'm been around them my entire life like it or not. I'm not afraid of the Irish people, just all the bull you have to go through to get there.

My doctor will love this - copies of my RX's? I'll have to check into this further because I will be taking 3 of them at least with me on the flight. They are in their bottles with my name on them. Do I need something more?

[RagingInMiami]

12. As long as you have your prescriptions, you should be fine

I've traveled a lot since 9/11, from coast to coast several times, as well into South America, and I've never had any problem aside from having to get to the airport much earlier and having to take off my shoes when walking through the metal detector.

You should just keep your medication in your bag and not even bring it up. Chances are, they won't even find it cause they won't be looking that hard.

[CornField]

10. Buy a t-shirt with a maple leaf on it and go!

If you don't, I bet you'll regret it.