Odd question

[Cruisegirl6]

Hello,

 

I have been diagnosed with Lupus and Mixed Connective Tissue disease and live with bad to severe daily pains in my joints throughout my body. My question is, I am unable to get FTTF, we booked up a cruise this past week for December 5th it was last minute because I was unsure whether I can travel due to being on medication that lowers my resistance to disease and infections (doctor didn't suggest me going in places with a lot of people) and due to bad side effects I chose to come off the medication so I be able to travel.

 

Since I am unable to get FTTF, would they allow me to board first such as disabled people are allowed to board the planes first? Does anybody know the answer, thank you so much!

[tiggerlover]

Carnival Fascination, ported in Jacksonville, is an easy ship to embark and disembark. I don't remember long lines either way, hence no long waits. :)

Edited October 31, 2015 by tiggerlover

[Homosassa]

Call Carnival and ask what you need for documentation for special assistance.

[firemanbobswife]

Sorry to hear about your health issues :(. No, they do not have boarding like that. However, you may just want to wait to get to the port until about 1PM or so so there should be minimal lines and your room will be ready.

[firemanbobswife]

But I would keep checking multiple times a day for FTTF. You may still get lucky and snag one! Which ship are you going on?

[Cruisegirl6]

Thank you, I will arrive very early in the am, I would think getting there by 10:15-10:30 would be less lines than arriving at 1pm, I will keep looking maybe one will open up? I

truly appreciate the help everybody thank you.

 

We booked the Carnival Fascination its just a 30 minute drive to the port for us and we are booked on the Carnival Magic for April 30th.

Edited October 31, 2015 by lyndamr

[firemanbobswife]

Not sure about that ship, but there are lots of people that get there early waiting to be the first to board in Miami when we go on the Glory/Conquest. Last time we got there at 10:30am (FTTF) and had to stand. The place was packed!

 

Just grab a seat (hopefully), bring a book or something, and relax. Let the masses push their way through and go when you don't have to stand for a long time. I would bring minimal things with you so you don't have to lug them around waiting for your room to open up.

[cb at sea]

I wouldn't get there that early, as you may have to wait until they actually START boarding. After 11am, you can be pretty sure that boarding is underway, and the lines (if any) should be moving smoothly by then.

[KevInPitt]

In my opinion if you are within driving distance, arrive later. The lines will not be longer as most are either coming in the day before and from a hotel with early check out or just eager to be on board as soon as possible.

 

With your mobility issues it would better serve you to arrive later, not earlier, so that you can be assured to get the assistance you need with boarding.

 

Trying to navigate the early boarding crush is something I would want to avoid if better alternatives were feasible.

 

Safe and comfortable travels whatever you decide.

[Schoifmom]

You have a valid medical condition which may require special assistance and consideration with boarding. Contact the special needs department regarding this and you will be placed into the special needs boarding group which goes just free FTTF. Hidden illnesses are still illnesses ( I struggle with one myself). Get all the help you need. Don't be a hero. Do what you need to in order to conserve your pain tolerance and have fun on your cruise!

[steph7021]

Hi there...my 16 year old son was diagnosed with Lupus 4 years ago and now my 17 year old daughter was just diagnosed as well. Of course, every single lupus case is different but we were pleasantly surprised as to how much better our son felt with his arthritic symptoms on a cruise. Being at sea level was helpful. Hope you are still able to enjoy cruising!

[RuthlessBoss]

In my opinion if you are within driving distance, arrive later. The lines will not be longer as most are either coming in the day before and from a hotel with early check out or just eager to be on board as soon as possible.

 

With your mobility issues it would better serve you to arrive later, not earlier, so that you can be assured to get the assistance you need with boarding.

 

Trying to navigate the early boarding crush is something I would want to avoid if better alternatives were feasible.

 

Safe and comfortable travels whatever you decide.

 

Get there later. Also it will be closer to your cabin being ready.

[Jana60]

Hello,

 

I have been diagnosed with Lupus and Mixed Connective Tissue disease and live with bad to severe daily pains in my joints throughout my body. My question is, I am unable to get FTTF, we booked up a cruise this past week for December 5th it was last minute because I was unsure whether I can travel due to being on medication that lowers my resistance to disease and infections (doctor didn't suggest me going in places with a lot of people) and due to bad side effects I chose to come off the medication so I be able to travel.

 

Since I am unable to get FTTF, would they allow me to board first such as disabled people are allowed to board the planes first? Does anybody know the answer, thank you so much!

 

I agree with the person who told you to arrive later rather than early. It will decrease your wait if you wait to get to the port until boarding has already started plus you won't be in big crowds then. You should also discuss with your rheumatologist more information concerning your medication for lupus. Lupus causes a lot more than just joint pain and you may require that medication to protect your body against the lung, or kidney, or blood effects of the disease which would make stopping the medication dangerous for you. Your lupus may not be affecting those organs but you should certainly discuss the pros and cons of discontinuing your medication before you do so.

[Cruisegirl6]

Schoifmom, sorry to hear your dealing with health issues also ugh. You seem to know me, I do tend to push myself hard and I pay the price higher lol. I will contact that department monday as they are closed on weekends, thanks a bunch!!

 

Steph7021- That saddens me to hear your son is diagnosed that early and your daughter!! HORRIBLE!!! Nobody that young should have to deal with such bad illnesses, so sorry. I started at the age of 32 with fibromyalgia, now its leading to all this other stuff, my dad is now soon to turn 81, he recently was diagnosed with auto immune problems also, so it is in the genes as you probably already know. YES....I feel the best on cruises oh my gosh a lot less pains. I don't know whether its the pressure, the salt air, but I believe its the negative ions (they are positive for us and have so many benefits one being it reduces pain and inflammation) that are released from the water, read up on that its interesting and its a fact, yes, its so true thats the only place I feel the best when at sea.

 

Jana60 hello- My rheumatologist had me on methotrexate, horrible side effects, then he tried Mycophenolate Mofetil but because my father every two months is being tested for multiple myeloma and lymphoma, he took me off because I have the gene for that also and taking that medication increases you getting those diseases. Then he wanted me to go on Azathioprine well I didn't fill it I just sick of biological meds, but like you said so does my doctor that if I don't take something it will attack my main organs, so I think perhaps I will fill it this week, you seem to wake me up and have me see the light lets say and thank you for that!! My heart is already is effected, have multiple skipped deep beats, had to wear the holter monitor this week and I also developed high blood pressure being put on medication for that next week, so I needed to hear you say what you did to get me to take a medication to help myself, big hug to you!!

 

Everybody you been so kind and I truly appreciate everything all of you have said and mentioned. Its difficult times that make us sometimes realize there are many good people in this world, we just hear about the bad things that happen out there, truly appreciate your comments and suggestions. :p

[Boozebabe]

On my last cruise I had FTTF and was in a wheelchair. The masses of people totally ignored me and cut right in front of me. I am willing to wait my turn in line but others don't seem to.Because of my experience I would suggest waiting until about 1:00 to arrive. Now I'm using a scooter and that is my plan for our next cruise. That way by the time we get our S&S cards and get on the ship and grab a bite to eat our cabin will be ready and no FTTF fee.

 

If you have mobility issues I would suggest a scooter or wheelchair. Rent one on your own from your local medical supply place or a place that sells them. A 7 day scooter rental thru Special needs at sea is more than $200. Locally I can rent one for $75 per week. They come apart and will fit in your trunk. Sounds like it would be a great advantage for you. You won't tire out so quickly.

[ladygal4.4]

Don't show up early unless you like waiting in an airport-like terminal. Most people show up between 10-1.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Cruisegirl6]

I limp when I walk because of the pains in the feet and legs....but in May on the Valor I checked and found out if I needed a wheelchair I was able to rent one. I could use a cane yes, but I won't give into this pain, I am only 52 years old and have to live the rest of my life with pain so going into a wheelchair is not going to happen right now, later on when I am older and weaker. I am a true taurus, stubborn to the bone, real stubborn. :cool:

 

I go later as you all suggested or sit there and wait thank you so very much everybody.

[nwo4life]

After arriving early for 13 cruises, last trip we decided to wait until the early rush was over to arrive. It was a much more pleasant experience. I hate the traffic and waiting in a large terminal with 1000+ people who all think they should board as soon as the doors open.

[Cruisegirl6]

The good thing is this next cruise is on a small ship the Fascination our of Jax so its not a lot of people compared to the newer and larger ships. ;)

[Jana60]

Jana60 hello- My rheumatologist had me on methotrexate, horrible side effects, then he tried Mycophenolate Mofetil but because my father every two months is being tested for multiple myeloma and lymphoma, he took me off because I have the gene for that also and taking that medication increases you getting those diseases. Then he wanted me to go on Azathioprine well I didn't fill it I just sick of biological meds, but like you said so does my doctor that if I don't take something it will attack my main organs, so I think perhaps I will fill it this week, you seem to wake me up and have me see the light lets say and thank you for that!! My heart is already is effected, have multiple skipped deep beats, had to wear the holter monitor this week and I also developed high blood pressure being put on medication for that next week, so I needed to hear you say what you did to get me to take a medication to help myself, big hug to you!!

 

I'm just a family practice doctor, not a specialist, but I have learned two important things in my many years of practice: #1) you have the right to make your own medical decisions and only you can make those decisions whether others agree with you are not. #2) Before you make any decision about your health you should discuss it thoroughly with your doctor and express all your concerns then you can make your Healthcare decisions based on complete facts.

 

I wish you the best and have a great cruise!!!

[dezertcruzer]

lyndamr,

 

I also have Lupus & Mixed Connective Tissue Disease. I strongly urge you to ask for wheel chair transportation as soon as you arrive at the pier. They will take you through the check-in process and all the way onto the ship. This is a free service they offer. I always extend a generous tip to the person who helps me out. It will take SOOO much stress off your embarkation if you will do this. Do the same to disembark.

 

Good luck!

[Cruisegirl6]

Jana60- Im actually a bit afraid speaking to my doctor telling him I don't want a biologic, I don't want him to think I don't trust him, oddly, all my other doctors, primary, gyn, endocrinologist, gastrointerolgist, hemotologist/onocologst and cardiologist I can be all honest, laughing, joking, and disagreeing but this one I don't know why? Perhaps because he is a very serious doctor never laughed and he is the most senior of doctors I have but I just can't tell him I don't want a biologic....but I will think things over and find a way because maybe he will have another different plan to help me, your right Dr./Jana60 thank you for the talk and putting sense into me, I am sure you are all right. ;)

 

dezertcruzer thank you for what you said.... Do you take a medication for it, if so would love to hear your experience/suggestions....to anybody who would like to talk or email me my email is lyndammr@yahoo.com

I realize that this isn't the complaint board and I am sorry, but I appreciate all your suggestions and help and will take them into consideration for sure, thanks a bunch!!!

 

FYI to anybody the best shoes are Vionic Orthoheel they help me walk better, going to try ABEP from the Walking company and Dansko soon too. Shoes do matter lol.

Edited October 31, 2015 by lyndamr

[SweetPea0517]

I found Dansko shoes comfortable but they made my knee joints hurt for some reason.

 

I would recommend letting Carnival know a head of time you will need wheelchair service. Our first cruise they saw my husband struggling & went to get one for him. It meant the world to us for the help, I know they do not always have one available so you may want to discuss getting a transport chair for the times you need it just to help out when needed!

[singbluesilver1]

I was diagnosed with lupus last year after being sick over a year and I am so tired all the tine, total fatigue. It's terrible. I'm only 44

[moniquet]

Does having lupus affect travel insurance?