Vacations?

[Chrissie]

Hi everyone. I was just wondering if you guys felt or feel comfortable taking your heart kiddos on vacations? Our family is planning a trip to Island Park and I am so parinoid to take Kylie. Is there restrictions on going places? Do we need to worry about oxygen issues being in the mountains?

I am going to try cardiology to see what they say, but thought I would ask all of you! Thanks

Chrissie

[MatthewsMom]

We have taken our little guy to Island Park several times and have never had any problems with increased oxygen need. Luckily (I suppose...?) he has always been on oxygen since birth, so we had a good supply of it if he were to need it, but he never needed any more than normal. We also traveled to the midwest this summer through high elevations in WY and did not have any trouble. I have talked to our cardiologist about each of our prospective vacations and he has always unquestionably approved. I'm sure every kiddo is different, but that is our experience.

Right now, we are not sure if we will be going on any vacations before summertime. I'm thinking that it would probably be fine for us to do, but I get so anxious being around so many family members who, while caring a ton about Matthew, are simply not as careful as my husband and I. Call it paranoia if you will. :) I just don't want him to get sick! So our Christmas and rest-of-the-winter plans are yet to be determined...

I hope you get to go/enjoy your vacation!

Ashley

[Alli and Kyle Hicken]

We have taken Grant to Island Park multiple times and we always end up needing some additional oxygen, but it really depends on where you are. Our cabin is around 7500 feet and so we always use it at least at night. Our cardiologist first had us take tanks up and our sat monitor and just see where he was at during the day. Now that Grant is off oxygen all together, we have still been told to keep him on some at night at high elevations, but then again, that is just Grant. If you were not as high up (since Island Park has quite a bit of variance in elevation depending on where you are) you would probably be ok. We are going to take Grant up in a few weeks for his first winter cabin trip which involves snowmobiling in and I am a little nervous about that, but we will find a way. Good luck on your vacation!

Alli

[Heart Mommy]

Gator has been on two airplanes, I worried about that the most, because our destinations were always to sea level... I have never seen him more happy than at that elevation. I wish we could live there. But we have been to Park City, In winter. A couple of times. He gets tired a bunch easier but hasn't needed O2. I like the idea of having it on hand if you need it. Have fun making memories... Those types of things you can NEVER have enough of....:rolleyes:

[Lisa Owens]

We spend a ton of time in Island Park and McKinley has never had any problems. Go and enjoy!!

[Chrissie]

We made it Island park, and Kylie's sats were great, she did wear down a lot faster and slept a ton, but she stayed above 80 the whole time!!!! As for me and the hubs LOL We hit a tree sledding, he got bruised ribs and I got a broken shoulder blade ;0), I don't think we will go back any time soon!! Thanks for all the help.

[Mindi D]

Yikes! That is scary! I'm glad your girlie did good though :)