Travellers with a total Laryngectomy

Cliff Wilson - Sooty · Member

Travellers with a total Laryngectomy

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Welcome to the gang Sooty, enjoy here and out in the playground.

Gee, I haven't heard a name like that since I was an ankle biter. Memories of a little teddy bear on TV.

Now, as long as you are aware of your "special equipment" needed I reckon just enjoy each day and maybe plan a little but in a way that it can change if and as needed. I usually have a plan in place but have been known to turn left at the intersection I was going to turn right at because I changed my mind at the very last minute. I do allow enough time to indicate to behind traffic as not to cause any problems though.

I might book ahead or I might not, depending on where I want to stay at night. Bookings tie your plan down though.

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

hufnpuf · Senior Member

Might your condition require you to get sudden medical attention? In some (many?) places (not "beyond civilization" places, either) there is no mobile phone reception. If you are likely to, or may need to, contact somebody in relation to your health immediately wherever you are, you might want to travel equipped with a satellite phone. Also, if you need to see somebody, get supplies or whatever, plan well ahead. Even a large rural town might not have the full range you can access in the city and small towns might not have anyone or anything you'll need. Have fun.

Cliff Wilson - Sooty · Member

G'day Doug, thanks for the quick reply. I got in touch with an associate from Atos Medical, He has said that he knows of a few people that are on the road traveling around in their caravans that are in the same situation as me. I've made sure that I have at least a 6 month supply of the special equipment that I'll need each day of my travels. Once I'm on the road I'm going to endeavour to keep a journal of the trials and tribulations of a traveler with a laryngectomy. Hah!, one day at a time and plan ahead, sounds like good advice. I'm not goint to be in any rush now. I've retired from the workforce and have a nice long look at this wonderful country of ours. Only a couple of months of

Cliff Wilson - Sooty · Member

Sorry about that I got distracted. Only a couple of months of rehab on my shoulders to go before I can head off. Can't wait. Cheers Sooty

Whenarewethere · Guru

If it is your first trip I would do a small local trip of a week or two to iron out what you need to take & more importantly what not to take! You get better at this after a few trips.

Apart from what others have mentioned, tyre repair kit & compressor. TPMS tyre pressure monitoring system. Copies of all paperwork that you can show people might make things easier.

There is an endless list of things to see out there & I am sure it will keep you very occupied!

Possum3 · Guru

Welcome Sooty,
We have met a few laryngectomy people on the road, (Child Bride does all the talking anyway so no problems),Seriously as I see it the major problem would be dust and insects - so ensure you get a good mesh bug protector that extends from over the head to tuck in like a cravat. With good battery systems/solar panels/inverter/refrigeration - Medical conditions rarely impede travel, just ensure you have written copies of medical needs/ prescriptions, remember specialist drugs are normally not readily available at remote locations even some Country Cities need several days notice to have some drugs express delivered. You may also consider getting a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Satellite Phone.

JeffRae · Guru

Hello Sooty,

Download a list of country public hospitals with emergency departments, if needed, you know where they are.

Also have the RFDS phone number handy, my wife was unwell when in Sandstone and she was flown back to Perth, no charge

Cheers, JeffRae

-- Edited by JeffRae on Saturday 28th of November 2020 08:00:38 PM

cjt55 · Senior Member

Agree with possum3. I have a Personal Locater Beacon (PLB) which provides security anywhere and for any situation you might find yourself in. It sits in the car in the glovebox between the seats for easy access whilst on the move and I take it with me when I go bush walking etc.

finleygal · Member

Hi Sooty and welcome

I travel by myself and have a Sure Safe Go Alarm. It has its own sim card, gps positioning and fall alert. If the sos button is pressed, it will continually dial the five preset numbers until there is an answer. The person contacted can talk to you by phone because it is a standalone sim card, you can give details of fall/accident/requirement, and your contact can call ambos/police/ emergency services and give the gps position. It has been extremely useful. It has some extras where boundaries can be sent for family members who wander, speed alarms if your vehicle goes over a set speed (lol I didn't activate that!!).

It truly gives me a sense of independence and security, and can be worn discreetly. It uses an Aldi 4g prepaid card, $15 per annum ... couldn't ask for anything better to make me feel safe!

www.personalalarms.net.au/suresafego-anywhere-alarms/

Cheers .. Mandi

Ge · Senior Member

Good Day Cliff, like you i to hail around the vastness of W.A. and my surname is Wilson so fancy that.

I don't have a Laryngectomy, tho from Nov 18 2019 (my birthday) i have had a permanent stoma bag.

Just a little bit different to you as my poo comes outa my belly and the normal exit has been sown up.

I do have a fully self contained van so no problems where i camp as long as i have a bit of privacy each day i get by.

I'm sure there is a few of us out there with some little problems but it is what it is so we just Cary on.

Well good luck Cliff we might just meet up on the road and welcome my friend.

Ge Wilson

PS: Cliff when i said my poo comes outa my belly i wasn't meaning yours come outa you mouth i do apologise.

Cliff Wilson - Sooty · Member

G'day to you, Guru, sorry for the lateness of the reply, I'm still finding my way around the motorhome. I'm currently pulled up at a relatives place in the Southwest of WA at present, learning the ropes so to speak. I had a look at your post back in May 2013 about the scooter, it looks like fun. I've just posted a message about a fold-able 3 wheel E trike. Check it out when it goes through the system. It was too long, so I'll have to do pt 2 tomorrow. I've done as you suggested with the hospital details etc.

Thanks for your assistance, Cheers Sooty