Getting ill when cruising alone

[birdpepper]

Has anyone been cruising alone and fallen ill (flu / pnemonia)? How did you get through fever, losing fluids, chronic diarreah etc.?

[MacGyverRI]

I'm a firm believer in the power of natural meds. like Ginger. I get Ginger Tea crystals (ginger extract and glucose) at an Asian supermarket and make a strong cup at least 2x's a week and 2-3 x's a day if sick.

I like this brand best because it's not little tea bags, use 4+ spoons to a reg. hot cup. (it's a strong dose)
Lotte Plaza - High Quality Asian Market

Ginger (natural) is known to combat Colds, Flu, Stomach aches, Seasickness, Strep, Staph, E Coli and a bunch of other ailments.



I also have my Dr. write an Rx for a general antibiotic (Erythomycin) for the boat.

[jackdale]

When soloing, I managed to injury myself with a close encounter between an anchor chain and my thumb. Never been sick other than motion sickness.

One Vendee Globe competitor did surgery on himself when he had an abscess. Kay Cottee had her appendix removed prior to her solo circumnavigation.

Have a complete physical and dental check before departure.

The best solution is prevention: shots (especially tetanus) current, stay hydrated, very careful food storage and handling, etc..

[rockDAWG]

Assume your immune system is not compromised by dx stage or drugs, the chance you are getting flu is unlikely because you gave ni outside contact Even if have cold or flu, there are no really treatment except for treating symptoms. You suffer for a few days to a week. On the boat, you have so much to work, you don't have time to feel sick.
For mire serious infection, you bring along antibiotics for both gram +ve or -ve bugs. IV inhectables are also advised. Bring morphine and lidocrane with some suture material fir emergency use. It really depends how medically trained of the individual. Sailing solo must be self reliance. With a sat phone and good medical supplies on the boat. Just keep knocking on wood. This is my last worry.

[St Anna]

Originally Posted by birdpepper

Has anyone been cruising alone and fallen ill (flu / pnemonia)? How did you get through fever, losing fluids, chronic diarreah etc.?

Well, you have to be prepared to self diagnose and self treat. Therefore, have a floating Pharmacy and half an ER room if need be. Also, know how to do what you have do.

Mainly dont let things esculate into a more serious problem if it can be helped.

I remember my Dad setting a broken wrist.

I've stiched up cuts, broken toes, treated chest infections, pulled foreign bodies out of eyes, as well as eye infections etc etc.

If you are qualified / certified and stocked up, you will find patients!! or they find you! It happens. Pay it forward - thats what cruisers do.

[SVAuspicious]

Originally Posted by birdpepper

Has anyone been cruising alone and fallen ill (flu / pnemonia)? How did you get through fever, losing fluids, chronic diarreah etc.?

I had a nasty flu a couple of years ago in Annapolis. The biggest issue unique to being on the boat was keeping the holding tank pumped out. Other than that it was just like being ashore - miserable. I already had a bunch of soup in the freezer and more dried soup "kits" in the pantry. I pretty much lived off those for several days.

I got sick another time underway (as opposed to anchored or in a slip) but there were several of us aboard. I actually ate better cooking for myself even sick. *grin* Same issues - stay warm, stay hydrated, stay fed.

[birdpepper]

Tahnk you for the feedback everyone.

[Sublime]

Originally Posted by birdpepper

Has anyone been cruising alone and fallen ill (flu / pnemonia)? How did you get through fever, losing fluids, chronic diarreah etc.?

Most OTC meds will take decent care of the above except for losing fluids (are we talking blood here? Apply pressure).

Tylenol/Motrin (or both), mucinex, imodium, gatorade (to mix half strength) and a decent first aid kit (not the type available through walgreens) will get you through most health problems. If your AAA decides to rupture, you tag a jugular or get the ebola virus, well you be f'ed even if you were in the hospital, no matter what you carry with you on board.

It's worth it to go through a basic EMT course. It's short, not much money, but you will learn some decent first aid beyond placing a bandaid and calling 911. There's some wilderness classes you can take as well.

Knowing WHAT to do is as important or more important than having an on board pharmacy.

[bljones]

Originally Posted by rockDAWG

Assume your immune system is not compromised by dx stage or drugs, the chance you are getting flu is unlikely because you gave ni outside contact Even if have cold or flu, there are no really treatment except for treating symptoms. You suffer for a few days to a week. On the boat, you have so much to work, you don't have time to feel sick.
For mire serious infection, you bring along antibiotics for both gram +ve or -ve bugs. IV inhectables are also advised. Bring morphine and lidocrane with some suture material fir emergency use. It really depends how medically trained of the individual. Sailing solo must be self reliance. With a sat phone and good medical supplies on the boat. Just keep knocking on wood. This is my last worry.

You're on cold medication right now, aren't you? Or have you outsourced your posting to a foreign country?

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by Sublime

It's worth it to go through a basic EMT course. It's short, not much money, but you will learn some decent first aid beyond placing a bandaid and calling 911. There's some wilderness classes you can take as well.

Knowing WHAT to do is as important or more important than having an on board pharmacy.

+1

I took an Adventure Medic course through our local university. While it deals more with issues associated with the backcountry, I feel more comfortable and confident with my knowledge while offshore.

Jack