I'M HAVING A MEDICAL SITUATION ON BOARD. I started having an issue on the second day of my cruise. Now it's affecting what I can eat and keeping me up at night. What should I do now. Go to medical or wait until I get back to Canada?
Don, as a physician, you do not want to wait. Penicillin, or a related drug (amoxicillin, or Augmenting) along with Ibuprofen 600mg three times a day with meals should be started now.
Another physician, 100% agree get some antibiotics now it will be better in a day or two agree with above medications. Then you can wait to see dentist
This is extremely helpful and educational for ALL of us. Thank you, Doc_Jeffrey. It also makes me appreciate that our family doctor writes a prescription for an antibiotic before we cruise for just this kind of situation. My husband developed pneumonia on one cruise that I hadn't bought travel insurance for. If we'd had the antibiotic with us he could have nipped the problem in the bud.
Interesting fact, in places like Christian hospitals in 3rd world countries where there are no narcotics, they use 2 Tylenol and 4 Ibuprofen together every 6 hours to get pain relief. Also try a warm salt water rinse, use very salty water. If you can get some antibiotics from medical it should get the infection down enough so that when you get to Canada they can treat you. Interesting fact numbing medications do not work well on areas that are infected.
Yeah, I would see if the ship's medical team can give you an antibiotic as it sounds like you may have an abscess tooth. Waiting nearly 2.5 weeks until you're back in Canada to do anything is too long to wait. Just don't be surprised that they charge you for it (and yes, this is a reference to the video from the other day LOL). I hope you feel better soon - tooth problems of that sort can be incredibly painful.
I am a Dentist and I can tell you the ship doctor won’t do anything other than give you painkillers and maybe antibiotics. They won’t pull the tooth. Sorry to say this and is with all my respect but you are been stubborn, seems you are sacrificing a great time on the ship and enjoying good food for nothing. obviously you have travel insurance, so if you still have a port of call just go there and find a dentist, let them know you are just for few hours and see what options they give you. Is hard for me to say what exact problem you are having, but is very possible you either might need a Root Canal or an Extraction, they will take X-Rays and look at your tooth. You don’t need to do anything if you don’t feel like it but at least you will have a better assessment than the MD on the 🚢 (no shade to them, I know they are great but I know for fact that any MD anywhere in the world won’t touch a tooth. Just don’t be stubborn and get that taking care of by a Dental Professional on your next port of call. Waiting until you get to 🇨🇦 might be too long and then you will be at high seas and not where to go to do something. I would give the same advice to a family member or a patient. Specially since you are not coming back to 🇨🇦 for about 2 weeks and going to be there just for 2 days and then travel to the other side of the world for a while. Question is, would you have enough time to do something about in 🇨🇦? Or contact your dentist if you can or get someone to call and ask them for their advice, but just don’t sit and wait because time is clicking and those kinds of pains don’t go away that easily until something is done. Maybe you go to a local dentist and get the tooth clean out of the cavity or whatever is and you take care of it once in 🇨🇦. Good luck. Just my 5 cents. Hope everything goes well for you. Enjoy your cruise and take care of the ship. I will be on it this December, I CAN’T WAIT!!! I 🇨🇦. Good luck.
I chipped a tooth onboard, and it was guest relations that said they’d get me a recommendation for a dentist but maybe not the next port. I manage to knock off the sharp edges and made it to debarkation and to my next port. The concierge at the hotel in Barcelona sent me to his dentist about 3 blocks away! Meanwhile I was able to get my last X-ray emailed to me so I had a before if needed. It also showed I had an implant and whether I’d already had a root canal! The tooth was a crown, which I had forgotten, so the dentist just smoothed out the chip better and told me they’d probably not do anything to replace it until there was another issue. €35! My dentist said the same thing: just wait for it to fail more if it was in fact going to! It was replaced several years later!
I agree with the dentist. And the lady who said ask the staff if they have a recommendation of a dentist in the next port. From experience of a “dental don’t” don’t try to hold out. My neighbour works for a specialist and she agrees with these people, the dentists in the ports you are going to are well trained. Go get it taken care of and enjoy the recovery time on the ship.
Oh wow Don. I'm not a medical professional. But it sounds like you need an antibiotic and Ibuprofen 800mg. I'd go to the infirmary. Maybe reach out to your dentist somehow now to secure an emergency appointment. In some countries you can buy penicillin and heavy painkillers without a prescription. I hope you don't miss your next cruise. But I know you have trip cancellation insurance. Feel better, Don.
I had a toothache on my last cruise...went to medical and got antibiotics and pain meds...made the cruise bearable. Went to my dentist the day after we got back and ended up getting the tooth pulled. My opinion is GO TO MEDICAL!!!
The ship doctors could help a little if they think you need some antibiotics they could give you some antibiotics cause it does sound like you’ve got an infection
Hi Don. Go to medical. I used to be in the dental field. Especially since it's upper,it could be an infection that could turn dangerous. If it is, you will need an antibiotic before an extraction. Better safe than sorry. Please keep us posted
Bad idea to let an infected tooth go. It’s directly connected to your blood stream you can end up with sepsis or a whole lot of other bad things. Happened to a friend . He almost died just because he didn’t see a dentist. He was young (in 20’s and no chronic health conditions). With your health history, you should not fool around. At least have it seen by a medical professional.
Dental hygienist here---with all of the symptoms you are describing very high likelihood this is an infection. Antibiotics will clear up the infection and get you out of pain until you reach Canada. Probably need a root canal ultimately.
Hey, Don! Go to the infirmary. They won’t do dentistry, but they will coordinate to get an appointment in one of your next ports with a dentist who can see and treat you during the time the ship is in port. They do this all the time, not only for passengers, but also for crew members. I know this because I broke a tooth on a Holland America cruise in the Mediterranean. I had terrible pain. It occurred on a Thursday, and they couldn’t get an appointment over the weekend, but the following week I was seen by dentists in Málaga, Spain, and they took care of me and extracted the tooth. Holland America not only got the appointment for me, but also arranged for a cab to provide transportation. The infirmary visit, dentist and cab were at my expense, which was fair. I have to tell you the tooth extraction cost me $108. The last extraction I had in the US cost $800! There’s no need to have to suffer the rest of the cruise when Princess can help you. Plus, you don’t want things to get worse and get complications. You don’t have to handle it alone! God bless, and prayers that you feel better soon!
This might clean it a bit but he needs antibiotics. He would be required to take them before they would pull it in Canada even. With his other health problems he should be extra careful and get it seen & get medication asap.
I think you have an abscessed tooth. The pain will probably lessen, but soon it will come back again, with a vengeance, at which point you'll need to go somewhere to get the infection drained. If I were you I'd go to the ship medical so they can get you started on antibiotics to fight the infection, and get some professional advice, or you'll be sorry.
If the tooth becomes abscessed, it can be a life threatening emergency. Medical can provide antibiotics. A doctor does not need to be a dentist to see if it is abscessed. This is not a time to go cheap. Fixing the tooth may wait, if it is infected, it must be addressed ASAP.
Get yourself to the infirmary, immediately. Even if they are not trained in dentistry they should be able to take an X-ray and tell you if you have an abscess. They can prescribe an antibiotic that should give you some relief. Should it be abscessed you could see a dentist who could remove the abscessed tooth root and place a temporary filing that would last long enough for you to get back home. Make an appointment with your dentist from where ever you are for when you return to Canada. Given your health history an abscess can lead to many more serious health concerns . Also, your travel insurance should provide some coverage for this infirmary visit. Do it NOW!
Hi Don, I got an antibiotic from my dentist before I left on this cruise. I am happy to pass it on to you, just let me know. A fellow guest on the same cruise with you ❤.
Gargling won't help a tooth ache, gargling salt water helps a sore throat . He can put salt in some warm water and let it set on the side that is giving him trouble.
Yes. I worked in a dental office for forty years. It could be your sinuses. Take some sinus medication and see if that helps. But yes get into a dentist to have it checked out.
Can you start taking antibiotics now? I know in some countries you can buy antibiotics over the counter. And can you make an appointment now to see your dentist immediately upon returning to Canada during that 3-day window that you're going to be home.
You probably need an antibiotic - sounds like your tooth could be infected. You should also try Sudafed - sinus pressure can sometimes cause tooth pain. I would try to wait until you can get home to your dentist if possible. I hope you feel better soon.
A dentist will not be able to do anything untill the infection clears up. GO TO MEDICAL, get some antibiotics . By the time you get home your dentist can help ( probably a root canal) . Dont let an infection get out of hand. Do something about it now!!!
Silly as this may sound. The past couple of times I have had a tooth ache. The cause was a litttle piece of food stuck in there. Yes, one time it swelled and hurt probably to an 8-9. My solution has been , And while I was doing it, it was horrific. But I flossed both sides. It bled it hurt. But I would Floss- Rinse (salt water) and watch what you spit out. Floss - Rinse and that may be all it is. Unless you have damage to the tooth. It is very possible. Let me know
Go to the ship Dr. and get some antibiotics, this will help control the infection until you get home. Flying will make it feel worse because of the pressure change. The antibiotics will have you feeling 100%.
This👆My husband had a dental problem and the cruise line hooked him up with the dentist at Acapulco they contract with for their crew members with dental problems. They did want payment in cash though ($500) and it took several hours, but was done in time to get back on board before pulling out.
I know someone who had an abcess on a cruise. They started her on antibiotics, which calmed the infection (and the pain) until she got home. I’d suggest that.
As a dentist .. antibiotics ..in 24 hours you will be much better . Then root canal or extraction . You will be fine for a couple of weeks after the antibiotics
Im NO dr/dentist...... so Call your regular dentist, especially with your previous health issues. I'm "feeling" its an abscess. So anti biotics would be what I would guess your dentist would prescribe. Even though it's after hours they can get through to you regular dentist.
Don I would take care of this in port ASAP. You may have to spend money, but how much of your vacation gets ruined? Chances are it time for a Root Canal. You are jeopardizing your next cruise as well. Likely an infection and future additional time off. I've been there...try warm wet hand towels to the outside of your face too soothe the pain. Prayers buddy.
Yes could be the answer.. get it looked at... Don't quite understand why you are asking other people about your tooth probs... Do what you feel is right ... If your insurance will pay then nothing to lose ... You have been through so much so do what your body is telling you..
have guest relations look up a dentist at the next port and get treated...abcess tooth by the sounds...at least if they drill and relieve the pressure it would help...the longer you wait the worse it will get
Hi Don Love your videos. I am a retired health care professional. This sounds to me, most likely to be a dental abscess. However, sometimes sinusitis can give similar pain but not usually a very sensitive tooth. In an ideal world, the person to see would be a dentist. A dentist friend once told me that he preferred to drain the abscess before antibiotics, but you don't have that luxury. I would definitely go to the Medical Centre - and as many other people have said, you will most likely be prescribed antibiotics and pain relief. I recognise UK drug names here, but different countries have different names. I tnink ibuprofen is called advil in America. Don't suffer in silence, go see the Dr and then hopefully enjoy the rest of your cruise. Do go see a Dentist when you get back to Canada.
You will need to see about this right away. Please do not risk your health. If you can be treated at a port of call, good. If not, please ask medical on the ship if they have antibiotics on board that can be given to you. No need to see them if there is nothing they can do. You need antibiotics now, then see the dentist asap. He won't do anything without you taking the antibiotics anyway especially if there is an infection. I take broad spectrum antibiotics with me for whatever comes up. I'm a Nurse. I'm a walking pharmacy anyway. LOL
I’ve had emergency dental work in France and Italy while on vacations. The work was reasonably priced and very high quality. Spain will have excellent dentists. Get off the ship immediately for help. If you have an infection it will just get worse. I made follow up appointments when I returned home with my dentist and he said they did great work. Also, both international dentists sent notes of what they did for my dentist to review. Go to a dentist now, you’ll be thankful you did. Also, the med team may be able to give you a referral for a local dentist. If not head to a big hotel and ask the front desk. That’s how I found my dentists in other countries.
Your face is swollen. Rinse with peroxide and water mix. Let it set, then swish in that area. Mix cloves in too if you can find it. Salt water will help dry it up. FYI, neck issues can start all of this.
I vote for going to medical. At least have it looked at and have them offer recommendations/medications. Worth the expense to manage your long term health and improve your cruising experience. Sounds like abscessed tooth starting or at minimum a sinus issue. Meantime, I would do warm salt water swishes/gargles.
Word to the wise Don. If that's an abscessed tooth, get to a dentist at your next port. The infection for that can be very bad and could spread past your tooth. At the very least, if you can't get to dentist, visit the infirmary and get some antibiotics.
If you have an abscess and it gets larger it will increase the pressure and may lead to a fistula to relieve the pressure. Antibiotics may be needed to help prevent this. See the doctor as you have insurance, use it.
You might need to get checked to be sure it's not the beginning of an abcess or an infection which is why it's hurting off and on. You might need an antibiotic right now to make sure that it's not an infection. When I call my dentist with pain over a weekend and they are not open, they prescribed an antibiotic, benadryl and ibuprofen. I had an abcess and they waited until the swelling went down to treat the tooth. Wishing you the best to feel better soon so that it doesn't cause you to miss the fun of the cruise. You have to eat something and also take care of your health. Be careful also since you have an issue with your eye, don't get off balance on the ship. I know you have travel insurance. If you get worse seek medical attention on the ship or in port.
As a truck driver for many years I’ve experienced same thing abscess tooth you can tell by lifting your cheek looking at the gum seeing if there is a blister like if so you can take a needle and puncture it take paper towels and press against it to get pus out it will help relieve pain and buy you some time
Not a doctor, not a dentist, not a hygienist, however, I have had off and on tooth pain in the same location . . . I was convinced it was a cracked tooth or some sort of other problem . . . turned out that, after X-rays, etcetera, it was a sinus infection transferring the pain, via nerves, to my rear molars. Just a thought . . .
Most Dentists would put you on a round of antibiotics anyway. So if the ship Dr. can perscribe a round of antibiotics you'd be good to go when you hit Canada. Few days of antibiotics and you can enjoy the rest of your cruise.
Suggest you look at this video for help on your tooth problem: "The Dentist from The Carol Burnett Show (full sketch)" Also, I saw this documentary on aviation some years ago where someone fell sick on the plane and they asked if there was a doctor on board, and they found Dr Rumack. Turns out everyone who ate the fish got really sick, but there was also a lady who had to give birth, and Dr Rumack at one point had her in stirrupts with legs spread across the aisle to give birth. Perhaps whej you board your fight home, you could ask the flight attendant if there is a dentist on board and when they find one, the/she can fix your tooth during the long flight home. I guess the the other passengers may not appreciate the sound of a dentist's drill during the flight, but if it will fix you up, it is a a good use of otherwise wasted flight time. Seriously, take walks, get some fresh air. Mouthwash or brushing teeth often. If you have infection, getting blood flow to site and reducing bacteria at site will help. If you go to ship's medical, ask if tyhey can book/find you a dentist at the next port of call.
I had the same exact thing happened to me around this time last year while we were on vacation. The pain would come and go so I waited till we got back 2 days later. On the trip home I was in excruciating pain and by the time I got back I was calling any available dentist. It turned out to be an infected wisdom tooth. Had I addressed it days earlier with antibiotics it would have never gotten to that extremely painful stage. I really do sympathize, my advice to you is seek the advice of a medical professional.
As others have suggested, you have a root infection, and unless you treat it within about two days, you will lose the nerve. Happened to me. Root canal in your future. Sorry, Don.
While on the second day of a Viking European river cruise and docked in Vienna, Austria I bit down on a bite of wienerschitzel and knew it was bad. In the AM I went to ship services and the ladies there worked online and the phone a bit and gave me an address where I could get help plus they called a taxi for me. The taxi stopped in front of the University of Vienna School of Dentistry where I they did x rays and performed a root canal and installed a temporary cap. It cost me about 150 Euros. I was able to enjoy the rest of my two- week cruise pain- free.
If you do not trust dentist where you are go back to Canada ASAP (Today) and get things fixed. If tooth is infected it can cause the bone to be infected. At that point you are looking at a long treatment process. Does your travel insurance cover dental? We have used travel insurance for broken bones, infections, hospitol stay, stiches, blood clots, virus, food posion, IV to treat infections and virus. I assume it will cover dental. We all should know what it covers. Insurance also covers emergency trip home. This present trip I found out it does not cover transportation to hosipitol unless it is by ambulance. If tooth was a problem before you left home treatment probably is not covered. A pulled tooth based on people we know will result in a few days of rest and home care.
