OT: Amtrak

[Slinky]

What can I say? I've lived a "sheltered life". There's a good chance I'm going to be taking a trip on Amtrak from mid-Michigan to Little Rock, Arkansas.

My son had a mild (thank God!) heart attack and is in hospital there. Heart cath indicates 4 blocked arteries and he is being scheduled for a quadruple bypass most likely Monday.

My DME provider tried to get me the new Respironics SimplyGo portable concentrator but it was already on their truck and on its way to another of their patients. *sigh* So I get an EverGo for the trip. Plus they will make arrangements w/a provider in Little Rock for my other 02 needs.

OR - I can make the drive myself in my Dodge Magnum station wagon - IF the dealer gets the repairs done in time. I took it in for an oil change and routine maintenance but the brake light on the dash has been coming on and they aren't sure they can get the brakes done too (depending on why the light is coming on) in time. They are willing to bring someone in tomorrow morning to finish it if they don't get it done tonight -but if they run into any snafus - that Amtrak train leaves at 7:10 AM tomorrow morning. *sigh*

Life is NEVER boring for this family.

[chunkyfrog]

My brother and sister-in-law drive nothing but 'burbans--the older models with the side-swing rear doors.
When they travel, they take the medium tank and the little one that looks like R2D2.
A concentrator purchased on Amazon sometimes goes, if they are going where LinCare is too far away for comfort.
In your case; just take the train; don't give Murphy another chance.

[Journeyman]

Chicago station where you will switch trains should go smooth. All depends on weather, freight trains,etc. 120 volt outlets most every seat if I remember right. Possibly less stressful than driving. We go out of Grand Rapids when we go Amtrak.
On edit, Just a note parking a car at GR station could be a problem, Small parking lot. If leaving from their, getting dropped off would be the way to go.

[Slinky]

Thanks, Chunky.

And thank you, Journeyman. I'll be leaving from Flint. Family will drive me there. Amtrak told me no guarantees an outlet at each seat. I'll take two D tanks w/me just in case. 2 hour layover in the Windy City so should be able to plug in somewhere there to refresh the portable's battery. They'll provide wheel chair door to door so that will save some 02 as well.

[Journeyman]

Wish you well in your travels and for your family.

[eeckel]

I hope your journey goes well. I have done a lot of travel by AmTrak. Be sure to take food with you. Food options on AmTrak vary with staff availability. The worst experience I had was the snack bar and dining car closed when I had three small children with me and we were 500 miles from our destination. the kids got hungary and I couldn't meet their needs. Bad scene. if you are prepared for this occasional problem Am Trak travel can be a good experience. It can be leisurely and quite pleasurable. Take a novel or other relaxed entertainment. It is my preferred mode of travel to washington, new york, chicago, and philadelphia.

[Bons]

Prayers for your family. One more thing to bring: a lap blanket. It can get chilly on the train. We still have our daughters' old crib quilts that we take on Amtrak trips.

[cflame1]

Safe journey Slinky... and prayers that your family weathers this storm.

[Slinky]

Thank you, everyone!

Ended up son "only" needed triple bypass rather than quadruple bypass. He's doing well, up and walking, survived a prolonged and uncomfortable string of hiccups they couldn't medicate him for. He's in good spirits. I'm whupped.

[amos]

Slinky,

Thanks for the good news about your son. No matter how old they are, you never stop being a Mother.

My best to every one.

amos

[kteague]

Glad to hear your son is on the mend. How was the train trip?

[chunkyfrog]

{{{doing my happy dance}}}

[nanwilson]

Happy to hear Slinky........now take a big rest.....it will be good for both of you.
Cheeers
Nan