NEW MEMBER...will be coming down 5/2014 for a trial stay

I am only 52 but have been retired (actual terminology is Retired/Long Term Disabled) from a fantastic Sr. Mgmt level IT job as through my very large employer, when my MS at age 42 (which is different for everyone) rendered me incapable of fulfilling my mgmt job and I had a very bad case of tremors at the time leaving me incapable of getting around the very large campus where I worked, I was offered to go out on Permanent Long Term Disability on my policy and if I could not return, then Retriee health benefits and other retiree benefits would kick in, except for the pension which I won't receive until age 67 now.  I admit to being fortunate to have paid for the LTD policy. 

However; a move to the suburbs of Indy in 2006 to be by other family has worked to my disadvantage as it is a very young town and although I can use a walker and braces on my legs or of course a wheelchair for distances such as a mall, there is no transportation other than one bus company that must be contacted 2 weeks in advance.  Taxis don't run in suburbs here so the dependence on family members who all work has taken it's emotional toll on me. I am able to walk holding onto things in a small apartment I am now in which actually helps the muscles.

I have traveled, though and found that renting a power wheelchair on a cruise allowed me to take any excursions I wished, including snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, spent an entire day rolling around Cozumel and shopping, etc., giving me much confidence on my abilities.  I find more peace in life while sitting on a beach (Florida has been a favorite) than anywhere else. 

As technology has changed, I began to think once again about a trial visit to Punta Cana.  You see, they now make what is called a foldable electric scooter or wheelchair (folds into it's own piece of airline approved luggage and it looks like you're carying a rolling suitcase) and in 3 steps I am set to go.. Since I need some balance on the beach, I have found a new item designed just for that (specialized sand balancing object that attaches to crutches, a cane or even the four legs of a walker)... With these two items, I am positive that I can make my way around..It is amazing to think about the fact that I cannot (here where I live in the states) get a taxi, or have to wait 2 weeks for a specialized bus)....So even if I tried to use those items here, there is no transport.

Don't get me wrong, I am sure that there may be the occasional taxi-van (I am told this is what they are) who may look at me as if I'm crazy) but these foldable scooter options are for that exact purpose fitting in a car seat!!  Also, I have chosen to stay at a Condominium Complex with a small shopping center within 2 blocks so I'll be rolling around there come May. 

It is my plan to take either one or two trips home for 2 or 3 weeks to maintain my relationships with my specialist physicians as with MS, other issues come up requiring other doctors and also since I will have to retain my "Medicare Advantage Plan", I will need to refill my prescriptions for the last 3 months of my stay.  For Americans who know that our entire Healthcare is suppose to change starting in January, this may change my approach to healthcare but as of now, my Blue Shield based plan covers me for long stays out of country and it includes the DR.

I hope some of you or a few after reading my intro can advise if you wish (privately or publicly) of anything I may be neglecting to take into consideration.  You see, I find it ironic that the best stress relieving living situation for me is an oceanfront living (ocean breeze negates any heat that is usually bad for MS) and that peace and tranquility I gain from the ocean (not to mention the fact that a swimming pool is a few steps away and accessible all year... and the ability to have community transportation to even go to a grocery store is something I can find in Punta Cana (or other DR communities perhaps) and of course I tried Florida as I know many will ask.. why not there, why leave the US, and quite frankly, other than the fact that I haven't seen many more beautiful places such as the DR, I could never afford anything in Florida within 20 miles of a beach. 

Certainly I realize the contradiction of living off of my Long Term Disability while also retiring to what is considered a "Vacation Paradise" but that is not my reason for wanting to retire to the DR as noted above.  Also, as I say retire at the age of 52, with my prior health history, I have to be honest with myself and acknowledge that the so-called Pension waiting for me at age 67 will likely be a non-issue as my health currently is much better than 2 or 3 years ago, yet it is unrealistic to assume that 15 years from now, I will feel so good as to retire to the DR then.  I am hoping for a great 10 years and if God so blesses me more, then that will be an added blessing.

So, I will be flying down on with my Passport and likely a Visa (I know I can get a vacation card but want to cover all my bases)..I do wonder if anyone has had experience with any of the Hospitals in the area, are there pharmacies that require no prescription such as some in Mexico or is it more like the USA, where a doctor must see you (thinking emergency terms here only). and in that line, has anyone experienced any problems brining Prescription drugs into the country?  I will have 11 to 12 bottles and one is a Narcotic while 2 a CNS depressants?  All have complete prescribing info, but I realize most people might just have one or two!!

Lastly, my rental owner has said yes to a 5 pound dog.   I lost my best buddy Bichon Frise last summer and thought I would not get over it yet am ready to get a very small dog.  Is having a dog going to leave me without many options or do owners like to rent long term badly enough that they will accept the pet.  I will only rent per year, monthly payments and have gotten some good advice on that already...

Would also love to hear from anyone who might be in the Cortecito Beach Bavaro area next May through the summer/fall..