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Conference Q&A Online Chat
 
Conference planning staff, Jess Hardy and Jennie Carman, answered your questions about Conference. PHA Webmaster Diane Greenhalgh was also on hand. |
Diane - PHA's Webmaster (Apr 9, 2008 12:59:17 PM)
Welcome Edna!
Moderator/Jennie (Apr 9, 2008 12:59:37 PM)
Welcome everyone! This is Jennie, PHA’s Meeting Planning Associate. This is your chance to ask general questions about Conference – what to expect, what to pack and how to make the most of your time at Conference! Your questions will be moderated through me, so please bear with me if the chat seems a bit slow.
Moderator/Jennie (Apr 9, 2008 12:59:47 PM)
Just a reminder, the transcript for today’s chat will be available at http://www.phassociation.org/Chat/.
Diane - PHA's Webmaster (Apr 9, 2008 1:00:20 PM)
Welcome Lora.
Edna (Apr 9, 2008 1:00:31 PM)
hello everyone, thank you for creating this chat.
Lora (Apr 9, 2008 1:00:33 PM)
Hello
Diane - PHA's Webmaster (Apr 9, 2008 1:01:02 PM)
Where are you both joining us from?
Lora (Apr 9, 2008 1:01:15 PM)
Southwest Ohio
Edna (Apr 9, 2008 1:01:27 PM)
I was reading a little bit on last nights chat.
Edna (Apr 9, 2008 1:01:38 PM)
i am from Ft Worth texas
Moderator/Jennie (Apr 9, 2008 1:01:49 PM)
Great. Have either of you been to a PHA Conference before?
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:02:08 PM)
Hi All, my name is Jessica Hardy, PHA Associate Director of Meetings Planning. Jennie and I, along with the rest of the PHA staff, have been working on the 2008 Confernece for the last year. We are getting very excited about the upcoming event and wanted to give people the opportunity to ask us questions - who's speaking, what I should pack, etc.
Edna (Apr 9, 2008 1:02:24 PM)
I was DX right after the last one July of 2006
Lora (Apr 9, 2008 1:02:26 PM)
Yes I was at the one in California a few years ago.
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:02:55 PM)
Lora, what was your favorite part of the 2002 Conference in California?
Diane - PHA's Webmaster (Apr 9, 2008 1:03:08 PM)
Welcome April 63. Where are you joining us from?
april63 (Apr 9, 2008 1:03:27 PM)
Michigan
Diane - PHA's Webmaster (Apr 9, 2008 1:04:17 PM)
We're talking about whether we've been to a Conference before and our experiences if we have. Have you been to one?
Edna (Apr 9, 2008 1:04:37 PM)
What do you pack is my question?
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:04:37 PM)
Good question! Conference is fairly casual - there is no need to dress up! I would definitley recomend dressing in layers as it can be cold in the hotel meeting rooms with the AC.
Lora (Apr 9, 2008 1:05:00 PM)
Wow there were so many things. Learning about new treatments and how others handle living with PH. Meeting so many new people. I made some wonderful friends there. Meeting some new doctors that were in my area.
april63 (Apr 9, 2008 1:05:44 PM)
No I have not been to a conference. I was diagnosed just prior to the last one and it was to late to make arrangements by the time I found out about it.
Diane - PHA's Webmaster (Apr 9, 2008 1:05:48 PM)
I would also recommend packing with extra space or bringing an extra small bag to carry the stuff you get at conference -- handouts, t-shirt, etc.
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:06:11 PM)
I agree - I think the opportunity to make connections with other patients is one of the most wonderful aspects of Conference.
Moderator/Jennie (Apr 9, 2008 1:07:00 PM)
For the 2008 Conference, we will have pre-Conference networking sessions on Friday that does just that - allows people to make connections with others in the region, or with similar situations.
Edna (Apr 9, 2008 1:07:11 PM)
I learned about PHA as soon as i was DX and it has been a God send with all the information and phriends I have made
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:07:18 PM)
Also, This year we've tried to incorporate more networking time into the schedule - there will be a Meet & Greet for patients and caregivers on Thursday, June 19 from 7-9 pm, which is really just an informal social venue where peopel can gather.
Lora (Apr 9, 2008 1:07:29 PM)
The lady I roomed with was very speical to me. We became such close friends. Sadly she passed away last April. That was so very hard for me. I treasure the friendship I had with her.
Diane - PHA's Webmaster (Apr 9, 2008 1:07:39 PM)
Meeting people at Conference makes the feeling that this community is a family of PHriends more of a reality.
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:07:49 PM)
I'm sorry to hear that Lora.
Diane - PHA's Webmaster (Apr 9, 2008 1:08:10 PM)
One of the networking sessions on Friday morning is for the online community, for you all to meet your PHriends on the boards, listservs and chats.
Edna (Apr 9, 2008 1:10:07 PM)
What time is the last meeting and dinner over. I am thinking most of us will be very tired by then?
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:10:07 PM)
Agreed, our schedule is very full because there is just so much to cover! The conference officially ends at 11:15 am on Sunday, June 22.
Edna (Apr 9, 2008 1:10:44 PM)
no I mean Friday and Saturday.
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:11:18 PM)
Oops, sorry. The dinner on Friday and Saturday run from 7-9 pm.
april63 (Apr 9, 2008 1:12:11 PM)
For those of us arriving on Thursday - is there reasonable priced restaurants close by?
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:12:11 PM)
Yes, actually about 2 blocks from the Hotel is a mall called Houston Center. They have a huge food court with Subway, Chick Filet-A, etc. The hotel has a free shuttle that can take patients there.
Lora (Apr 9, 2008 1:12:25 PM)
Is it better to carry all my supplies and medicines on my carry on bag? Also I do have a letter from my doctor about my medicines and supplies that is dated in December I think. I was going to be flying out then for the PEER Network but it got cancelled. How long is that letter good for?
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:12:25 PM)
Hi Lora,
Diane - PHA's Webmaster (Apr 9, 2008 1:12:26 PM)
Welcome Jackie & SheilaB! Where are you both joining us from? Have you ever been to a Conference?
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:13:25 PM)
HI I'm in Chicago and have not previously attended a Conference
Lora (Apr 9, 2008 1:13:37 PM)
Is it better to carry all my supplies and medicines on my carry on bag? Also I do have a letter from my doctor about my medicines and supplies that is dated in December I think. I was going to be flying out then for the PEER Network but it got cancelled. How long is that letter good for?
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:13:37 PM)
Hi Lora - We definitely recomend carrying on your medicines. It is not worth the risk if you bag is lost or delayed! In terms of the letter, I would recomend checking with your doctor about how long it is good for.
SheilaB (Apr 9, 2008 1:13:39 PM)
I am actually in the Houston area but about an hour from where the conference will be and yes this is my first one.
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:13:50 PM)
Lora--I always carry on my meds
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:14:00 PM)
don't risk the airline losing your stuff!!
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:14:48 PM)
The Thursday night meet and greet sounds like a good idea
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:14:55 PM)
I'd also suggest checking out PHA's travel tips at http://www.phassociation.org/Learn/PH_Tips/travel.asp
april63 (Apr 9, 2008 1:15:06 PM)
Even if the airline doesn't lose your stuff it can still be delayed. You wouldn't want to be without your medication for that time.
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:15:59 PM)
Lora--contact your doc's office to obtain an updated letter just in case!
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:16:14 PM)
Yes, the meet & Greet should be fun. Attendees will receive complimentary contact cards wich you can have your contact information printed on and then use for networking with others at Conference. A good way to keep in touch after the event is over!
Lora (Apr 9, 2008 1:16:25 PM)
I will thank you
Edna (Apr 9, 2008 1:16:52 PM)
Hi Sheila
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:16:55 PM)
sounds good, Jess
SheilaB (Apr 9, 2008 1:17:03 PM)
Hi Edna
Lora (Apr 9, 2008 1:17:08 PM)
I wasnt sure with the new laws if I was able to call all of them on. Even my supplies for my remodulin I can carry on?
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:17:08 PM)
I would recomend calling the airline directly to discuss. Also the link I sent out earlier about travel tips has some good information about traveling with medicines
Diane - PHA's Webmaster (Apr 9, 2008 1:17:25 PM)
I got a neat tip the last time I travelled with my CPAP machine for my sleep apnea. They use those clothes to check the machines at security, I'm assuming for bomb materials or what have you. They suggested asking the attendant to be sure to use a new clean cloth.
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:17:29 PM)
yes Lora
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:17:41 PM)
I'm on sub-q remodulin
SheilaB (Apr 9, 2008 1:18:03 PM)
Is there a Thursday night meet and greet scheduled. I swear I look at he agenda and still cannot remember what it says
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:18:03 PM)
Yes, the meet & greet is from 7-9 pm on Thursday, June 19
Lora (Apr 9, 2008 1:18:10 PM)
I will call the PEER Network and see. They are sending me to the conference and making all the arrangements.
SheilaB (Apr 9, 2008 1:18:39 PM)
okay thanks
Moderator/Jennie (Apr 9, 2008 1:18:55 PM)
What aspects of Conference is everyone looking forward to the most?
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:19:20 PM)
For those of you who haven't been to Conference before, we also do a "Living with the Pump" fashion show in which patient models (men, women and children) display the way that they ingeniously hide their Flolan and Remodulin pumps or proudly flaunt them. This year we are going to include people who "dress up" their oxygen tanks as well. It should be a very fun event!
Lora (Apr 9, 2008 1:19:34 PM)
Learning about the new treatments and wanting info on how the remodulin pill study is going.
SheilaB (Apr 9, 2008 1:19:38 PM)
meeting everyone and learning more about PH and future treatments
Angler (Apr 9, 2008 1:19:51 PM)
Morning Everyone
april63 (Apr 9, 2008 1:20:07 PM)
Since this is my first conference I am looking forward to meeting others and just seeing what the conference is all about.
Edna (Apr 9, 2008 1:20:13 PM)
I am loking forward to meet and hear about LDD from docs and other patients and how they are coping.
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:20:22 PM)
Lora- I've flown many times with all my remodulin supplies and letter from the doc and don't go through the "handicap" line and have NEVER been stopped so that an individual can go through my carry on even with the syringes
Edna (Apr 9, 2008 1:20:24 PM)
Hi Mack
Diane - PHA's Webmaster (Apr 9, 2008 1:20:27 PM)
Welcome Angler. Where are you joining us from? Have you ever been to a PHA Conference before?
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:20:29 PM)
meeting everyone sounds great as well as other docs
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:21:00 PM)
hiya Mack
Angler (Apr 9, 2008 1:21:21 PM)
No on Confference it is I little old me Angler ~~~~ Mack :-)
Angler (Apr 9, 2008 1:21:24 PM)
hi
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:21:41 PM)
We are hoping to have 1,200 people in attendance - 600 have already registerd! We expect to have about a 50/50 split between patients & caregivers and medical professionals...so there will be lots of people to network with!!
Edna (Apr 9, 2008 1:22:09 PM)
That is awesome
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:22:11 PM)
wow that's a lot of people!
Edna (Apr 9, 2008 1:22:37 PM)
Thank you all for putting this together and making it possible.
SheilaB (Apr 9, 2008 1:22:37 PM)
I am sure this has been asked already but I was wondering if you are going to have some sessions for those of us with left heart problems?
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:22:37 PM)
Yes, we actually just added this to the agenda. There will be a session called the "New profile of pulmonary Hypertension" and the docs on this panel will discuss PH associated with Left heart disease.
SheilaB (Apr 9, 2008 1:22:51 PM)
WOW! I guess we are so use to each other on here that we did not realize there would be that many people there. That is great
Diane - PHA's Webmaster (Apr 9, 2008 1:22:57 PM)
Welcome Jessicab and Debbie. Where are you joining us from? Have you been to a Conference before?
Angler (Apr 9, 2008 1:23:16 PM)
we had a wc reserved for the airlines, something you may want to consider, tough walking through those terminals
SheilaB (Apr 9, 2008 1:23:22 PM)
Okay thanks Jess I will keep an eye out for it so I can attend it
Angler (Apr 9, 2008 1:23:34 PM)
now Jess u got me excited I too am looking for answes on Left Heart
Angler (Apr 9, 2008 1:23:46 PM)
sorry wc aka wheel chair
Lora (Apr 9, 2008 1:24:02 PM)
Is there a shuttle from the airport to the hotel?
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:24:02 PM)
I would recomend that people take a super shuttle from the airport. Bush is a little further out so the shuttle costs $23. Houston Hobby is closer and costs $18.
Edna (Apr 9, 2008 1:24:24 PM)
me too there are quite a few left heart patients
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:25:22 PM)
Angler, that is a really good idea. Travel can be draining - arranging for assistance, either a wheel chair or ride in one of those shuttles, is a good idea for navigating the airport.
Angler (Apr 9, 2008 1:26:01 PM)
Jess will you check to see if they will have some fans please for the confference meeting rooms
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:26:01 PM)
We will have a session on Diet, Nutrition and Complimentary/Alternative Medicine
Lora (Apr 9, 2008 1:26:22 PM)
Are you doing a session on weight loss. This seems to be an issue with so many people.
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:26:22 PM)
sorry, see post above
SheilaB (Apr 9, 2008 1:27:05 PM)
Mack I have been to tons of conferences not with PH but the rooms are usually pretty cold
Edna (Apr 9, 2008 1:27:32 PM)
well when I last travelled I ordered 02 from the airline as soon as I went up to the counter they sent for wheel chair and took me straight to the gate.
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:27:41 PM)
will we receive a pamphlet or handout when we arrive outlining the sessions so that we can determine what we wish to attend?
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:27:41 PM)
yes, you will receive a program book in your conference tote that will have all the session descriptions. We are also working on posting the session descriptions on the conference website ahead of time. be on the lookout for these in early May!!
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:28:18 PM)
that sounds great thanks
Angler (Apr 9, 2008 1:29:23 PM)
thx Shelia, even with the temp down if I don't have a fan it seems to bother me
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:29:54 PM)
maybe a small personal fan would help?
SheilaB (Apr 9, 2008 1:30:01 PM)
you might want to look into one of those personal fans that you can get in the summer time. they are not great but better than nothing
Angler (Apr 9, 2008 1:30:03 PM)
Jess will there be a session on emergeny with PH meds that I can bring back info for our local paramedics?
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:30:03 PM)
Great Question! We do have a sesison on Emergency situations. Also the panelists for each session are asked to prepare a 1 page handout to give to attendees. PHA will also collect these handouts and post them on our website after conference.
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:30:34 PM)
good plan
Angler (Apr 9, 2008 1:30:39 PM)
awsome
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:31:45 PM)
Also, something neat we are doing this year - most of the sessions (with the exception of the intimacy sessions) will be audio taped. each attendee will be mailed a CD that contains the audio for all the sessions. it will also be available for purchase on our website for those who don't attend.
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:32:10 PM)
with over 40 sessions to choose from, this will be a very valuable resource since it is impossible to be everywhere at once :)
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:32:22 PM)
absolutely!!
Angler (Apr 9, 2008 1:32:34 PM)
for sure
SheilaB (Apr 9, 2008 1:32:35 PM)
Oh wow that is pretty cool.
april63 (Apr 9, 2008 1:32:37 PM)
That is great - so we will be able to listen to the sessions that we can't attend
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:32:42 PM)
exactly
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:33:33 PM)
there is no dinner planned for Thursday night, correct?
Moderator/Jennie (Apr 9, 2008 1:33:33 PM)
Yes, that's correct. There will be light snacks at the patient Meet and Greet held on Thursday night. There are also many affordable options nearby that can be reached using the hotel's complimentary shuttle.
Edna (Apr 9, 2008 1:33:38 PM)
I can't think of anything else, thank you for your time to do this for us.
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:33:55 PM)
Thank you for joining us Edna. We look forward to seeing you in Houston!
Moderator/Jennie (Apr 9, 2008 1:34:08 PM)
Thanks for joining us Edna, and for your helpful questions!
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:34:27 PM)
bye Edna
SheilaB (Apr 9, 2008 1:34:33 PM)
bye Edna
Angler (Apr 9, 2008 1:34:40 PM)
cya
Angler (Apr 9, 2008 1:34:51 PM)
how close are the rest rooms to the meeting rooms, alot of us are on Diuretics that we take in the am?/
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:34:51 PM)
The restrooms are very near the meeting rooms. We've definitely taken that into consideration.
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:35:13 PM)
now that's thinking ahead!
Angler (Apr 9, 2008 1:35:17 PM)
thx
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:37:57 PM)
I've heard that in the past there was a dinner where patients kind of selected which PH doc they wished to dine with will that be the case in Houston?
Moderator/Jennie (Apr 9, 2008 1:37:57 PM)
Yes. It's called "Dine with a Doctor" At the Saturday night dinner we will have certain tables marked where doctors will be avilable. You can choose which doctor to dine with. There will also be tables with no doctors.
SheilaB (Apr 9, 2008 1:38:02 PM)
Well I gotta run. Thank you guys for having this Q&A for us. I will go and see what other questions were asked last night for I am sure there is something I missed.
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:38:27 PM)
bye Sheila
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:38:29 PM)
You can always send questions to Jessica@PHAssociaton.org and Jennifer@PHAssociation.org
Moderator/Jennie (Apr 9, 2008 1:38:36 PM)
Thanks for joining us Shelia!
Lora (Apr 9, 2008 1:38:40 PM)
sorry had a phone call. Thanks for the info. I need to run.
Diane - PHA's Webmaster (Apr 9, 2008 1:38:47 PM)
Another new thing this Conference will be the Journeys cafe where you'll be able to share your Conference experience as well as your story of living with PH. You will also be able to access the Internet and watch me give demos about what's available on PHA's website. If you share your story during Conference we'll be able to post it for the people back home who couldn't attend so they can hear what's going on as it's happening.
Moderator/Jennie (Apr 9, 2008 1:38:56 PM)
Bye Lora. Thanks for joining us!
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:39:08 PM)
nice, Diane
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:39:54 PM)
time for me to go too thanks have a good afternoon
Angler (Apr 9, 2008 1:39:57 PM)
take carre all see you there :-)
Jackie (Apr 9, 2008 1:40:04 PM)
bye
Moderator/Jennie (Apr 9, 2008 1:40:46 PM)
April, will this be your first time attending a PHA Conference?
april63 (Apr 9, 2008 1:43:45 PM)
yes it will be my first time.
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:44:26 PM)
great, do you have any questions about session, the hotel or travel?
april63 (Apr 9, 2008 1:44:58 PM)
I was just trying to see what others questions were - all my questions were pretty much answered.
april63 (Apr 9, 2008 1:45:35 PM)
I guess everyone else has left it is time for me to go too. Thanks for your time
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:45:37 PM)
well we are really looking forward to putting faces with the names in Houston! We're glad you will be joining us :)
Moderator/Jennie (Apr 9, 2008 1:45:51 PM)
Thanks for joining us, April!
Moderator/Jennie (Apr 9, 2008 1:46:12 PM)
Thank you everyone for participating. I’m happy to see how excited everyone is for Conference! If you haven’t registered yet, you can do so at http://www.phassociation.org/Conference/2008/Registration.asp.
We will be holding additional Conference chats throughout the spring. Look on the Conference website for updates.
Moderator/Jennie (Apr 9, 2008 1:46:25 PM)
If you have further questions we can be reached at Jessica@PHAssociation.org or Jennifer@PHAssociation.org.
Speaker/JessH (Apr 9, 2008 1:46:40 PM)
Good bye. Thanks again for joining us today!
Diane - PHA's Webmaster (Apr 9, 2008 1:46:56 PM)
Bye, thanks everyone.
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