Traveling is one of the greatest pleasures in life. For some, it is important for their self-esteem and independence, for others travel may be required for business meetings and other important affairs. But if you are a kidney patient who receives dialysis, you may be hesitant to make your travel plans freely. Fortunately, advancements in medical science have come far along so you don’t have to give up on your dream of traveling. To ensure your next adventure is as safe as anybody else’s, here are some safety tips to keep in mind.
Is It Possible to Travel If I’m On Dialysis?
Most patients who receive dialysis can make travel plans with some careful planning and preparation. Of course, you still want to consult with your doctor for any advice they may have for you before leaving. If your case is stable, most doctors will encourage you to do so and might even have some pointers for you on how to prepare for your travels.
Plan Early
Whether it’s a pre-planned vacation or an emergency journey, you will most likely want to inform your dialysis team. If you do dialysis at home, then make sure whoever helps you with the dialysis is traveling with you. You may need to find a dialysis center at your destination, so make those arrangements and gather all the supplies you will need, four to six weeks before your travel date.
Planning ahead of your travels will give you peace of mind, but more importantly, it will ensure your health is not compromised at any time. If you are planning to travel to tourist locations, there may be limited spots available at the nearest dialysis centers. You may have to contact multiple locations to secure your spot, so get in touch with them as early as possible.
Hemodialysis While Traveling
For patients who do hemodialysis at home, you will need to travel with your dialysis partner and machine. If you are traveling by air, ensure the airline staff is acquainted with your situation and check to be sure they will allow a dialysis machine in your carry-on luggage.
If you are staying at a hotel, call ahead and check with the staff if their rooms have the right outlet for your dialysis machine. Last but not the least, always keep a list of the nearest dialysis centers handy just in case you need extra assistance or lose any equipment while traveling.
Peritoneal Dialysis While Traveling
Luckily, peritoneal is much easier to perform, so you can be at ease when making your traveling plans. Peritoneal dialysis can be safely carried out in any dry and hygienic place. You do want to make sure you are traveling with all the equipment you will need as well as some extras for emergency situations. Patients on peritoneal dialysis should also keep a list of nearest dialysis centers handy in case help is needed during the trip.
General Tips
Take out travel insurance before you commence your journey. Although they may not cover pre-existing conditions, it can certainly help to cover the cost of health emergencies. Consider carrying your medical documents, such as past medical records and list of medications, in case you need to visit a dialysis center or lose any equipment during travel. But most importantly, don’t forget to pack some dialysis diet-appropriate snacks for the journey.
Traveling with a serious illness can be a life-affirming experience. It will not only boost your self-esteem but also help you make memories. If you are a kidney dialysis patient planning on traveling soon, we at Stellar Transport can provide you with safe and timely transportation and more. Have a safe journey!