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Travel Tips: A Guide for Kidney Patients



  • Are you planning to travel but need to ensure a smooth kidney dialysis process on the go? Or have any doubts regarding that? This is the right place here. Kidney transplantation is a lifesaving treatment for patients with end-stage renal failure. If you or a loved one is facing kidney failure, a transplant may be an option. The number of kidney dialysis centers around the world is increasing, and finding a high-quality treatment facility that welcomes visitors has never been easier.

    Travelling is inevitable. Sometimes it is what you want and sometimes it is what you have to. But with kidney dialysis treatment on a weekly schedule, it is required to have a plan beforehand. If the health seems stable, they are also recommended by the doctors to travel in order to boost their morale and sense of well-being.

    What should you do before you start traveling?

    Depending on the dialysis history, you should plan things accordingly. Although most home hemodialysis patients make plans for in-center treatments while traveling, if you will be performing the home treatment, it is still necessary to know the location of the nearest kidney dialysis center for travelers, in case you want assistance.

    If you prefer in center dialysis, then:

    You need to connect with other available centers in your destination or nearby places that can offer you satisfactory dialysis treatment according to your timings. 

    As dialysis is a 4-5 hours-long process, you might need to approach a social worker who can offer help in that time period. Ask the center for the same.

    You need to have enough prescribed medications with you to cover your traveling time.

    As soon as you reach your destination, confirm your timings with the concerned center once and keep all the related documents with you at the time of visit.

    Consult your current doctor as well and meanwhile, you travel.

            Visitor dialysis is preferred for those who don’t want to manage packing or shipping their machines and supplies related to dialysis treatment at home.

    If you prefer hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis at home, then:

    You just need to take your dialysis machine, fluids, and supplies with you along with enough medications.

    In order to execute the treatment safely, additional supplies for dialysis you would need are gloves, scissors, sterile drapes, wipes, alcohol, etc.

    What should I eat or avoid eating with a kidney transplant?

    There is no specific diet that you need to follow after kidney transplant surgery. However, it is important to eat a healthy diet and avoid foods that are high in salt and sugar. You should also avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine. Talk to your doctor or kidney transplant nutritionist for more information about the best diet for you.

    Conclusion

    The best part is you can do dialysis as and when you get the time in your travel destination and you do not need to stick with a particular time. It's critical to stick to your dialysis routine when traveling outside of your local region, just as you would at home. If you normally have your dialysis treatments in a kidney dialysis center, visiting a dialysis facility at your destination will most likely be the best option for you to dialyze while traveling.

    Posted on: 2022/03/03