Peritoneal Dialysis
Contents:
Increased Flexibility
One of the greatest advantages of peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the increased ability to travel. Since you are in more control of your treatments and schedule, you have increased flexibility to take a vacation.
Talk to Your Healthcare Team
The first step to planning a trip is talking to your healthcare team. They can help you determine what supplies you need, how much you will need, connect you with resources at your destination and better understand how to help should you run into trouble.
Travel Decisions
The next step is determining if you are going to travel with your dialysate solution or have it shipped to your destination. If you choose to have it shipped to your destination you will need to give at least 2 weeks’ notice to your supplier and notify your hotel to expect your packages and ensure you have a room that will hold your supplies.
Packing Supplies
Next, it is important to grab all of your necessary supplies including all of the tools needed to do an exchange including items such as masks and disinfectant. If you are flying, you are allowed to bring your supplies on the plane. It is recommended that you bring enough equipment for at least two days’ worth of essentials. This will cover you in case your bags are misplaced.
Automated Cycling Machine and Doctor’s Letter
If you are using a cycler to do Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD), talk to your doctor about giving you a letter showing that it is an essential medical device. Additionally, don’t check this as baggage as they are expensive machines to replace. You should also connect with your doctor to write a similar note to cover any other materials that are essential to do an exchange.
Enjoy Yourself
Last but not least, enjoy yourself and have a great vacation. The planning that you do early will make all the difference.
Related Information
The Importance of Immunizations for People with Kidney Disease
Living with kidney disease presents unique health challenges, including an increased susceptibility to infections. Immunizations play a crucial role in protecting people with kidney disease, including those on dialysis or with a kidney transplant, from preventable diseases. This article will discuss the importance of vaccines in general and those protecting against respiratory illness specifically, the risks associated with not being vaccinated, and concerns related to misinformation on vaccination decisions.
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