When we want a break from our usual routines, we often pack our things and go on trips. However, with kidney conditions and dialysis therapy, it is challenging to travel, especially when it comes to managing their health away from home. Nevertheless, individuals can still enjoy travel experiences with proper planning and precautions.
Here are some preventive tips for safer travel planning
Ask your physician:
If you are on dialysis therapy or have kidney disease, the first and foremost thing to do before making your travel plan is to consult your doctor or healthcare provider. They will check out your health and suggest whether you are fit to travel or not. They will also recommend a personalised healthcare plan, medication, diet restrictions, and fluid intake based on your travel destination and duration.
Pack your medications:
Wherever you plan to travel, you have to ensure that you have an adequate amount of medications. Considering the unexpected situation, it is smart to carry more than the required amount. Besides that, always carry a xerox or a soft copy of your prescription. One smart tip is that instead of taking all your medication in a single bag, try to divide it into multiple bags so that even if you lose one, you will find the spare one.
Maintain the suggested fluid intake:
If you are travelling somewhere warm, make sure you keep yourself hydrated. The effects of dehydration on kidney function can be adverse. However, unlike a normal person, the amount of hydration needs to be monitored for dialysis guests, as their fluid intake is lesser than the other individual. Therefore, consult your physician and ensure your quantity doesn’t exceed the advised fluid intake limit. Also, check the water quality in your destination to stay safe from waterborne illnesses.
Plan your diet:
Diet is everything when you are travelling, especially for dialysis guests. Carry kidney-friendly foods while travelling and avoid high sodium, potassium, and phosphorus levels by avoiding canned food/packaged food. Consult your doctor for a customised travel-friendly dietary plan. It is better to carry homemade snacks, fresh fruits, vegetables, adequate proteins, and whole grains.
Give yourself a break while travelling:
Long rides are stressful and tiring, especially for dialysis guests and those with kidney conditions. Therefore, try to rest at regular stops. Whether you are travelling by plane, car, or train, make sure you stretch your body and move around for a bit. A smart tip for flight travel, try to book an aisle seat for easy access to the restroom.
Don’t forget the fast-aid kit:
Before you travel, pack a separate kit with fast-aid items such as emergency medicines, band-aids, antiseptic liquid, cotton balls, thermometers etc. If any unexpected situation arises, you can access these basic emergency kits to manage the situation.
Know your location:
Before travelling, research everything about the destination and familiarise yourself with the medical facilities available there. Get information about the nearby hospitals, clinics, and dialysis centres in case of emergency. This information will give you peace of mind and quick access to medical care if needed.
Book your dialysis session in advance:
Dialysis guests must undergo dialysis therapy 3-7 times a week. Holiday Dialysis by NephroPlus is designed for dialysis guests so they can travel without worrying about their health. NephroPlus ensures the guests receive the equal benefits of in-clinic dialysis while on their holiday destination. Therefore, before you travel, book your dialysis session well in advance.
Don’t travel alone:
While having dialysis therapy and a kidney condition, it is best to travel with family, friends, or caregivers. They should be aware of your situation so that they can take necessary steps in any emergency. Let them know where your medications are, and share all the details about location and emergency healthcare contact beforehand – this will ensure a safer travel experience.
In conclusion, while having a kidney condition, plan your travel carefully. Sometimes, we ignore our body’s signals. Therefore, if you experience unusual symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or nausea, don’t hesitate to ask for help to take a break or rest. Enjoying fulfilling travel experiences like everyone with a kidney condition is possible. Just make sure you plan your self-care beforehand to have the best experience throughout your trip.
NephroPlus understands how important it is to provide a normal life to dialysis guests and those with a kidney condition. Henceforth, with more than 323 clinics in India, NephroPlus provides services like Holiday Dialysis, allowing you to travel freely without worrying about kidney conditions and dialysis sessions. To know more about Holiday Dialysis, click here.