Top Five Travel Tips For Kidney Patients

Once you’re diagnosed with kidney disease, it’s easy to think the door’s closed on your travel plans. In reality, even if you’re on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant, you can still travel freely. Most patients are perfectly able to travel safely as long as they consult their doctor and plan in advance. 

Today, up to 26 million Americans have kidney disease, and the majority of them travel and live their lives as usual. If you’re ready to break out your suitcase, make sure you review these top five travel tips for kidney patients. From the road trip you’ve always dreamed of to exotic destinations, the world is yours to explore no matter your diagnosis.

1. Talk to Your Doctor

Your first step should be to talk to your doctor. This is especially important if you have any questions about arranging treatment in your destination or whether you’re physically up for a specific activity. Talk about your trip in detail. Ask about any sports and recreational activities you might do during your stay. 

2. Arrange Treatments

If you’re currently doing in-center hemodialysis, you can arrange treatment in the city you’re traveling to. Luckily, dialysis is available just about anywhere in the world, and your social worker or nurse can help you plan any documents you’ll need. 

If you’re traveling in a particularly busy area or during a busy season, be sure to give yourself more time to arrange these visits. Space might be limited, so book early if possible. Whether you need to book a dialysis in Bali or Paris, you can do so easily online with Booknowmed. 

3. Pack Your Carry On

Nobody wants to deal with the stress of lost luggage while traveling, but this experience is even more dire if you’re a kidney patient. Make sure you pack any essentials like medication, medical information, and additional supplies in your carry on luggage. Then, if your luggage gets lost, you don’t have to worry about waiting for your must-haves. 

4. Don’t Forget Meals

If you’re currently on a special diet for your kidney disease, don’t forget to make these arrangements before you leave. While you can easily find accommodations in your destination, it’s easy to forget about meals served on planes or trains. 

By contacting your airline or rail line, you ask for accommodations for your dietary needs. Whether you’re eating low-salt, low-fat, or you’re diabetic, don’t leave this for the last minute.

5. Be Realistic

Last but not least, be realistic with your travel accommodations. You don’t want to overdo it with your activities. While you should plan enough time for sightseeing, you should also leave time for resting. 

In addition, when you’re traveling, pay close attention to your diet and fluid intake. It’s easy to overlook how you feel until it’s too late. If you do experience an emergency, don’t delay going to a medical center. 

Freedom to Travel with Kidney Disease

As long as you’re approved by your doctor, you’re free to travel with kidney disease. Give thought to these tips above to ensure you have a stress-free experience from start to finish. Start your planning as early as you can to ensure you have enough time to make all of your preparations. 

When you’re prepared, you can travel with confidence. Talk to your doctor about travel today to start your next adventure.