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Traveling With Hemodialysis


About this topic


Hemodialysis filters your blood and takes out harmful substances. It removes extra water, wastes, and chemicals from your body when your kidneys are not working normally. This type of dialysis uses a machine. Your blood is pumped into a filtering set-up to clean it. This machine takes over the work of your kidney. ‚  
Travel is a nice way to relax and to give your body a fresh start. But, before you make plans for travel, you need to make careful preparations for your trip. ‚  

General


When traveling, always remember that you have to plan ahead. ‚  
  • Find a place to do your hemodialysis while on vacation.
    • Tell your doctor of your travel plans. Your doctor can suggest a hemodialysis center, if needed.
    • Check to see if your insurance group has a list of places with hemodialysis centers.
    • Make an appointment with the dialysis center. Call to set your visit 6 to 8 weeks ahead of when you will arrive. Ask the staff at your normal dialysis center to help you. You will need to have some of your records with you to get dialysis at a new center.
    • If you travel during the time you are to have a treatment, plan your activities so you have time for dialysis.
  • Keep your drugs safe.
    • Do not put your drugs in your checked luggage. Put them in your carry-on bag.
    • Ask your doctor for prescriptions for your drugs just in case you lose your drug kit. Keep the prescriptions in your wallet.
  • Take care of your access site.
    • If your travel involves swimming, make sure that the site where the dialysis is hooked up, or access site, and tube to connect the machine are fully covered. Use a bandage that does not let water on the site.
    • Avoid strenuous activities while on vacation. Easy activities like walking by the beach, playing cards, or watching a movie is allowed. Stay away from activities where people might bump your access site.
    • Keep cleaning your access site each day.
    • Cover your access site with scarves or shirts with long sleeves when going outdoors.
  • Be ready for emergencies.
    • Always carry your medical ID with you while you travel.
    • Make a checklist of the things you need to bring, especially your drugs and care kit.
    • Write down your doctors phone numbers and give a copy to whoever is going with you.
  • Protect yourself from germs.
    • Wear a facemask when going through airports or bus terminals.
    • Stay away from people who might have an illness, like a cold or flu.
    • Make sure you check travel warnings for problems in the areas you are going. You may want to delay your trip or go somewhere else if there is an outbreak of an infection. Pay attention to anything that may get in the way of you getting hemodialysis.

What will the results be?


Being ready for travel while on hemodialysis will make your travel smooth and fun. There will be less chances for problems to happen while you are away from your home. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


Remember that being on vacation does not mean being on vacation from your kidney problem. You still need to mind your diet. ‚  
  • Eat food rich in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, to avoid hard stools.
  • You need to eat foods rich in protein like eggs, milk, meat, chicken, and fish, as directed by your doctor.
  • Limit food high in phosphorus. Some examples are dairy products, cheese, dried beans, liver, nuts, and chocolate.
  • Limit your salt intake. Stay away from table salt, sauces, salted snacks, and cured foods.

What problems could happen?


  • There is no place for hemodialysis in the area where you are traveling
  • You might need a dialysis while traveling
  • You might misplace or lose your drugs
  • Accidental pulling on your connecting tube
  • Infection
  • Bleeding

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, redness, pain, and yellowish, greenish or bloody fluid coming from the access site.
  • Signs that your tube or fistula is not working
  • Accidentally pulling on your tube

Helpful tips


  • Wear loose clothing that will not rub on your access site.
  • If your access site is on your arm, wear an arm guard or clothing that protects the site when playing sports.

Where can I learn more?


Life Options ‚  
http://lifeoptions.org/catalog/pdfs/teaching/Travel.pdf ‚  
National Kidney Foundation ‚  
http://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/traveltip.cfm ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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