After a kidney transplant, there are several things you should pay attention to when traveling. In the following article, we would like to take a look at the most important points to consider on vacation after the transplantation so that you can start planning your vacation as soon as possible.
Compared to the dialysis period, transplantation often brings a bit of normality back into everyday life for many. The strict restrictions on eating and drinking are largely gone, and the times when you had to go to dialysis several times a week are over. So it's no wonder that you also want to make the most of your newfound free time. Are there things you need to consider when planning vacations and travel with your new kidney?
Holidays after transplantation
After a successful transplant, traveling will be much easier for you. You no longer have to worry about finding a dialysis center close to your destination or, in the case of peritoneal dialysis, taking enough supplies with you on your trip.
In this context, it is important to mention that you should first give your body enough time after the transplantation to recover from the operation and the associated stress. After all, your body has to get well first. Do not forget what it has done in the last weeks and months before and after the transplantation. It is therefore completely normal that it now needs some time until the wounds of your operation have healed. It also usually takes time to adjust your medication after the transplant. In addition, wait for the first check-ups to make sure that your new kidney has acclimatized safely in your body. Then nothing will stand in the way of your first trip after the transplant!
When you feel fit again and the doctors have given their approval, you can finally start planning your vacation. To make sure you don't forget anything during the preparation, let's go through the most important points together.
Vaccination protection for travel
After a kidney transplant, you should visit your doctor to check whether you are sufficiently immunized to travel to a particular vacation destination. Your medical team will inform you about the necessary vaccinations that you should get before the trip.
As you may already know, there are different types of vaccines. The so-called live vaccines are often not suitable for you after transplantation, because they contain an live form of the pathogen. Your immune system is weakened by the immunosuppressants you are taking, so there is a risk that the vaccine will cause an outbreak of the disease. For this reason, only so-called dead vaccines will be used for you. These do not contain active pathogens such as viruses or bacteria and are therefore completely safe for you. If you would like to know more about this topic, feel free to browse the other content on “vaccinating after transplantation” in the Mizu app.
It is important to note that travel to countries where diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika virus, or MERS (=Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) are present is not typically recommended after transplantation. In this case, live vaccinations are not possible because you are taking your immunosuppressants. Otherwise, however, there are no restrictions and you can freely choose your travel destination. This is, of course, provided that you can take your medication regularly and that you are allowed to take it with you to your travel destination. Check with your airline well in advance and make sure that you have enough medication for the duration of your vacation. And don't forget: Take out your vaccination certificate and check with your medical team which vaccinations you are due to have..
Don't forget to drink water
It is important after a kidney transplant to make sure you are drinking and excreting enough fluids. Especially compared to the drinking quantity restriction on dialysis, this is a big change at the beginning. So make sure you always have enough water with you. By the way, this also applies on days of arrival and departure and on day trips. Especially in hot climates, sufficient fluid is extremely important for your body.
Take caution when sunbathing
After your transplant, it is important that you try to protect yourself from the sun as best you can. After all, by taking immunosuppressants, which slow down your immune system at work, your immune system can't defend itself as well against tumor cells. As a result, the risk of developing skin cancer is higher than usual. For this reason, it is even more important that you put sunhats and sunscreen with a high sun protection factor and sufficient body coverage at the top of your packing list.
With good sun protection, you can set a good example to your friends and family. Because good sun protection is always sensible, regardless of whether you are taking immunosuppressants, and keeps your body fit and healthy.
Experts in the area?
Especially shortly after the transplant, everyday life with your new kidney can often lead to uncertainties or questions. In these cases, a suitable contact person in your area may be a good safeguard, especially for longer stays. You should research in advance whether there is a transplant center or dialysis center with nephrological expertise near your desired destination. You can contact them at any time in case of urgent questions or problems in an emergency. In the Mizu app, you will find a travel map with corresponding contact data that you can use for this purpose.
It is also best to talk to your medical team before you leave to see if there is anything special you need to consider for your specific case. As you can see, with a few precautions, nothing stands in the way of your vacation with your transplant! You have certainly more than earned it.
