Traveling abroad

TServold

I have the opportunity to travel to Sittard Netherlands (about 3 hour train ride outside Amsterdam). I haven't left the country since Transplant. How do you decide if the trip is worth it, and what do you research before traveling abroad?

darth_james

Are you going to wait in the Netherlands while a kidney is procured? If the clinic will allow you to receive a kidney check the average wait time for a kidney in NL. Several countries in Europe require people to opt out of being a deceased organ donor. Spain has has the lowest waiting period to receive a kidney from what I recall.

AliEm14

I always map out how close I am to a hospital, just in case. I check with my transplant team to see if there’s anyone they know in the area, and have a letter I can show at any hospital telling them to call my team if I’m admitted. I make sure I have travel insurance, only drink bottled water and cooked food. Wear a mask, sanitize my hands, normal precautions. But that’s about it! I think if you have the opportunity, go for it!

TServold

@darth_james great clarification. I was transplanted just over 2 years ago. This is for business travel.

@AliEm14 thanks! Great suggestions.

coopscadoop

Research if the country has access to good medical care for foreign travellers. Buy traveller's insurance if you need. And then go (with any vaccines and antibotics the Dr. advises, of course)! Live your life with the gift of transplant and take advantage of travelling the world!

Jeanmarie

I traveled to Italy last year. It was such a dream.

I did a ton of research about where the hospitals and clinics were located and the closest transplant facility. I learned all the health words in Italian to communicate in case of an issue.

I had my transplant team write a note about all my current medications in case it was an issue going through customs. I did not have any problems. I kept all my medication in pill organizers and did not bring the bottles.

The only thing that I was worried about was the timing to take my medications. My transplant team suggested taking medications on your home time zone. So I just figured out what those times were and set an alarm. So it would let me know even if I was on the flight. There are apps that will remind you. But I also set separate manual reminders.

I have found that any trip is worth it. I love traveling and meeting new people, eating yummy foods and seeing different scenery. I've always wanted to visit Netherlands. Let me know how it is!

Karin

Hi!

i travel a lot for work but also since I am from Europe so I travel back perhaps 2-3 times per year. I have been traveling since my transplant and the only time it went very bad was when I traveled to a place with less than optimal healthcare and big socioeconomic differences among the population / I contracted salmonella and got so sick that I was in the ICU for a week when I got back home.

i agree w all the above / do your research and bring extra meds / in your different bags - both as checked and with you on the flight!

livelife_

Plan your trip carefully, including transportation, accommodation, and food safety, to maintain your health routine. Learn about Sittard’s attractions, like its charming Market Square and historic sites, and prepare for cultural differences and the weather. this could be a wonderful chance to explore a peaceful destination just a train ride from Amsterdam!