In this article you will learn travel with your dialysis machine with all your necessary supplies at hand.
Instructions
Travel with a Portable Dialysis Machine
1. If you have a portable dialysis machine or are planning to get one, there are several things you need to know and understand prior to traveling. Be sure that once you know the date(s) that you will be traveling, you call your personal dialysis representative or nurse, so that they can prepare you for receiving ALL of your necessary supplies. To start, make a check list of all you medicines and supplies 4 weeks prior to your departure.
2. Contact your dialysis supply provider one month before leaving and give them the state, city, zip code, and phone number of your destination. Verify that the information you give is accurate. This will allow them to ensure that your life-saving supplies reach the correct destination. Most will ship anywhere within the U.S, but outside the country can be more difficult.
3. If you are going on a cruise, most dialysis suppliers will ship all of your supplies to the dock of your ship directly to your cabin. This allows you to avoid traveling with heavy boxes of supplies. Be sure to always triple check that the representative has your order correct. You can also check with the cruise line directly for extra information. Some cruise lines even have dialysis cruises and have representatives that will be happy to assist you.
4. Traveling via plane? Be sure to get the proper traveling case for your portable dialysis machine. Most airlines will not be held liable if your machine is damaged during travel. Your dialysis center can give you more information on this. Also, if traveling on an airplane, let the airlines know if you have medication(s) that need to be kept cold so that they can make preparations for you prior to boarding the aircraft. If you use needles with your treatment contact the airlines to see what their policy is on sharp needles and liquids. You will be able to bring these items, but you may have to pack them in a special manner. Airlines are required by law to allow you to bring needles, syringes, and liquids such as saline if they are for medical necessity. Please refer to the website www.tsa.gov for more information.
5. One week prior to leaving, buy a pill holder if you don’t already have one and triple check that you have enough medicine to cover you. In fact, be sure to bring extra medicines in the event of an emergency. Call and confirm with the airlines on all of their policies about traveling with dialysis supplies. They typically have special departments that deal with travelers who need special accommodations. If traveling by car or such, make your checklist and be sure that you have all supplies needed while away. Happy traveling!!!
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