Am uremic, will travel!

A few days back, I got an email from Sachin Patel of Pune. I am posting excerpts here:

Hi Kamal,

[....] Ever since I have been on dialysis I have been apprehensive of going on long vacations. After reading your blogs I realized that my hurdle is only a mental block that can be overcome, which I did.

Last month I went on a tour of North India covering Delhi-Agra-Mathura-Dehradun-Haridwar-Rishikesh-Mussoorie-Dhanaulti over a duration of 14 days. I got dialyzed twice at Delhi and thrice at Dehradun. I and my family had great fun and we owe you a lot for inspiring me to do it. [....]

I have also been avoiding official tours which I am now taking up. This month-end I am going to visit Hyderabad for a week. [....]

Regards,
Sachin Patel

Travel is something that really invigorates you. It gives you  a change from the routine of everyday life. You feel completely recharged after a holiday. Your mind feels like it has got a cold shower on a hut, sultry day!



That is why it is so important for everyone, including those on dialysis to travel. And it is possible! These days, you have quality dialysis options in many great places. Most places would be willing to accommodate you in their schedules. Dialysis unit staff generally are very encouraging of dialysis patients wanting to travel.

I have been to many places after getting on to dialysis. The high point was, of course, the seven day cruise to Alaska! I recently had a fantastic time in Rishikesh, rafting and swimming in the Ganga. This month end I am off to the cool climes of Nainital for a week-long holiday with my parents.

Since I am used to daily nocturnal, travel is a little bit more of a problem than those on conventional thrice weekly in-centre dialysis since I am used to more frequent, long hour dialysis and during these trips, it is not only inconvenient but also impractical. So (and this is the part I hate most) I need to restrict my diet and fluid while I'm on a holiday! But the fun of going on a holiday easily outweighs this bit.

For those on dialysis, I would strongly urge you to consider going on a holiday. It will really make a huge difference to your life. Don't worry too much. Choose a quality dialysis centre, make sure you watch your fluids and Potassium and you will really enjoy the experience.

In fact (unabashed pitch alert!), NephroPlus has a very convenient Holiday Dialysis program where we take care of everything from your travel arrangements to hotel bookings to dialysis and you can travel hassle free along with your family and friends!

So, don't let dialysis hold you back. Take that trip you've been wanting to all these days. You will not regret it!

Comments

Ajit said…
Hi Kamal, just a question. How do u increase the albumin level in the blood?
Kamal D Shah said…
Hi Ajit,

In two words - eat well!

Eat a lot of nutritious food, good protein etc. Albumin is very important. It tell you how well nourished you are. A low albumin is not at all good for us. We need to have our albumin in the normal range to be able to live long!

So, go eat something healthy NOW! :-)
Ajit said…
Just had Chicken Caesar salad and a portion of grilled double breast chicken. Cheers...