I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Traveling Tips and Stories => Topic started by: jersey girl on March 12, 2010, 10:21:37 AM

Title: Cruising on PD
Post by: jersey girl on March 12, 2010, 10:21:37 AM

I have been on pd less than a year. My family & I would like to go on a cruise. Are you allowed to bring a cycler on the ship?  If not, how do you heat the bag?  Do the supplies fit in the room? I do one manual during the day & I'm on a cycler at night. I would appreciate any advice and would love to hear your tips/experiences.  Thanks!
Angie

Title: Re: Cruising on PD
Post by: peleroja on March 12, 2010, 03:29:42 PM

Hi, Angie.  I've cruised while on PD, although at the time I wasn't using the cycler.  My friend Steve was recently on a cruise with the cycler and said it was a piece of cake.  Maybe he will answer you as he is also on this board.  Where are you planning on going?

Title: Re: Cruising on PD
Post by: jersey girl on March 13, 2010, 04:00:24 AM

Hi!  We'd like to take a Western Caribbean cruise.  I'm so glad to hear it was easy! I'm really nervous about it.  Can I ask, how do you warm the bag without the cycler?

Title: Re: Cruising on PD
Post by: peleroja on March 13, 2010, 11:33:06 AM

Quote from: jersey girl on March 13, 2010, 04:00:24 AM

Can I ask, how do you warm the bag without the cycler?

One night the power went out just when I was about to do my 10 pm exchange.  Bravely I went ahead and did it and did not experience any problems with the "cold" dialysate other than a "woo" feeling.  After that, being the lazy person I am, I never heated my dialysate again.  Try it once and see if it's for you.  Did you receive a "heating thingy" from Baxter?   Kind of like a fold over satchel thingy that plugs into the wall.  That might work if room temp dialysate isn't for you. 

Title: Re: Cruising on PD
Post by: monrein on March 13, 2010, 01:08:36 PM

I've never been on PD, but could you use a couple of heating pads set on low to warm up the bags?

Title: Re: Cruising on PD
Post by: jersey girl on March 13, 2010, 01:20:47 PM

I did get a big gray pouch that looks like a big heating pad.  I had forgotten all about it! 

Title: Re: Cruising on PD
Post by: rookiegirl on March 13, 2010, 05:44:24 PM

My husband and I went on a Carnival Destiny cruise Dec 2008 while I was on CAPD.  Baxter delivered by solutions to my cabin.  All I had to bring was my other supplies.  I used my heating pad that you wrap around the solution bag.  I also carried one solution on the plane just in case of any emergency and the airport did not give me any hassles.

We went to Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman Islands.

Title: Re: Cruising on PD
Post by: jersey girl on March 15, 2010, 05:44:56 AM

Thanks for sharing your stories!  We had originally considered waiting, because of my restrictions, but I don't want to put our lives on hold because I can't swim or eat whatever I want.  That even sounds silly when I type it! :P  I think I was just making excuses because I'm a little nervous.  We've been to Disney once since I got sick and that went well.  Hearing that others have done it helps. :thx;