Costa Rica - excited but v scared

[lou]

Its nearly 11 months since my transplant which i just cant believe.....   and fingers crossed all is still going well! (last creat 103 and seems to always be around this)

I have booked to go to Costa Rica for a week in two weeks and i am soooooo excited but also v v scared about this.

Basically my boyfriend is Canadian and his family live all over the world (but mostly in the USA and Canada). They are all having a family reunion for a week in Costa Rica the last week of Jan and offered to pay for mine and my boyf flight which is amazing. I was worrying for ages but am now going. The place we are staying is in a self catering apartment where there is a pool and a close walk to the beach. I guess i am so scared as it is first place far away i will have been since the transplant. I guess i would worry going anywhere but i went to Paris for my birthday a little while back and wasn't too bad - maybe cos its in Europe still?

Can i ask do you think i should be worried? I have transplant clinic next week and really nervous about what the docs might say. I will be ridiculously careful, drinking litres of bottled water a day, only eating in busy restaurants, choosing 'safe' options for food, etc. Also will have travel insurance and it is only for 7 days. I guess ideally i wouldn't go this far so soon, i would feel happier if it was in another 6 months but its a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Also i keep thinking the whole point of the transplant is to be able to enjoy life and get out and do as much as possible. I am so careful about everything, taking my meds, eating healthily and i will be so careful on this week (suncream/staying out of sun!)


Do you think i am worrying too much? The ticket is booked now but obviously i know health is the most important thing in the world!

please help!! 
Lou  x x x

[Kay]

Hi Lou,
How very exciting for you!  I think most of us would be nervous about travelling, even without a transplanted kidney - so some of your anxiety is to be expected.  It sounds like you will be very well supported by friends and family - so just enjoy it. No use worrying about tomorrow - just get through today. Your new kidney has given you renewed health and freedom - so take your new kidney on a well deserved holiday!
God bless you and keep you safe - let us know how you get on.
All the best,
Kay

[lou]

Thanks Kay, really made me smile reading that! Well unless my doc has total heart attack about it will def go - am really excited! 

hope all is good with you x x

[lou]

Me again!  Just noticed a couple of things Kay.... first you are a teacher. I am also a teacher for children in care with emotional and behavioural problems. Also you are from East Sussex. I live in Exeter now but lived in Brighton for nearly 10 years. Small world!! Hope both you and your husband are keeping well. x x

[okarol]

I say go and enjoy! You sound very responsible - and careful - so all should be fine. Bring back some great photos and share them please!
 

[noahvale]

***

[cariad]

What an exciting trip!

I planned a trip to Costa Rica and went to our local Travel Health facility. We ended up not going, but the travel expert was completely unfazed by my transplant past. I was also pregnant. I remember he said to avoid sitting in fresh water on germ fears, but I think that was more to do with the pregnancy issue. Anyhow, I think it's good advice as you do not want to pick up some sort of UTI or something which could potentially affect your transplant.

There are only a few vaccines that you should not have as a transplant patient, anything live. I trust you've had both your HepA and HepB courses? I would especially get HepA if you can. I think it is also malaria season down there, so you might consider asking for a daily antibiotic for that.

I've not been to South America yet, but I've been to Africa, Asia and Mexico, all post-transplant. Don't give it a second thought - I certainly never did. Just have loads of fun!!! I am so jealous, but also incredibly happy for you. What an opportunity!

[Kay]

Hi Lou,
Yes ,I am now a specialist teacher for inclusion and  an Autism trainer. I work in a special school for children with ASD.
 (- I write with my son, who has Autism - he is the illustrator - you can see our books and profile on Amazon if you look up K.I. Al-Ghani)
Hope you have a wonderful holiday.
Kay

[bette1]

I went to Turkey one year post transplant and had a wonderful time.  I didn't have to get shots, but I was told not to drink the water and avoid fresh fruits and salads.  My doc made me take antibiotics with me and told me to start a the course if I showed any signs of infection.  We had a great time. 

A transplant is supposed to give you your life back.  Be cautious, but do the things you want to do. Have a great time and post some pictures!

[RichardMEL]

LIVE LIFE!!!!!

That is what the transplant is about. Let's face it, you could pick up an infection from anywhere - could even be the most inocious way. Might as well go somewhere nice with family and friends. Use the pool (as long as it seems clean and the chlorene levels are good) and the salt water should be fine too.

One thing to remember is, of course, your sun exposure and to keep up the sunscreen, wear hats, longer clothes etc to cover up and don't spend a lot of time out there during the main heat of the day.

You seem like you're being sensible and cautious and you're stable - so why not go?! 103 is a great Creat! You only live life once, and this is what it is about - having those special times and experiences with those dear to you. I am sure the docs will support this no problem.

Also get them to write you a letter you can take with your meds if you have any issues with customs at either end - you know outlining the meds you are on, what dose, and what it's for.. just so you don't get any "extra attention" for taking bundles of pills around with you

re vaccinations remember "live" ones can be problematic, so check with your transplant team on that - if any are required.

HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ang]

 go enjoy yourself.

simply do all the things that got you to month 11 post tx.

[lou]

Thanks everyone you have all reassured me so much    I really cant wait so will just enjoy and try not to spend too much energy worrying (aahh i never used to be a worrier!) Will def check about the jabs. I know i had hep b, not sure about a but think i must of done.

Will post a few pics when i get back - will prob be of me on the beach totally covered up, smothered in suncream clutching a 2 litre bottle of water!!

love to you all x x