I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: Rain on July 05, 2012, 06:05:08 AM

Title: First trip in 5 years out of province
Post by: Rain on July 05, 2012, 06:05:08 AM

I'm nervous. I'm heading to the west coast next week for a week.  Dialysis was organized back in April, I tried calling the dialysis unit to confirm my time and location but I got voicemail so I left a message and no answer.   I guess my worst fear is that I will show up there and they don't have me down for dialysis due to a mistake on their part.  (I don't trust the system). 
Has anyone had that happen or am i worrying for nothing?

Title: Re: First trip in 5 years out of province
Post by: Cordelia on July 05, 2012, 09:04:44 AM

I think you have a valid concern, Rain.

I'm fron Ontario, Canada   From what I've heard of others saying who travel to BC is that some have good luck getting into a center (particularily Vancouver) and others who have said negative things that they are not very acccomdating.

I would recommend keep calling them until you find out for sure.

I hope you have a good experience.        :cuddle;

Title: Re: First trip in 5 years out of province
Post by: MomoMcSleepy on July 05, 2012, 12:16:17 PM

I wouldn't trust them, either, I have met a lot of flaky medical personnel.  Keep calling and write down names and times of those with whom you've spoken!  Hope you have a safe trip...not sure if it is business or pleasure, so just a safe trip.

Hey, where are you from?  My family was from Cape Breton.

Title: Re: First trip in 5 years out of province
Post by: Rain on July 06, 2012, 03:53:39 PM

Thanks  I sent an email and they confirm my time so I feel better.  My other question is when flying do I have to worry about my fistula with the change in elevation?

Title: Re: First trip in 5 years out of province
Post by: Cordelia on July 06, 2012, 04:23:06 PM

Quote from: Rain on July 06, 2012, 03:53:39 PM

Thanks  I sent an email and they confirm my time so I feel better.  My other question is when flying do I have to worry about my fistula with the change in elevation?

I'm relieved for you!!      :beer1;

Title: Re: First trip in 5 years out of province
Post by: lmunchkin on July 07, 2012, 01:59:12 AM

Great to hear Rain.  Hope you have a marvelous time!  Don't know about fistula and flying.   I would think it would be okay, but hopefully someone will chime in and answer!

Have a safe trip and God Bless,
lmunchkin :kickstart;

Title: Re: First trip in 5 years out of province
Post by: mcclane on July 07, 2012, 06:53:48 AM

I would definitely keep calling or emailing until you get confirmation.   Did your dialysis centre make the arrangements ?

Just basing this on personal experience, when I decided to travel while on hemo, the nurses said that dialysis centres in canada have a designated 'travellers dialysis centre', so you really don't get to choose which centre you go to.  Here in calgary, there is one for travellers, and from where I live it is clear across the city up north.  Good thing is, I believe there is an inter provincial agreement (not sure about quebec though  :rofl; :rofl;) that the cost will be covered, but I could be wrong on that.

Unlike the US, you can pick whichever dialysis centre you want.  But prices vary.

Title: Re: First trip in 5 years out of province
Post by: Rain on July 09, 2012, 07:07:02 AM

I talked to the nurse about the fistula, basically don't stay in on position for the whole flight or there is a risk of clots.  So move around.

Title: Re: First trip in 5 years out of province
Post by: MooseMom on July 09, 2012, 12:58:30 PM

I'm glad you got your confirmation.  I know that will make for a much more relaxed trip.

I've flown all over the place with my fistula although it has never been used.  I've never had a problem.  Anyone flying for a lengthy period of time should move around a bit to prevent DVT.  I often do some exercises in my seat like peddling my ankles or flexing my arms.  Walking back and forth down the aisle once an hour is a help, too.

Have a wonderful trip!

Title: Re: First trip in 5 years out of province
Post by: malaka on July 11, 2012, 04:11:47 PM

I'm from the U.S., not Canada, so this experience may not apply to your situation.  I had hoped to take a week long vacation in Northern Michigan (MooseMom can probably confirm that its a nice, relaxing place) which of course isn't possible without dialysis.

So I did the internet thing, and called three centers within reasonable distances. Guess what?  I had to initiate the process through a social worker at my center.  I guess they don't trust me to read a calendar or use a fax machine for medical records. 

This started in March or April.  Just this week I was called into the Social Work office (sort of like the prncipal's office at school?) and finally told I could vacation.  Of course, my wife works and cannot change her vacation schedule to precisely fit my dialysis schedule in vacationland. 

If the Canadian system is similar, the patient is bottom man on the totem pole.

Title: Re: First trip in 5 years out of province
Post by: Rain on July 12, 2012, 08:28:06 AM

I had to make all the arrange through our in center coordinator.  We did a dry run once we landed by walking from the hotel to the hospital to give me an idea how long it would take.   I'm glade I did that cause the hospital was a multi building and it took some time to find.  So far ive had one run there and they have been great. 

I was talking to the nurse and they are the only hospital in the area that accepts visitors so I was lucky.  If I want to come back I should do the same thing get my coordinator to call 4-6 months in advance. 

I have 2 days left here and already we are planning our next trip since we can't do everything.