vacation...yes or no?

[justme15]

This is the question I need to answer soon.
My husband and I did not have a honeymoon.  so we would like to celebrate our 3 year anniversary in February by spending a week in Jamaica.
however, I am reluctant to book this trip because my kidneys are failing, and I have good days and bad days. I'm afraid  that I may get worse by February, and won't feel up to going.
On the other hand, I feel that this may be the last 'real' vacation we can go on, since dialysis is imminent, and traveling on dialysis can be really difficult.  So I kinda feel like I should go for it...i guess. i don't know. it's a lot of money to spend, only to have to cancel.
So what do you all think?

[bevvy5]

I've never been to Jamaica.  My biggest worry would be the medical facilities there. 

Even when hubby was pre-dialysis but knew it was coming, we didn't travel out of the US or Canada, where we live to, for example, to Mexico.  We personally weren't comfortable with it.

As for going on vacation, go for it.  Hubby was told in December three years ago that dialysis was basically going to be a reality within a six months.  We went to Hawaii in March.  We definitely had to dial it back, but are glad we went.

As well, while he was on peritoneal dialysis, we went to Las Vegas, Florida and on a houseboat vacation.  He's now switching to home hemo and we have a trip planned to Hawaii in January.  We will not give up travelling until we absolutely have to.

[MooseMom]

I have asked myself this question so many damn times!  I'm in your position, and it can raise havoc with travel plans!  The problem is that we are virtually uninsurable, otherwise I'd suggest taking out a travel insurance policy.

I think the answer lies in what the cancellation policies are for your flight and accomodation.  You can buy refundable airline tickets, but they are more expensive for obvious reasons.  Still, it would give you peace of mind.

When you are booking accomodation, find out what their cancellation policies are.  You would probably be entitled to a full refund if you had to cancel x number of days before arrival. 

Does it absolutely, positively have to be Jamaica?  Would Hawaii be an acceptable alternative?  They have better health care in Hawaii than in Jamaica, I'm guessing, although I could very well be wrong.  At least in Hawaii, you'd still be in the US.

Let us know what you decide!

[Cordelia]

I would get cancellation insurance, just to be safe.

[justme15]

Thanks everyone. I will definitely look into cancellation insurance/cancellation policies.  Hawaii is an option, but my husband and I are not fond of long airplane flights, and flying there from GA would be approx 8 hr trip i think. Jamaica is 2.5 hrs.  and...Jamaica is a lot cheaper, lol.
but we'll see what happens.. I'm gonna do some research on the 'net and I'll let you know what I find out.

[cariad]

I found that I would be so jazzed for a holiday that my energy level and general health would be perfect on holiday, but I might need a few days to recover after. I think having the opportunity to get out of the routine of life, seeing new sights, having time to spend with loved ones, can do wonders for one's mental health, which impacts your physical health. I was never sick on holiday, not that we took all that many. I did go to Africa for 3 months right after a creatinine spike against my nephrologist's advice. I'm so glad I did. That was exhausting, but I had no kidney issues there and my creatinine stayed stable. I got health insurance and it was cheap, so I would bet you could get it if you are really worried about it. I doubt you would need it, but if I had any major health issues, this covered airlifting to a country that could handle my medical concern, foreign medical expenses, and repatriation if medically necessary.

For holiday expenses in the event of a health emergency that prevents travel, my AmEx gold card allows me to receive a full refund on up to four qualifying events a year if I have to cancel due to documented illness. I know theatre tickets are included in the benefit, and I would bet that holiday travel is as well. With most hotels, one can cancel up until the day before, sometimes even the day of, and pay no penalty. Perhaps one of your credit cards has this benefit? We have never needed to use it, but I appreciate knowing the option is there. I can only claim for events paid for with that card, but there is no extra fee for this.

Personally, I would go to Jamaica and trust that I would be OK and have fun. But that's me.

[Desert Dancer]

GO! Why would you let your kidneys stop you if you're not on dialysis yet? (Hell, for that matter, why let dialysis stop you?)

GO! You won't regret it if you go, but I guarantee you'll regret it if you don't.

[Riki]

I agree, GO!  Pace yourself, if energy is an issue, but go.  As long as you're not connecting to any machines, you should be fine.

My mom and I are actually trying to find someplace warm to go, not this winter, but maybe next, where I can also have dialysis.  We're not having a whole lot of luck with that, but I'm kinda hoping that by next winter, dialysis will not be something I have to worry about.. *G*

[mcclane]

I would go. 

From personal experience, last year i knew I would have to head back to dialysis soon.  But we booked a cruise anyways, and wouldn't you know it, I did have to go on pd.  But everything worked out, I had the catheter in, began pd, and we still made it on our vacation.  Looking back on it now, I would have deeply regretted not going.

but yeah, look into any cancellation insurance as a backup, but go. 

[MooseMom]

If you are able to find an insurance company that will underwrite your risk despite a declared pre-existing condition like CKD4/5, then please tell me who it is because I'd love to buy travel insurance.

You are the only one who can make the decision.  I went to the IHD meetup in Vegas, and even though it was only for the weekend, I really, really struggled.  I felt like I had to cram so much into such a short time, and I was unwell and exhausted the entire time.  I'd get back to my room at night after a full day out, and I'd cry from exhaustion.  So, if you do go, do yourself a favor and marshall your energy and rest as much as you can.  I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time, but do take care of yourself.  Enjoy!

[justme15]

Well, I've decided that I'm not going to take the week long vacation to the caribbean.  Partly because I am afraid I just won't feel well, and also because I don't want to use all of my PTO time at work for this trip. I have a feeling that I will be needing all if my sick/vacation time for appts and things next year. so I feel like I need to be in conservation mode, rather than spend mode. So I'm going to save up my PTO time and save up my money to prepare in case i have to take off significant time from work.

i hope i don't regret this decision. we probably will take a mini vacation somewhere. But when I think about having to start dialysis, all the training and  potential hospital stays, and MD appts that will require me to take off from work,  I feel like I need to be financial prudent.

[lmunchkin]

I see nothing wrong with your decision, actually it is probably a very wise one IMO.  There will be a time to get away, but it may not be in the cards right now!  Your time will come.

lmunch
 

[paulanisar]

dont give up on vacation.go to puerto rico.being a u.s. territory your insurance covers the cost.i went and the center was really nice , only problem was that some of the nurses only spoke spanish but they made sure to give me an english speaking one.dont give up, where there is a want ,there is a way!