Pre-D Travel

[Deanne]

My manager emailed that he thinks someone should spend a couple of weeks in Penang doing some training. I'm not likely at the very top of the list of people to send, but my name was in the short distribution list as a potential person to go. I talked to one of the other potential people and he said he'd rather not do it. I'd ask my neph if my manager brings it up to me, but what do ya'll think? My renal function is probably around 13%. It might be a bit lower by now - I was at 13% four months ago and I'm late in being re-checked. Does travel to Malaysia sound risky?

[MooseMom]

Oh gosh, do you think you are physically up for that?  I've done a LOT of overseas travel in my day, and it takes it's toll.  Even when I was healthy, it was a long slog, and jet lag is never any fun. 

You could probably get away with it, but it might be worth contemplating the worst possible scenario.  If you were in Malaysia and became ill, what would happen next? 

I seriously thought about flying to Norway to visit an old friend, but in the end, I didn't think I had the energy.  Slogging through Customs and Immigration with a mind clouded by toxins and jet lag just didn't sound too terrific.

Do you really WANT to go? 

[Deanne]

I'm not sure if I'm up for it. My manager hasn't brought it up to me directly and there's only a slim chance he will. Lots of times he forgets about things almost as soon as he mentions them. In a way, I'd like to do it, but at the same time, the very idea makes me want to go take a nap. I see my neph next week so I'll see where my GFR is these days.

[MooseMom]

You're a smart lady.  I know that once you have a bit more info from your neph, you'll make the best decision for yourself.  Good luck next week.  Do you have a gut feeling about where your GFR might be?

[malaka]

On the other hand, you won't be going if you are on dialysis.  Major PITA (acronym, not the Middle Eastern bread!) to arrange dialysis anywhere but your own center.  I can't imagine what its like when you cross the international date line and today becomes tomorrow. 

If you don't want to go, just quote Dorothy "there's no place like home.....there's no place like home".  Have any Ruby Slippers and a small dog named Toto?

[Deanne]

I might have a pair of pink sneakers someplace and I have a dachshund named Bella and a yorkie-mix named Tigger. Close enough to Toto?

My manager hasn't brought it up again and a "save money" corporate message went out, so I'm pretty sure it won't come up again.

[MooseMom]

Probably just as well.  It would be a tough decision to make.