First trip in 5 years out of province

[Rain]

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?

[Cordelia]

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.       

[MomoMcSleepy]

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.

[Rain]

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?

[Cordelia]

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!!     

[lmunchkin]

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

[mcclane]

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  ) 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.

[Rain]

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.

[MooseMom]

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!

[malaka]

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.

[Rain]

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.