Having recently returned from a fortnight’s holiday in Florida, I have some useful tips which may benefit others on CAPD. Since September 11th 2001 airlines and airport security is extremely strict, passengers are prevented from carrying scissors on board aeroplanes. This is a problem particularly if you need to dialyse on the flight, as you need to cut the bags in order to dispose of the dialysate fluid down the toilet.
After numerous telephone calls with Virgin Airlines I was permitted to take scissors on board the aircraft provided they had rounded ends. I found the best ones were BABY SCISSORS available at most chemists and priced about £2.50. I had no trouble with these.
Also, if you need to dialyse during the flight let the airline know in advance. They will often let you use the toilets in First class as fewer passengers generally use these and therefore they tend to be cleaner.
If you need to dialyse at the airport prior to boarding your flight, ask at the information desk if you can use the medical room. These are not always available, as an alternative, ask to use the toilets in the first class lounge as these again are less frequently used so tend to be cleaner (especially the ladies). So far I have never been refused.
Finally if you want to go to the Magic kingdom or any of the other theme parks - GO! On entrance, immediately go to the medical room where you can leave all your dialysis equipment and just pop back to dialyse when you need to. At the end of the day just pick up your gear before leaving the park.
All in all I had a fantastic time. I would recommend it to anyone and can’t wait to return. If you are having trouble with getting travel insurance, try the following company:-
Insure and Go. Warners Mill, Silks Way, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3GB
Tel:- 0870 901 3673.
Thank You to Michelle for sharing her experience with us. If you have a story to tell or something to contribute to our newsletter then please write to us at NKF-YPG using the address below.
The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.
Page created: 22 January 2005
Last updated: 6 May 2008
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