Kidney conditions don’t have to keep you stuck. You can and should travel when you’re able. It has immense benefits for your mental health, confidence, and quality of life.

Healing: fresh scenery for mental rest

Whether you’re undergoing finite treatment or learning to live with a permanent condition, you can do wonders for your wellbeing with the right mindset. We don’t mean forced positivity. We mean giving your mind a break and protecting your sanity.

When you’re able, get out of town. Go on a vacation or at least a weekend getaway. A change of scenery can be amazingly refreshing for your mental health. It helps you to avoid melancholy and get out of your head. This kind of grounding lets you “recharge your batteries” and focus on optimal recovery.

Courage: trying new destinations

This is a prime example of confidence-building. Medical conditions like kidney problems, which demand regular attention, can limit the types of traveling you can do. Why not flip that limitation on its head? Use it to go on an adventure. See what destinations and activities are available, and pick something you haven’t had before. Go to a place with a climate you haven’t experienced yet. Try out some forms of leisure that are new to you. For starters, consider a leisurely journey abroad as a medical tourist. Visit a country with a mild climate and plan a casual itinerary, like sightseeing. Consider continental, subtropical, and marine destinations. Examples of popular countries in those climate regions include Romania, Germany, and France. Have fun visiting castles, exploring cuisines, etc. As your health improves, step up the challenge with more demanding activities like hikes.

Resilience: your care requirements don’t tie you down

Kidney issues can impose a feeling of ball-and-chain. They can make it seem like you have to stay  near your clinic if you want to stay safe. You can develop anxiety about going anywhere. That can easily fester into resentment towards your situation and yourself. But with modern medical systems, this feeling is rendered completely false. You can travel and have fun and still receive the required care. Let’s say you want to go on a Paris getaway, climb the Eiffel Tower, have a croissant, and just chill for a week. Look up medical tourist accommodations in the city and its immediate surroundings. You can choose a dialysis clinic close to your destination that best matches your needs. All it takes is a little prep work and getting informed. As long as you have medical traveler’s insurance, you can receive your regular treatment just as easily as you would at home. This does wonders for your self-confidence, self-worth, and sense of control over your own circumstances.

Independence: you can handle the practical stuff yourself

One of the best ways to build confidence in yourself is to do things independently. Completing a task proves that you can, and motivates you to tackle more. Travel tasks are an excellent arena for winning your self-confidence back, or improving it if it’s damaged. You have to choose destinations, plan itineraries, plan transport, budget, get insurance, schedule everything, and on top of all that - pack for the adventure. We already mentioned the planning parts, so let’s consider packing. As a kidney patient, your healthcare necessities are top of the list. First, gather the relevant information about your specific case. Make sure it’s up to date. If possible, translate it into your destination language. Have a photocopy on you at all times. It will make things easier for local doctors if anything happens. Secondly,  prioritize packing your medication. There’s no telling whether local pharmacies will stock what you need. Ask your doctor for extra prescriptions. They need to last a little longer than your whole trip, just in case you get stuck, lose luggage, etc. Research what medication and supplies you can legally bring into your destination country.

In summary, traveling as a kidney patient is quite accessible and beneficial. Just choose adequate care options at your destination and remember to pack your medications and relevant documents. Remind yourself that your character outweighs your diagnosis and go on a custom adventure worth remembering.

About the author:

Tracey Clayton is a mom of three girls. She feels she knows a thing or two about raising happy, healthy and confident kids. She’s also passionate about traveling, fashion and healthy living. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live."

Header Image by Anna Shvets

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