Medical Facilities & Dialysis

[cjsmom97]

We have someone that is really trying to go with us on our cruise but she requires dialysis 3 times a week. From what we have been told, DCL does NOT have the machines on board (other cruise lines do) but you can rent the machine (a more portable version) and bring it onboard with you. So, my first question is, has anyone done this before, what was the cost and where did you get it? She frequents Orlando and has dialysis set up down there so if there is a location in the area, it would be preferred to pick it up there so we don't have to fly with it. They also said it would have to be done in her room unless she needed help (for a price). Then, she could do it in the medical facility. Is this a per hour fee, a flat fee, anyone?? Also, she is willing to pay for someone to go with her and cover their expenses. Does anyone know of a place kind like a rent-a-nurse??? Money isn't a problem and she is willing to pick up the expenses for the trip. She will have a room with a verandah just so that person can at least enjoy the view and fresh air while she is undergoing the dialysis. If anyone has done any of this or can direct me to the place I might get some of this information, I would appreciate it. We have called DCL directly a couple of times but haven't managed to get our direct questions answered. I think they were a bit afraid to give us wrong information.

TIA

 

[RellingTwin]

I can not help with the "equipment" part of the question, but there are many temp nuses companies in Fl. one of the largest is Interium Health Care. I belive they have a web site. Another option is to contact some dialysis centers in the central Fl area and see if the staff can help. Again, the internet would be very helpful in getting phone numbers.
I'd be willing to bet she can get a nurse to travel with her. Dialysis is 8 hours a day 3 days a week, so for 24 hours of work, the nurse would be getting a week long cruise. This is something I would jump at if I had the right training to do so!

 

[lookingforward]

I hope she finds someone to help her on the cruise. Perhaps the ship's doctor or nurse could supervise the dialysis? Just a thought, and it might actually be cheaper than paying for another cabin for the nurse. Good luck and keep us posted on her search.

 

[chichihoney]

u can look at the disabilltiy board they might help.

care medical equipment
407-856-2273 toll free 800-741-2282
website www.caremedicalequipment.com

walkermobility
is 1-888-726-6837
website www.walkermobility.com randy's m...892-4777 website [url]www.randysmobility.com

colonial medical
800 747-0246
website www.colonialmed.com

hope this helps

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

i can speak to a RN that will be on the cruise with us if she knows how to work on. pm me later

 

[april riddle]

It really depends on what type of dialysis she is on - her history - for example does she have problems with her av fistula? Maybe she should find one of her favorite nurses at the dialysis center that she has her usual dialysis and I am sure she would find a volunteer to go with her. I am not a dialysis nurse but have worked on a Renal floor - my expertise is in operating room so I don't know the ins and outs of how it works. As a single nurse though I would probably have jumped at a chance like that.

 

[cjsmom97]

Thank you for all the suggestions! We really appreciate them a great deal. She has been trying to find a kidney donor for some time now but due to a transfusion she had a couple years ago, seems no one in the family is a match. She also lost her husband about a year or so ago to cancer and is really ready to give up and this is something that is helping her hope. I think sometimes, we all take for granted how precious hope really is. A very dear friend to my father and step-mother felt all hope was gone and took his life this weekend so, now more than ever, I really want to see her join us and the family on our cruise. She does have some options for family that is willing to help her out on the cruise but she would feel guilty about making them stay behind if she needed further assistance. That is why we would like to seek a professional as they are just that, professionals. They realize the demand that could be there but are still willing to do it. So, as of right now, she is going alone but would love to have someone to share the room with. I know, I know.... I am babbling again... I will call her tomorrow and give her the good news that she has quite a few options. I am sure she will be very happy to hear it, especially since tomorrow is a dialysis day. Again, thank you all soooo much for your help and input. It goes to show you that there are still people out there that are willing to help a stranger.

 

[CM_Mom]

Can't help with your questions but here are prayers that she will have to miss the cruise because she is recuperating from a Kidney Transplant!!! Or even better yet, that she receives a transplant and is sufficiently recovered to go on the cruise WITHOUT dialysis.

Hope is a wonderful thing and I applaud you for working to keep her's alive.