Traveling to Disney with someone needing Dialysis

[colieolie]

Has anyone taken a family member (or yourself) to Disney and needed to go for dialysis while on vacation?

I am bringing my parents with me in Nov. to Disney and we found out yesterday Dad will be starting dialysis within the next few weeks.
I was wondering if anyone experience this and if you could give me some information to where you went for the treatment, how long ahead did you have to book it, etc.

Was it convenience for you. Dad keeps saying he should cancel out on the trip due to causing too much of an inconvenience for everyone.
I have been telling him that it will not be an inconvenience, so I want to have some backup when he says he is not going again.

Thanks for all your help.

colie

 

[Cheshire Figment]

First thing is to contact the Social Worker at your dialysis location. That is the person who will be able to put you in contact with a center down here. They will also arrange for providing all the details and paperwork, including insurance information.

A very important question is will you have a car available? You will have to arrange transportation both ways; this could be a problem without a car as taxis here are very expensive.

Also, the appointments may be strange hours, as the centers have their regular clients but will work to fit you in.

 

[Shorty82]

Check out the DisABILITIES FAQs. Post #3 has links to Dialysis information.

 

[SueM in MN]

Check out the DisABILITIES FAQs. Post #3 has links to Dialysis information.

Just what I was going to post.

 

[Shorty82]

Just what I was going to post.

HA! Stole your thunder! Just kidding! Great minds think alike, ya know.

I've learned that the first answer to pretty much any question on this board is to visit that thread as it contains a multitude of information.

 

[melomouse]

colieolie -

There is a dialysis center in Celebration that is excellent with transient dialysis patients. A rental car would likely be the best bet for transport.

My concern is that the trip is in November and your dad is just going to be starting dialysis in a few weeks. Although he will likely be fine and he can travel and be dialysized almost anywhere, it may take a few weeks for him to get used to it, to a schedule, how he feels afterwards, and possible medication changes.

A good discussion with his doctors, dialysis nurses and social worker on the home dialysis unit will clear all that up for you.

He should definitely go with you!!!!! Travelling w/ the family to WDW is a necessary part of well-being!!!!

 

[Disney 4 2]

Tell your Dad to go.

Dialysis patients just need to know there limits and try not to push to hard. I am sure you are a loving family and will be able to help Dad with his hesitations and tell him he will not be a burden because there is too much magic at WDW for worries.

My question is he doing peritoneal dialysis (like at home) or will he be going to a unit for hemodialysis (through an access port in his arm)?

I have not been to the Dialysis center in Celebration but heard it is wonderful.

Yes, first thing is too see how he tolerates Dialysis and then have the Social Worker contact the center in Celebration near WDW for a schedule.

This is advice from a person who was on dialysis for 3 years and worked and traveled on vacation with her husband. Two trips to WDW while on diaylsis.

You will need a car. Our last trip 2 years ago I rented a towncar and went to the center in Orlando (to keep my schedule T/TH/Sat). The owner of the company took me to and from the center and was my personal nursing assistant. (I am also a nurse of 31 years). The cost was around $300 for 3 trips and tips. I have a Healthcare spending account at work and was reimbursed. My husband kept all his plans at WDW while I was away on dialysis and then after I rested we enjoyed the rest of the trip together.

This Sunday (9/23) we leave for WDW to celebrate my new transplant kidney's birthday! 1 1/2 years and still P-ing.

Good Luck to you and your family and God Bless!

 

[colieolie]

Thanks so much for all your input.

Dad is GOING!!!!! I am so excited. He has been on dialysis for about a month now and is doing well. I already told him everything is all planned with the airfare, I rented a car and even had him go to the Celebration website to see the town. I will be able to shop and spend time there, so it is not a problem.


The only concern I am having is trying to get a two bedroom unit for the vacation. I only have a studio for my parents at OKW and I am at BCV. I would feel more comfortable with him at least in a studio in the same hotel if I can't get a two bedroom with him.

Please keep your fingers crossed and say a little prayer that a two bedroom comes thru for me. We are leaving in three and a half weeks.

I am thinking positive thoughts and something will come thru for us.

Thanks again for all your help.

Congrats on your new kidney!!!!!! My sister in law just celebrated her 10 year anniversary with her sister's kidney.