Dialysis - elderly parents

[Gemma10]

Hi, I'm new here so please excuse me if this is in the wrong place! My parents are in their late 70s, my father is on hemodialysis (with a catheter) and they would llike a holiday. A cruise would seem a good idea but can anyone tell me which cruise ships/lines have hemodialysis facilities on board and sail from the UK please - sailing from the UK is important as they would not be able to cope with flying out to meet the ship, I would have to take them to board it. Thanks very much for any help. :)

Gemma

[bwjm]

There is a program called Dialysis at Sea. Being a dialysis technician, this has interested me as a possible way to cruise and get paid, something I am interseted in trying after my daughter is at least in college.

Here is the website.

http://www.dialysisatsea.com/

 

It is my understanding that you dialize while at sea so that when you're in port, you can enjoy.

I've not had any patients go, so I don't know anythign for sure on it. Hopefully this website will help.

[Gemma10]

Hi and thanks for replying. Unfortunately none of their cruises seem to sail from the UK. Does anyone else have any suggestions please?

Thanks :)

[bwjm]

If you go under Europe cruises there are ones leaving from London, or are you looking more for a carribean cruise?

Is your father a candidate for PD? May be that is something he could look into, also. I'd imagine taking the machine on the ship might be a hassle, but it is something that can he can do on his own. Hemo is a bit more copmlicated.

 

http://www.dialysisatsea.com/cruises.aspx?dest=Europe

[Gemma10]

Oh thanks so much, I hadn't noticed that.:o

 

I can see several that look as if they could be good for them. No, Dad can't have PD, his only option (due to other health issues) is hemo through a chest line, but hopefully the cruise line can deal with this. I'm going to email them now. Once again thanks so much for your time and advice I really appreciate it :)

[wrp96]

You may want to post your question on the Disabled Cruise board http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=190

[bwjm]

As long as he hasn't been having trouble with his cath., (infection, flow) then no, I don't see it being a problem going on a cruise.

wish them a good time for me!