Dialysis for dad

Could use some pixie dust. I am taking my father to WDW for his first trip in 25 years. Not even really the same destination as then but I digress.

So far this year my dad has dealt with prostate cancer recovery, a stroke and now dialysis. We promised each other if he came through this we would skip down Main Street. For a guy who 6 weeks ago was on life support I am going to be thrilled if he manages to stay in the wheelchair for 4 hours while there (our current goal).

For his dialysis, does any fellow members know how WDW works that? My Dad is on Medicare and has VA benefits. Is there a local dialysis treatment center? Anything special I should know of think of, this is my first time with such a special needs parent.

HELP!

Talk to the dialysis center he is going to. They will assist you in making the arrangements for treatment while in Orlando.

I am assuming he is on hemodialysis and not peritoneal, and will have to be transported to the center. His center will work out the logisitics for you. (If he is on peritoneal, they will arrange for all his solutions to be at the resort when you arrive)

This is not as unusual as you think, people on dialysis travel all the time.

Nanci
(who was a laboratory medical technologist at a kidney hospital in a past life)

I did not work at a dialysis center in a past life ;) , but my Mom was on dialysis (received a kidney transplant) and traveled to WDW with us. Everything Nanci said is on the money. Even though she would travel from Tampa to see us at WDW on non-dialysis days, Mom still would have the info for the local dialysis center if it was needed.

This will be a slower trip for you. Your Dad will need many breaks. Also, make sure he wears a hat and limit his sun exposure, as some of the kidney medications have sun restrictions.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hammer

I did not work at a dialysis center in a past life ;) , .

---

:silly:

That was actually put there because I have been dismissed in the past as being "only a travel agent".

It actually happened recently. Once the person found out what I was for the first 27 years of my adult career, their entire attitude changed towards me. Only then was I treated as if I had two brain cells to rub together.

Sad isn't it?

Nanc

I agree with what Nanci and Christine have already said. I would add that your center / doctor (whomever helps you make arrangements with the new center) should also give you a copy of his most recent treatment orders just in case the new center either misplaces them, you get waylaid in your travel plans, or your dad would need to go to a hospital or clinic for any reason. Also keep an updated medication list - be sure it includes accurate medications names, doses, the number of times per day meds are taken. Pharmacy name and phone number are also helpful. Carry both the med list and his dialysis orders with you. You'd be surprised at how many people don't even know what meds they take.