Dialysis at Sea – Cruise Option for Dialysis Patients

Dialysis-at-Sea

I did not find pictures of sick people undergoing dialysis when I went to the website for this unusual travel company. Dialysis at Sea is not selling dialysis. What they are selling is freedom. What they are selling is that you may be on dialysis but you can still take your family on a vacation and enjoy yourself.

Martin, a long time friend of mine, brought this company to my attention. He had just returned home from a cruise with his wife’s family including his father-in-law who needs regular dialysis. The family had been looking for options but most local travel companies had no idea how to accommodate this need. Eventually they discovered Dialysis at Sea which acts as a tour company. They book a limited number of dialysis patients on specific cruises that are staffed and equipped to handle them.

Martin’s mother-in-law wrote:

After checking locally regarding dialysis on a ship (even AAA knew nothing) I was told that we must go through Dialysis at Sea to book our cruise.  I found their phone number on the internet.  I talked with a couple of gals (Wanda and Brandy).  Cost of cruise through them is slightly more expensive.  Subsequence cruises could possibly be a little cheaper, since I’ve been receiving e-mails from Dialysis at Sea regarding upcoming cruises.

On this particular cruise there were 9 patients. The ratio of nurses (3) to patients was very good. There were 2 rooms for 2 patients. The rooms were very small but with all the equipment and supplies for the patients.

The first dialysis opportunity was at 5:30 am and the last one was at 2:30 pm with slots at half hour intervals. Each patient was on a machine for at least 3 hours plus a half hour on and off time. The dialysis group was very accommodating. They took advantage of time at sea to run dialysis so patients were free when we were in port. One a patient required a 4th treatment and he was taken care of.

Many people want to travel “now while they still can”. Companies like Dialysis at Sea are extending that envelope of “still can” to include dialysis patients.

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