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What about cruising post transplant?
Transplants | Last Active: Jun 2, 2023 | Replies (67)Comment receiving replies
@jolinda We have vacationed two times in the Caribbean and would love to go back but am hesitant since I figure if I did get sick I would need to be airlifted to the US. I know from the two times I have been hospitalized after my liver transplant that I need to be in a hospital familiar with the needs of a post-transplant patient.
Which islands did you go to? Do you know how the medical care is on those islands? I have been thinking if we decide to do a tropic vacation it would have to be Hawaii since there is an excellent hospital in Honolulu that is also a transplant center. We have been to Hawaii once and loved it, but not only is it very pricey but the flights from the east coast are very long and tiring.
Thanks.
JK
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@contentandwell
In the Caribbean there are low risk choices, high risk choices and everything in between. For example Grand Cayman is a low risk, they are very developed and you can readily access safe choices for almost anything. Jamaica as an example is higher risk, it is a beautiful country but they have struggled with their basic infrastructure since they gained independence in '62. Sadly I haven't felt ok going back since transplant. Earlier this year we were in Nevis (which I highly recommend) it this case you could be in a very modern hospital in St Kitts within 45 mins. Zika and Chikungunya have been big concerns lately throughout the region but you can track this through the CDC Travel site. I would recommend wearing shoes with closed toes EVERYWHERE in the Caribbean, there are areas where stray dogs are common, some places where human sewage is a concern and with hurricanes over the years, glass and metal are inevitable. It goes without saying that sunscreen every 2 hours is imperative. Life is an adventure and we are so blessed to have a second shot at it!!! I love traveling and so does my new kidney!!! My advice is...GO FOR IT! Research, plan and get out there!