June, 2020. Time to get on with life?

@lizzy102 Gosh, that is a good question. I think that each person must evaluate their own circumstance. As those with health issues, I believe we have to be more vigilant, and careful of how we live each day. I notice that so many people are extremely happy to shed the masks and social distancing, tired of restrictions. It feels like masks and all are a new normal for me, though. You might want to check the area you are headed to, to see if there has been any uptick of COVID-19 cases as they have eased restrictions. Keeping your own cleanliness guidelines in place, you can better control what you can.

I'll be interested to hear from you again, to find out what you decide!
Ginger

My husband had his four month appointment at Mayo Rochester last week, and here was our experience traveling to/from: rest stops were cleaner than we had ever seen. At one rest stop they disinfected behind almost every person. In case, I had disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer along. We used our own kitchen or fridge at our destination Or used drive through devices for food. At a hotel they substituted packaged breakfast items for the usual buffet. We ate in our room. We felt very safe and very much enjoyed getting out. I hope you get to see your family soon. Best to you!

Thank you for that update. My husband has his 2 year post transplant checkup there next week. I've been wondering what it will be like to stay there. It will be so different.

We are going to be staying in a vacation rental for a long weekend with our kids before we go to Rochester. I've been wondering about traveling. It will be different for us since we will be on highway and not the interstate.

@lizzy102, I understand your restlessness. As a transplant recipient, you are already well informed and already practice good /safe hygiene for the avoidance of germs. I would like to share this information about safe travel during the coronavirus. I think it will give you some helpful safety tips tp consider. Coronavirus travel advice - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-safe-travel-advice/art-20486965
My suggestion is to check out the regions that you will be traveling thru so you can avoid any hotspot coronavirus areas.

@btwest6, My husband and I were at Mayo Rochester last week, too! We stayed in motel and we ate in Mayo Cafeteria, and dined at restaurants in Rochester. Outside and well spaced indoors at some restaurants. I felt okay doing this because I am 11 years post transplant and was already familiar with the area restaurants. I was a bit confusing because the restrictions were changing by the day for some reopenings.

@jodeej, You will be so comfortable with the way Mayo is looking out for our safety! Everybody wears a mask, practices safe distance, cleans hands, and there are markings and reminders everywhere - even tape markings on the elevator floor for where to stand!
There is a discussion that you might want to look at where I shared my recent experience. @jodeej, @btwest, I invite you to share your Mayo visit experience there, too. We are paving the path for other patients to feel comfortable in resuming their medical treatments that require an in-person appointment.
Tips: Traveling to Mayo to get medical care safely during COVID-19 - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-tips-traveling-and-getting-medical-care-safely-during-covid-19/

@lizzy102, As @gingerw has already said, Keep in touch and let us know what you decide and keep us posted.

Thinking of you, @lizzy102. What have you decided? Are you packing? What precautions will you use as you venture westward?

No need to pack, Rosemary. We live in our RV. We’ve been safely isolating in a small state park for the past four months. We will leave here to explore two places we’re think might make good places to make a home. With hope, my normal vigilance and the circumstance of living in an RV will keep us safe.
Thank you to everyone who replied. I felt relieved of some burgeon by reading your validation and support.

@lizzy102, You've got this! I think that you are ready to begin this new adventure.
Drive safely and let us know where you decide to settle.
Will you have to move your post transplant care to another transplant center?

Hello! I recently traveled from Indiana to Utah to help move our daughter. I was concerned but could not miss this rite of passage with my child! I traveled with masks, gloves and a big can of Lysol, which is how I entered every restroom. The restrooms along the way were cleaner than I had ever seen them, though I still sprayed Lysol on every surface:) I took gloves off at the sink, washed hands, then used paper towel to turn off faucets and on handles while exiting the restroom. We did not eat in restaurants, but chose outdoor nature locations. I used Lysol on all hotel surfaces, including TV remotes. We all brought our own pillows from home and only visited National Parks rather than any indoor activities. I was extra vigilant because I am only four months post transplant. I am so grateful that I was able to go! Traveling West was beautiful and inspiring! I think with extra thought and planning, you will find a travel method that makes sense for you and allows you to take on your new adventure as safely as possible! Happy Trails!

@stephanierp,Wow. Good for you! I am happy that you made the trip. Thanks for sharing your encouraging method for safe travel. "It has to make sense to you", sounds like the advice that I got 2 weeks ago at my post transplant annual evaluaton for my gradual re-entry into some normal activities.

Thank you for sharing your story. Lysol to the rescue! Our travel is a little different. I live with my wife (and the donor of my first kidney in 1987) in a 28’ RV. We have our own bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and living space. For this trip we are going to isolate-on-the-road. We’ll stop to camp overnight in state and private parks I reserved (mostly because it’s ridiculously hot in July). We won’t buy groceries or eat out. We will buy gas at the pump. When we meet up with our beloved friends, we know they will have been isolating as well - so will feel safe enough for masks and 10’ distancing.
Glad your daughter got moved successfully.
I’ve been using hand sanitizer, Lysol, Clorox wipes and masks to travel for the last 30+ years and will tell you that your vigilance will pay off. I am rarely sick from flu, colds or the usual stomach bugs because I am a fierce advocate for my immune status! “Will you please wash your hands before you pick up the cone to scoop my ice cream, please?”