Holidays: Celebration or Challenge for Transplant Families

Thank you, @jackiez...excellent information. I will definitely follow those practices.

Question: Even with the regimen that you follow (which is great), have you ever felt nervous or concerned about your health on a flight? I just would hate to go on vacation and come home with an infection. A lot of things on the ground I am able to control, like social distancing, and staying away from crowds and sick people. But I wouldn't necessarily be abe to control those on a plane. I'm usually alone on the plane, so nobody with me to "surround" me. What are your thoughts?

@my44 I have flown a few times. I do the following:
1. Try to take as few flights as possible-direct if possible without layovers.
2. Mask up
3. Take antibacterial wipes and wipe down seat tray, arm rests, anything I might be touching.
4. Hand sanitizer for my hands whenever I do touch something or need to eat or drink.
5. Limit amount of eating on flight if possible.
6. If flying with family or friends-sit next to them because as least you know they are healthy/careful.
Good luck!

Hi, @rosemarya.
No special plans outside of home for the holidays. I'm just one year post kidney transplant and, over the past few months, have been slowly adding back a few activities into my life as transplant team restrictions have been eased. But whatever I do, I take recommended precautions. Some may think I go overboard, but I mask up, keep a good social distance, avoid crowds and sick people (as much as possible), wash hands frequently, hand sanitize, get my vaccinations, etc. And I do these things year round. I am trying to see how I can safely incorporate travel back into my life. I probably won't do anything special during the winter but maybe I'll be able to "get moving" in the spring. My main concern is to be careful and safe.
So, with that in mind, my question for the experienced recipients is what precautions do you take on various modes of transport? In particular, how do you stay safe on airplanes full of strangers that you will be in close contact with and who may be sick and infectious and are not wearing masks?
My holiday wish is for everyone to have a joyous holiday season and enjoy life!

Congrats to us all for surviving this long! I want to wish all my wonderful friends at Mayo happy holidays and healthy fun wild new year!!! 🎊

Good morning
I'm a liver transplant patient, October 2020. I too carry hand sanitizer and I actually wear a mask anytime I'm out in public. Even in the summer. I do grocery shop, but I use self checkout as to avoid people standing in my personal space. I stay away from sick people. And I even will make family and friends feel guilty if they attend functions where I am for showing up sick. I try to live life, but do so carefully

Hi, @chickytina Thanks for the good information about the medical bag. I was not aware of that, so I found the info to be very helpful. 👍

I had my double lung transplant May 2022. I will be traveling for the holidays. The first thing I do is to wear my mask all the time unless I can find a place away from everyone else (not easy to do) or if I need to take meds and therefore will need to take down my mask. I also have my son on one side and my husband on the other side on the plane. I will be visiting friends and family who know if they even have a tickle in their throat not to come near me. I also need to be careful to not eat any raw vegetables or at any buffet style places, only drink bottled water and no ice in any drinks,
Just a little side note to anyone that is traveling and is unaware. You are able to bring a medical bag with you that doesn't count as a carry on or personal item. You do need to make sure that everything is allowable as medical. If there is one item that is not medical in the bag, it is not considered a medical bag. You should make sure that the bag stays with you at all times. You don't want to check your meds just in case.

My journey includes incredible support from family and friends. During the holidays (and other times as well), this close circle knows that if they are sick or have the sniffles to warn me and reschedule events (lunches, meet ups, etc). I also have hand sanitizer in my car that I use whenever I go in and out of my vehicle-drug store, restaurants, etc. I avoid the grocery store if possible as my husband actually likes to grocery shop or I order ahead and just pick up my groceries. I also generally do not get in close contact with people -think back to Covid and distancing. And I carry masks in case I feel uncertain about the situation. When I fly I wipe down my set area and wear a mask.
I am a heart double lung recipient so I try to especially protect my lungs but have still had various colds and Covid despite my best attempts. However, I balance this with living my life to the fullest and cherishing the time with close family and friends.

To All: Let's reactivate this conversation! ⛄❄️

Holiday celebrations and festivities can be a challenge for transplant patients and their families. The twinkling lights and music are everywhere enticing us to get out to shop and celebrate while we consider invitations to family and social gatherings with special foods and beverages. It is no wonder that whatever stage of some of us approach the holidays with a hint of uncertainty and trepidation during the season that is supposed to bring joy and cheer.

- How will you navigate the holidays? What are your plans?
- If you are a new recipient, what questions do you want to ask if the experienced recipients?
- Share a Holiday wish!

I have the blessing of knowing of and regularly connecting with my donor's family. Here is my greeting to them with edits for privacy.

In this time of giving, I thank you once more for J***** and his/your gift. I was just at Mayo all day on Friday for my four-year check-up. As usual J***** is a champion and my medical masters at Mayo are amazed at how well we (he and me) are doing. When I asked for an explanation on the success, Dr. S******* said, “Luck and discipline make a good combination.” Indeed, I was fortunate to be a recipient of a good heart and in honor of him I am very disciplined in caring for the gift and the gift is diligent in caring for me. Again, we are one hell of a team.
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The expression of gratitude is one of the best things we can do, and it does not have to be for cataclysmic events like a transplant. The simplest things in our life deserve thanks.

Best always,
s!