Holidays: Celebration or Challenge for Transplant Families

@rosemarya One advice I can offer is remember about germs and Buffets. Typically in large groups its like a buffet as bowls get passed around. I recommend asking the host to put a plate aside with the items you want ahead of time and then grab it as everyone else sits down to eat. Helps keep those little hands that ultimately get into the food as its passed around. At first it bothered me to ask but after I explained it has become the standard that I'm asked what I want first.

Merry Christmas 🎁 during this holiday my 94 year old mother has a event at her house she has 27 grandchildren which half of them are usually sick but the parents still bring them so all together around 40 people in a small living room and my choice for my health is I stay home unfortunately, last Christmas I was in ICU for a few days and I visited my mom after Christmas and discovered she was deathly sick from her party and immediately taken to the hospital, see I was right, couldn’t watch her because I was recovering from a major surgery from a hernia repair more fun . I d say if you have a small family your good mine is very large 38 stockings on the mantle. Again Merry Christmas and stay safe

Transplant Recipients _I want to bring this discussion to your attention because it contains a wealth of helpful tips by transplant patients which can help you and your loved ones enjoy the Holiday celebrations -
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. Soon, we will be receiving invitations to family and social gatherings with all of the special foods and beverages. It is no wonder that some of us approach the holidays with trepidation about a season that is supposed to bring joy and cheer.

What are your plans?
Are a new transplant recipient - What questions do you have about celebrating the Holidays with family and friends?
Are an experienced transplant recipient - How will you navigate the Holidays?

Thank you very much @jackiez.
I'll take your wishes for good luck to cover both my kidney journey and my anticipated travel journey. 😊💕

@my44 so glad this was helpful. Good luck in your journey!

Hi @jackiez.
Thank you for your response. It definitely does help, and I accept and embrace everything you said.
In addition to the great advice you gave me in your earlier post, my main takeaways from what you mentioned in this post are: I need to get past my apprehensions, weigh the risks vs rewards, control what I can, and choose to live a full life. I will definitely follow that advice.
But my biggest takeaway from what you said is: “My transplant influences me but it doesn’t define me.” And I plan to adopt that attitude and remind myself of it every day.
I also like your transplant coordinator’s advice to “go for it.” And when I’m ready to travel, I’ll check with my transplant coordinator and, hopefully, she will give me that same reassurance and encouragement,
Thanks, again, @jackiez, you have been a tremendous help and inspiration to me.

@my44 everything has a risk associated with it. I try to weigh the risk/reward when I choose to fly, go out to eat, etc. I control what I can. But you are right, you might be seated next to someone who has a cough or cold. That was my worst fear. And yes, I was apprehensive when I flew. We make a hundred choices every day that impacts our health-what we put in our mouth, who we see, what we do. My transplant influences me but it doesn’t define me. I still make choices to live a full life-everyone has a different definition of what that is.

I did ask my transplant coordinator about air travel as I have a work reward trip that I need to attend outside the US - she told me to ‘go for it’. I will ask again closer to the trip and take into account their recommendation too.

I hope this helps. It is a personal choice. And it’s a tricky one.

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!