Although managing a rare kidney disease requires specific care, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t travel. With some extra planning and preparation, many people with kidney disease can travel regularly.

Here’s how to make your next trip safe and enjoyable if you have complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G) or immune-complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN).

Before You Go: Medical Planning and Coordination

Before traveling, ask your nephrologist whether the trip is safe based on your disease stage and overall health. If they say you can travel, here are a few other steps to take:

• Consult a travel health specialist — Make an appointment at least four to six weeks before you leave so you can get advice about your timing, planned activities, and destination.
• Update vaccinations — Make sure you are up to date on your preventive vaccines, and get any vaccines that are specifically recommended for your destination.
• Buy travel insurance — Specific travel insurance supplements your at-home insurance coverage in case of emergency or unexpected costs, including emergency evacuation or repatriation.

If You Are on Kidney Dialysis

People who need kidney dialysis can travel. However, you will need to plan ahead to find a dialysis center at your destination. If you do home dialysis, you can bring your equipment or send it ahead of time.

If you are planning to visit a hemodialysis center at your destination, it is a good idea to call and arrange at least four to six weeks ahead of time. Ask about the cost and check if your insurance will cover it, whether it’s out of state or in another country.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, you should send the following information to your destination dialysis center to ensure they are ready for your treatments:

• Personal contact details and local address
• Dates you need dialysis treatment
• Medical history and recent physical exam reports
• Recent lab results
• Recent EKG
• Recent chest X-ray
• Dialysis prescription and three to five recent treatment records
• Dialysis access type
• Special needs or dialysis requirements
• Insurance information
• List of the medications you take during treatment and at home.

Packing for Your Trip

When you have C3G or IC-MPGN, making sure you have the right supplies and access while on the road is especially important.

• Medication — Plan to carry all the medication you’ll need for your trip, plus extra in case of delays or emergencies. Place all medications in your carry-on bag rather than your checked luggage, and carry digital or print copies of your prescriptions.
• Medical records — Keep a copy of your current medical records and vaccination records with you. If you are visiting a place where people may not speak English, consider carrying a copy of your essential health information written in the local language.
• Internet connectivity — If you are traveling internationally, purchase an eSIM card or an international plan before you depart. Having access to the internet can enable you to get help faster in case of an emergency and to remain reachable if you are on a kidney transplant list.

Staying Healthy on the Road: Diet, Hydration, and Infection Prevention

Making healthy choices may be harder to do while traveling, but it is essential for your kidney health. Here are a few things to stay on top of.

Maintain a Kidney-Healthy Diet

An important part of successfully managing C3G and IC-MPGN is blood pressure control (avoiding high blood pressure). Eating a low-sodium diet is key. Many people with chronic kidney disease also may need to avoid foods that are high in potassium or phosphorus.

A registered dietitian and your nephrologist can help you plan a kidney-healthy diet specifically for your trip. Plan ahead by packing low-sodium snacks that can tide you over when you’re hungry. You can also let restaurants, cruise ships, or hotels know about your dietary needs in advance.

“I went on a seven-day cruise, and the staff did their best with my dietary restrictions. It wasn’t perfect, but we had fun and visited new places,” described one MyKidneyDiseaseTeam member.

Manage Fluid Intake

Staying hydrated is important for your overall health. You may need to drink more water than usual if you are more active while traveling or spending time in hot weather.

However, drinking too much fluid can put extra strain on your kidneys. Ask your healthcare team how much fluid you should drink each day. A refillable bottle with measurement markings can help you keep track.

Reduce Infection Risk

With chronic kidney diseases like C3G or IC-MPGN, your body might have a harder time fighting off illness. To reduce your risk of infection while traveling, wash your hands regularly, wear a mask in crowded places, and avoid alcohol. While staying out late and socializing may be fine for a special occasion, be sure to get enough sleep and care for your immune system on your trip.

Avoiding foodborne illness is also a good idea. According to the CDC, some tips that may help you avoid getting sick while traveling include:

• Drink bottled water and brush your teeth with bottled water.
• Do not use ice in your beverages in areas without safe drinking water.
• Avoid raw fruits, vegetables, fish, and other meats.
• Make sure cold food is served chilled and hot food is served hot. Avoid lukewarm food like leftovers or a poorly managed buffet.
• Choose dry, packaged foods.

Handling Emergencies While Traveling

Making sure you have travel insurance and medical records information on hand while traveling can help you get care right away in case of an emergency.

Seek care right away if you notice any new or worsening symptoms, including:

• Changes to how often you urinate
• Loss of appetite
• Extreme fatigue
• Muscle cramping
• Itchy skin
• Swollen feet and ankles

Join the Conversation

On MyKidneyDiseaseTeam, people share their experiences with kidney disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

What steps did you take to make a recent trip a success? Let others know in the comments below.