Need Some Medical Help...

[Escrowgal]

Dear Everyone,

I have been a voracious reader of these boards since we decided to go on a extended family cruise over Christmas. Up until last week, everything was going along as planned and then we hit a snag. My mother, who has end stage renal failure (kidney disease) had to start dialysis after resisting the idea for years! While this made her doctors (and family) breath much easier, it throws a wrench into our cruise plans.

I am working on finding out if dialysis will be available on this cruise but have not yet heard back. Does anyone out there know if dialysis would be available in Puerto Vallarta? I think this would be the best port to try and find it in if not available onboard ship. If there is anyone out there who live in PV or may have some insight, I would appreciate it.:eek:

[1cruiselvr]

There is a hospital directly across the street from the port where the ship docks. I think it's called St. Xavier. There is a CC MBer that works there. You might try posting under the Mexico ports of call section and ask there. She usually answers questions regarding things to do in PV. I'm sure she will know. Hope this info helps. Good luck!

[CaptData]

I'm not sure what ship you are on but you could contact Dialis at Sea. They do several of these a year. Good luck.

[Esme]

Maybe you should contact HAL's ships services 1-800-541-1576 and they will probably put you in touch with their Medical Dept.

Also, as CaptData suggested, contact Dialysis at Sea and I am sure they will be able to help you. http://www.dialysisatsea.com

[arzz]

I know that dialysis can be made available on some ships. When my Dad was in a similar situation his nephrologist used to cruise HAL all of the time and would try to talk him into cruising. Keep looking and I hope you can work it out!

[bonnyweed]

The dialysis I am familiar with (hemodialysis...blood dialysis) involves several hours per session 3 times per week. I would also be suprised if this is something you could arrange during a port day. I, too,have heard that some cruise lines offer special cruises that allow patients with renal failure and hemodialysis needs the opportunity to enjoy cruising. However, I spoke with a ship's nurse about this once....she said they greatly increase the number of nurses (specialty hemodialysis nurses) on those cruises and, of course, arrange to have the hemodialysis units aboard ship. Perhaps you can enjoy crusing with your mom on one of those special cruises? Hope it works out.

[Florida Lady]

Your safest option is Dialysis at Sea that was mentioned by in a previous posting. A close friend has worked on many of their cruises over the years. Their medical staff is on-call during the cruise if there is any emergency. Remember that usually dialysis patients get their treatment 3 times a week. You cannot rely on going to a center during your port of call. What if the ship can't dock and gets deverted to another location. Dialysis at Sea has many cruise options. My Dad was a Dialysis patient who lived 91.
Good Luck

[Ziggy7]

Please let us know how your cruise turns out :) and this whole medical mess, Thanks! :)