First Overseas Holiday post liver transplant

[TripleCrown]

I am about to go on my first overseas holiday since having a liver transplant 12 months ago, I will be staying with family who have 2 dogs.

Grateful for advice from anyone who has been in a similar position of being immunosuppressed and being around dogs. Also thoughts on swimming pool use.

Many thanks.

[Huggy7614]

Hi Triple Crown,

Congrats on your transplant, and am guessing you’re feeling stronger now!

No problems on any of that. Your scar should be well healed and you will know what your stomach muscles can cope with re swimming.

Re dogs, they are no problem, I live with mine!!! But make sure they have NOT had the kennel cough vaccine within last 6 weeks prior to your arrival, this vaccine is a live one and you can’t be near it!!

As far as meds are concerned, I take a months worth with me if I’m going for a week - imagine being in a foreign hosp and they haven’t got your brand of tacrolimus!!

Have a great time. Andy

[Yellowsydney]

Hi, I can't directly answer your question but make sure you have Good insurance which will be expensive. For advice on travel and which insurance company to try you could ask on our friendly and knowledgeable Facebook page called 'liver transplant support uk ' thousands of people that have been in your situation.Hilary

[TripleCrown in reply to Yellowsydney]

👍

[Bikafella]

I don't get too close to dogs but if they are owned by friends I have a good hand wash after touching or being licked by the dogs (hands only never face) as soon as possible - you have to protect your low immunity continually from now onwards (whatever friends or family may tell you about how clean they are - dogs like sniff everything dont they?) you will be prone to catching infections from everywhere far easier than other people. I was swimming frequently before my t/p but for the first few years avoided any form of public pool. They are not germ free and it's common for healthy people to pick up infections ! Are you prepared to take that risk? Being in a pool for cooling off is one thing but swimming and getting face/head wet is not a great idea. By the way if you're flying be sure to wear your support stocking to avoid blood clots and thrombosis, and it would be sensible in my opinion to wear a decent quality face mask. You don't want your holiday to be ruined by not taking proper precautions.

[TripleCrown in reply to Bikafella]

Many thanks for this very sensible advice.