Is it possible to vacation in Cancun Mexico safely after transplant?

[Jamok]

Has anyone been to Mexico Cancun area after transplant? If you could share your experience, I would really appreciate it. My husband and I have an opportunity to go to Isla Mujeres Cancun Mexico for a week in February with family at private condominium. I’m almost 2 years out from my transplant with a bit of neutropenia and I am extremely hesitant to go but my husband has sacrificed so much for my health and his family is getting older and it would be a nice experience for him. So any tips you can share on how to navigate a trip to Mexico safely would be so appreciated! I will of course talk to my Transplant Center but I get a different opinion just depending on who I talk to there.

[Winner76]

Hi,

I live in Ireland , and was told not to travel for the first 12 months . Since then I’ve been away every year. Just be mindful of what you eat and drink. If it’s private you don’t have to worry about crowds. My doctor told me I’ve recieved this kidney to live so live a little. Of course speak to your team. But If go away enjoy it.

Good luck

[Tankjsl]

I have not traveled outside of the USA. I don't think I will at this point. I am 21 months post kidney transplant and I feel great. I've traveled to the east coast a few times and the south but that's it.

I would definitely check with you main nephrologist and PCP. Hopefully they give you thee best guidance.

I also believe you need some vaccines before leaving the country although I may be wrong. Remember you probably cannot have live vaccines. Check on that. Double check your accommodations to see if it really is a clean environment. Also check how the food is prepared and cooked. I also worry about insurance should something happen. I would trust medical folks in the USA over anyone else at this point. You may also check for infection rates in the area you will be.

My wife and I talked about a cruise but then decided that if we did something like that, it would not be on a big cruise ship because of exposure to many others. We might try one of the paddlewheel boats that goes down the Mississippi River. Only 200 or so on that ship vs. 3000-4000 on a big ship. Plus dining is like going in to a restaurant vs. a buffet. So check to see how crowded conditions will be where you are staying.

Please share with us what you decided and I sure hope it works out for you. Best of luck and above all stay positive. I feel that the gift I have been given by a close friend of mine is such a valued possession that I need to take care of myself.

Again, wishing you all the best.

Tankjsl

[ShyeLoverDoctor in reply to Tankjsl]

There is no “probably”. You cannot receive live vaccines ever. The chicken pox vaccine is live. My friend’s sister is one of the very rare ones who came down with the chicken pox from the vaccine. You do not want to risk a serious illness which is what live vaccines are supposed to prevent.

If anyone you know gets a live vaccine, keep your distance for two weeks as they could be shedding the virus. Especially be careful around babies, they are germ factories in general.

[sugabear]

I would suggest wearing the best possible respirator mask you can find for the airport and flight and have your husband wear one as well. I would avoid crowds you can, If you can’t, wear that mask, especially in taxis and on buses. Only drink bottled water and if you do drink alcohol, be very careful about the kind of alcohol you’re drinking. Talk to your team about options. Should you get sick. Perhaps they can prescribe or recommend something to take with you just in case.Your new kidney means a new lease on life, so enjoy it. You can always take precautions to be safe as possible.

[LavenderRabbit]

At two and a half years out, I went out of the country (US). I went to Egypt. It was my bucket list trip to celebrate surviving the transplant. I made sure to wear my mask on the plane and made my husband do the same. We had a great time. I hope the same for you.

[Advocate4life]

Hi, Jamok! It's completely normal to be hesitant about traveling out of country after a transplant. Planning is key and I'm so glad you reached out here. My husband is almost 3 years post transplant and we were in Cancun for a week in December 2024. He was hospitalized on 2 occasions in September for medication toxicity so we were unsure if he'd be able to go. Docs gave him the green light once released so that helped to ease some concerns. Note that we stayed at a resort and were able to notify them in advance of my husband's health concerns. We upgraded to an adult only pool for added safety. He also has a shellfish allergy, but found that all over the resort they asked about food allergies so they were on top of this already. We had a great time, but I know it was hard for him to feel 100% comfortable being away from the states. It sounds like you'll be staying in a private condo which allows you to have more control over your food prep/cooking, and I'm sure you've already found out where you can purchase your groceries. Hopefully if there's an onsite pool, it's well maintained. The concern for bacteria is a valid one, particularly if there are children (infants) in the pool. You can't convince me that there's a diaper out there that doesn't leak when soaked in water. I guess in short my advice for having a safe, fun trip is to know before you go. ; ) Happy to answer any questions you have!

We went with another couple and they took it upon themselves to use ChatGPT to find this info for us in advance. So cool! We didn't purchase any additional insurance as we found his healthcare insurance already had an airflight benefit/medications if needed.

Operational Order: Medical Emergency Services for (patient) in Cancun, Mexico

1. Mission

To ensure the safety and well-being of (patient), who has undergone a kidney transplant, during his stay in Cancun, Mexico, by establishing a detailed medical emergency response plan, including hospital information and Global Rescue services.

2. Situation

(Patient) is at risk for potential medical complications due to his kidney transplant. This plan outlines procedures in the event of illness, injury, or transplant-related complications while in Cancun.

3. Execution

A. Global Rescue Membership

• Short-term Global Rescue Subscription:

A subscription with Global Rescue is essential to ensure access to medical advisory and evacuation services if needed.

• Cost: $119 for 7 days or $329 for 30 days.

• Services Provided: 24/7 access to medical experts, advisory on local medical services, evacuation, and repatriation if necessary.

• Contact Information:

Phone (U.S.): [phone]

Website: globalrescue.com

B. Hospitals in Cancun

1. Hospiten Cancún

• Address: Av. Bonampak 31, Manzana 2, Supermanzana 10, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

• Phone: [phone]

• Description: A private hospital known for high standards and English-speaking staff. Equipped for emergency services and treatments related to kidney conditions.

2. Galenia Hospital

• Address: Av. Tulum 260, Manzana 3, Supermanzana 12, 77504 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

• Phone: [phone]

• Description: An internationally accredited facility with advanced medical technology and specialized care. Recognized for treating serious conditions, including transplant-related complications.

C. Emergency Procedures in Mexico

• Emergency Phone Number: Dial 911 for medical emergencies.

• Ambulance Services:

• Red Cross Ambulance (Cruz Roja): [phone]

• Private Ambulances (can be arranged through Global Rescue or local medical concierge services).

• For English-speaking assistance, it is recommended to use private ambulance services in collaboration with Global Rescue for coordination.

4. Administration & Logistics

A. Medication Management

• Ensure Jay has a minimum of 10 days’ supply of post-transplant medications in carry-on luggage, with prescriptions and doctor’s letters in case of customs inquiries.

B. Global Rescue Plan Activation

• Upon any health issues or deterioration in condition, Global Rescue should be immediately contacted to coordinate local medical care or evacuation.

C. Communication

• Primary Point of Contact: Patient’s family or designated medical proxy should be informed immediately in case of medical emergencies.

• Local Embassy: Contact the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City for assistance with logistics or communication: [phone].

• Global Rescue Emergency Hotline: [phone]

• Local Hospital (Hospiten Cancun or Galenia Hospital): Both hospitals have international patient services to assist with coordination.

[Jamok in reply to Advocate4life]

Great info, thanks!

[Advocate4life]

Me again Just reading the other helpful replies you received and agree entirely with wearing a mask on the plane. We both did because I was diagnosed with Covid about a week before our departure. Go figure! I would anyway because airports/planes are petri dishes. I also carried bacterial wipes with me and wiped everything and anything. Bottled water is a must for drinking, food prepping, etc. If you decide to go off campus and eat at a restaurant, choose one that you're familiar with (there are plenty in Cancun) and don't hesitate to ask about how the food is prepped, etc. Alcohol - bottled is best (beer/wine). Vaccinations - my husband had an additional Covid vac along with flu and RSV. He made sure to plan out meds carefully in advance and had any paperwork he needed in case the meds were questioned (they weren't). We also packed a few light snacks (granola bars, etc.) so that we had them in a pinch. They came in very handy the one day we decided to play golf. Also SUNSCREEN. As you probably know, the meds increase the risk of skin cancer. I hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

[LisaSnow in reply to Advocate4life]

Yes! Sunscreen!!!

[Powerfalcon]

These are all helpful replies. I am five years !!! My son lives in London and we have visited twice. I check with my team about covid protocol. I bring a lot of tacrolimus and Cellcept in case I somehow need more. I get travelers insurance. I wear masks in airports and airplanes, and any crowded places. So far I have had wonderful two week vacations that lifted my spirit and made meaningful memories that are so important in this post transplant life.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

I have traveled everywhere since my transplant. Always check with your nephrologist first. We are all different. I have been to Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, Nova Scotia, Banff, and my husband & I just got back from a Viking Cruise on the Rhine River - Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland. Dec 3-10. In October I had my 25th transplant anniversary!

I wouldn't think you would have any problem since you are with family in a condo. I firmly believe that you did not have a transplant to sit on the side-lines and watch people enjoy life. Be safe, but ENJOY!!!

[SOct91]

just here to add (amongst the great tips already!!) that I’ve traveled a lot since transplant (Japan, Costa Rica, Belize, Patagonia as well as extensively in the US and Canada) but if you’re on socials, TravelswithTransplant is excellent and true to her name at sharing tips!

[Jamok in reply to SOct91]

Thanks for sharing this group!

[ShyeLoverDoctor]

I just looked and there are two large multi disciplinary hospitals in Cancun that are on par with US hospitals. I spent about 15 minutes on google and I think they both do transplants BUT you should spend time researching.

You should also look into if your health insurance covers out of the US, if not what you need to buy it, what is Mexicos requirement if you were to get sick who pays.

Having said that-no way would I personally go. They can enjoy themselves without you. They don’t risk ending up on dialysis if they accidentally open their mouth in the shower, come in touch with rind of a fruit if you ever go out and if they decide to stick half a lemon on your glass of iced tea, etc. Not to mention bacteria on an airplane tray table.

Some people say they didn’t get their kidney to stay home! But neutropenia is very very serious.

Would you be able to relax and enjoy yourself despite the risks? I don’t think I could.

[Jamok in reply to ShyeLoverDoctor]

Thanks! I’m coming to the conclusion that the stress from trying to avoid an infection is not a vacation.

[ShyeLoverDoctor in reply to Jamok]

With neutropenia, you are truly risking your life. I had to get Zarexio shots right away.