Driving

Most patients can resume driving within four to six weeks after transplant, depending on your recovery period and medications. Your reflexes and judgment may be affected from a prolonged hospitalization or from certain medications, so it is best to discuss this with your transplant doctor and coordinator. It may be helpful to have another licensed driver in the car with you for the first few times that you drive after transplant. You may also want to practice driving in an open lot or away from other traffic for the first time as you get used to driving again. It is important that you always wear a seat belt even if you still have an open wound. Padding your abdomen with a towel or small pillow will help cushion your abdomen from the seat belt while providing a safe restraint in case of an accident.

Travel

As you recover and return to a more normal routine, you may consider traveling or going on a vacation. Please check with your transplant coordinator for guidelines on traveling early after transplant. It may be recommended that you wait six - 12 months before you take an extended vacation, particularly one that may be remote.

If you are planning a vacation, you may be advised to have your blood tests taken a few weeks before to be sure there are no abnormal levels. You should call your coordinator if you need to review your meds, blood test results or any specific care needs, blood test results or any other specifications needs. If you are traveling to a different time zone, discuss how to adjust your medication times with your coordinator.

Before you leave, be sure you know where the closest hospital and/or transplant center is located in case of an emergency. Be sure to take enough medication to last your entire trip and if flying, pack your medications in a carry-on bag. Taking extra medication and packing the extra medications in a different bag may also be helpful. Take all your important phone numbers with you in case you need to call your transplant center while you are away. You may want to drink bottled water if you are traveling in areas where the sanitation is of concern.

Most transplant centers discourage travel to third world countries for patients who are immunosuppressed. The risk of acquiring infections in these areas is high and appropriate healthcare may not be available. Additionally, some foreign travel may require immunizations that are not safe for patients who are immunosuppressed, such as measles and smallpox. If you plan to travel in this type of area, please discuss this with your transplant doctor and coordinator so that you are fully informed of the risk.