I have wanted to write this for a long time, and I am happy that today is the day.
A widespread fear for my students and patients is going on vacation. Whether it be by plane, train, or automobile, you have anxiety that your current stone will pass or you will make a new one. This makes total sense to me given the harrowing stories I hear about kidney stone. As a person with medical conditions, I get this to my core.
I hear all that time that people stop traveling altogether due to kidney stones. The anxiety and fear are natural, and I have written about this topic here.
Let’s talk about the facts, though, so you can feel better about going away on that trip you have been dreaming about for years. You might be retiring and plan on traveling during your retired years while you still can—it’s heartbreaking to hear that you’ve have given up on those dreams because of your fear of making another kidney stone or that the ones you currently have might pass on the plane.
How long does it take to make a kidney stone?
First, consider the odds of making a new stone in a week or two. It is low, if not impossible. I found one lone research study that said kidney stones can be made as quickly as three months in a high-risk environment. The high risk was probably due to climate, lack of excess fluids, and dietary issues. I am basing this on what I think, given that the people studied were soldiers fighting a war in a sweltering climate. Here is that study.
Based upon my 25 years of helping patients prevent kidney stones, the recurrence rate is not three months. But remember, I am working with people who work hard at lifestyle changes and who are willing to do whatever it takes to avoid another stone. They work with me, take action, and all can lessen (if not prevent) new kidney stone risk. Working with me will make all the difference, and I don’t mind tooting my own horn here. It is just a fact. Read all of these testimonials from other kidney stone patients just like you.
I have read these stats: If you make your first stone, the odds are that 50% of you will form another within five years, and if you do get that second one, more kidney stones appear every couple of years after that. But that is without treatment. Kidney stones CAN be prevented when the right treatment plan is prescribed and adhered to. Getting the right treatment plan prescribed all starts with completing a 24-hour urine collection that your doctor must order for you.
Nurse Jill’s Travel Tips and Tricks for Kidney Stone Formers
So, what do I tell my patients who say they don’t want to travel anymore? I tell them to enjoy their life. Go on that plane, train, or automobile and do as planned. Travel the world, but do it with these tips in mind.
Stay Hydrated
You will not form a stone if you slow your roll from drinking while on a plane or in the car. It is a very short time in the grand scheme of things. But do get back on track with fluids as soon as you can. Besides lowering stone risk, it will also help lower your anxiety because you are taking control of what you can.
Sodium and Added Sugar
I will not sugarcoat this fact: traveling on a lower-sodium diet is challenging, so do your best. It will be good enough. Keeping hydrated will help lower your urine supersaturations, the most critical aspect of lowering your kidney stone risk.
And I will repeat this; you are in control of this damn disease even when you think you are not (and that is where your original fear is coming from, by the way. Feeling as though you have no control).
Sugar is a little bit easier to control. Fewer desserts will be a good start. Notice I did not say zero desserts. Have fun; you are on vacation! Do your best, and you will return to your routine when you get home.
Calcium
A big concern for many kidney stone formers is how they will meet their calcium needs. Again, do your best (notice the theme?).
Many patients add powdered or non-dairy milk that must not be refrigerated until opened in their luggage. Opt for Swiss cheese as a calcium source for your food instead of cheddar, as it has the best sodium/calcium ratio. It is a very low-sodium cheese. Avoid the highest oxalate foods so you aren’t worried about getting the calcium to bind with oxalate. Read more about this here.
Oxalate:
Stay away from the highest oxalate foods. Most of us are well-versed in oxalate. Oxalate is much less of an overall concern while traveling. Certainly nothing like sodium and added sugar! Don’t forget your oxalate list! You can put it on your phone. Here are instructions on how to do that.
Meat Protein
Pay attention to portion size. That’s it. Read more about how much meat protein you can have as a kidney stone former here.
Travel Tool Kit
Here is a list of recommended items from kidney stone patients to have on hand when traveling if you have current kidney stones.
- Heating pad
- Prescription Pain meds (talk to your doctor)
- Antinausea drugs (talk to a doctor)
- AZO (talk to your doctor)
- Advil, Tylenol, Naproxen, etc. (make sure these OTC meds are ok for you and your existing medical conditions)
- Nausea bags
- Flowmax (talk to your doctor)
- Trip Insurance
- Always know where close the ER is to your vacation stay
- Lots of water
- Adhesive heating pads
- Sit in a hot bath if you have access in a hotel or Air B&B
- Movement is always helpful when trying to pass a stone
Nurse Jill’s Final Travel Thoughts
I know you’re nervous. Considering what you’ve been through, it makes total sense. BUT, we, as patients, must also live our lives. I have never had a patient return from a vacation and say they wish they didn’t go on the trip. I have, however, gotten plenty of photos from smiling patients saying they are so happy they took my advice.
Happy Travels, my beautiful friends! Drop me a note telling me all about your adventures!
Your friend and advocate,
Jill
P.S. Here is an article that includes KSD safe travel snack ideas: https://kidneystonediet.com/road-trip-snacks/
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