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Home parenteral nutrition (HPN)

Travelling with parenteral nutrition

Until a few years ago, for people being fed through parenteral nutrition, travelling posed a great challenge for quite some time. It’s no surprise that many affected are still anxious to be too far away from home. Often, there is a lack of support, encouragement and practical experience.

Planning your trip is key

More and more people who are dependent on parenteral nutrition are daring to meet the challenges that come with travelling. Santra, Rhona, Rachel, Marek, Ratislav and Artur talk about the kinds of fears and obstacles they have overcome, experiences they have made, and tips they give others for their journeys. 

Regardless of where their travels take them, how far they travel, and whether they are gone for three or 30 days – all HPN globetrotters agree on one thing: thorough planning is key.

Rhona from England doesn’t spare any effort to visit the places she is longing to see. She admits that travel preparations take a great deal of energy.

In her opinion, it is very important to get contact the HPN provider: “The advice and support that I receive are of inestimable value.” Furthermore, she finds it extremely helpful to talk about the entire trip from A to Z with a person she trusts and consider even the smallest of details.

Consider the following when choosing your destination:

The climate

A temperate climate without high humidity

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The hygiene standards

... adequate hygiene conditions.

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The medical care

... access to a Home Parenteral Nutrition center.

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The sanitary facilities

... accommodation with running water.

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Refrigerator availability

... access to a refrigerator with constant temperature.

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Have a pleasant trip

... lots of fun and relaxation!

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Going away?

"For me, traveling means no longer being controlled by the circumstances surrounding my disease, but being able to live my life."

Santra Lacy from Finland

At the same time Santra confirms: "Of course, there are always moments where you have to deal with fear. For me, for example, it’s a nail-bite every time my bags with HPN disappear on the conveyor belt in the direction of the plane. After we arrive, I wait nervously for this small box whose contents keep me alive, and then I am incredibly relieved once it finally shows up." 

 

Also Rastislav from Slovakia is familiar with dicey situations. Once, he just couldn’t find his disinfection spray and was already prepared to find a pharmacist, when he eventually could retrieve the spray in his backpack. 

Rastislav Chrenko from Slovakia

"HPN keeps me alive. But it also gives me the opportunity to meet people and to get to know other countries. This is wonderful because it gives me so much energy and joy."

Artur from Poland reports that he had been nervous when his return flight from Portugal to Warsaw was suddenly cancelled and he wasn’t sure whether his supply of food would suffice until he got home. It did.

"For too long I believed that I couldn’t travel anymore. But then I dared to do it – and it was the best decision I have ever made."

Artur Kamiński from Poland
Marek Lichota from Poland

"The vacations with my family are infinitely precious moments. I hope that they remain present in my children’s memories for some time."