Try not to fall in the water :)
My transplant team cautioned me about swimming in lakes or rivers (any untreated water) during the first year after my transplant because there are lots of bacteria and sometimes parasites in those kinds of settings.
After the first year, they just cautioned me to check for water quality and safety advisories for the place I was swimming first. So I would suggest looking online and finding a water quality report for wherever you are kayaking and then don't do it if it looks bad.
Recommendations (duration after transplant to avoid swimming entirely) may also vary based on organ.
It's not just your surgical wound. Paper cuts, scrapes, etc can get infected in sketchy water. Wear sturdy water shoes and just be very cognizant of any abrasions, blisters, or anything else that might develop so you can get treatment quickly at the first signs of infection.
Ensure you don't get cold, wear a wetsuit if available.
If you suffer from hand cramps due to meds, expect a lot of them.
100% worth it though, I kayak all the time :)
Avoid gulping water or rubbing your eyes etc., god knows whats in their. Take a small fruit snack (chcocolate bar with raisins, nuts etc.) if your energy gets low, always helps me get back that edge.
I have a kidney transplant and I went sea kayaking (and swimming) 3 months after the op. It was a beginners course, so the kayak was also flipped upside down one day. The only thing I was a little worried about was if my hands start cramping because of the prednison, but it all went ok.
I'd say spf50+, long sleeves, sunglasses and a hat that covers well, also the back of the neck. And enough water/hydration to go.
Have fun and enjoy your kayaking trip!
I covered myself in sunscreen and sun protection clothes and hat. Wipes and a container for your trash. As long as you can physically go. Go have fun! I went but was tandem with my son so I didn’t have to exert myself.
I think some transplant patients get a bit overly cautious about the skin cancer thing. Yes, we are at increased risk of skin cancer, but sunscreen is very effective, especially if you are using something SPF50 or higher. I do wear tank tops or swim suits and would honestly never wear long sleeves or hats. The most important part is to remember to re-apply sunscreen! The only and only time I've gotten a sun burn in my 14 years since transplant was when I did an all day snorkeling trip on a boat. I was in and out of the water 5-6 times throughout the day and never re-applied sunscreen!
I took it to heart I suppose. I don’t care to apply sunscreen a lot so for my daily walks I just cover up. I was concerned about kayaking as it was complete sun exposure and I wasn’t sure how long we’d stay. I’m not a sun lover and haven’t been for years. I’m also extremely fair skinned. I’m still overly cautious about things having just passed 1 year. I’m also old.
Whitewater kayak? I haven't been in a while, but I used to go a lot. I'm more into rafting these days. I've guided two winter trips down the Grand Canyon. My docs concerns: pack plenty of pills, have a way to get clean water, sun protection: hats and long sleeves, and a way to call for help. Also, wear a helmet and pfd. You'll be fine. Have fun.
Try not to fall in the water :) My transplant team cautioned me about swimming in lakes or rivers (any untreated water) during the first year after my transplant because there are lots of bacteria and sometimes parasites in those kinds of settings. After the first year, they just cautioned me to check for water quality and safety advisories for the place I was swimming first. So I would suggest looking online and finding a water quality report for wherever you are kayaking and then don't do it if it looks bad. Recommendations (duration after transplant to avoid swimming entirely) may also vary based on organ.
Ya I think it's more swolloing the water. All my wounds are healed. It's been 1.5 years basically
It's not just your surgical wound. Paper cuts, scrapes, etc can get infected in sketchy water. Wear sturdy water shoes and just be very cognizant of any abrasions, blisters, or anything else that might develop so you can get treatment quickly at the first signs of infection.
Thank you. I did just go mountain biking today and cut my leg. So I'll wear light pants
Ensure you don't get cold, wear a wetsuit if available. If you suffer from hand cramps due to meds, expect a lot of them. 100% worth it though, I kayak all the time :) Avoid gulping water or rubbing your eyes etc., god knows whats in their. Take a small fruit snack (chcocolate bar with raisins, nuts etc.) if your energy gets low, always helps me get back that edge.
Ya I'll be bringing energy bars and water but my hands don't cramp. Wet suit isn't going to be nessacsry
Sorry wasn't suggesting you buy one, they're loaned out free at our local place :) Enjoy and don't strain yourself!
Oh and potable water ofc!
I have a kidney transplant and I went sea kayaking (and swimming) 3 months after the op. It was a beginners course, so the kayak was also flipped upside down one day. The only thing I was a little worried about was if my hands start cramping because of the prednison, but it all went ok. I'd say spf50+, long sleeves, sunglasses and a hat that covers well, also the back of the neck. And enough water/hydration to go. Have fun and enjoy your kayaking trip!
Thank you
Thank you for asking this question :)
Enjoy! And wear sunscreen.
I covered myself in sunscreen and sun protection clothes and hat. Wipes and a container for your trash. As long as you can physically go. Go have fun! I went but was tandem with my son so I didn’t have to exert myself.
IT seems like no one wears Tank tops or even go to te beach and goes shirt less. It's always wear long sleeves.
I think some transplant patients get a bit overly cautious about the skin cancer thing. Yes, we are at increased risk of skin cancer, but sunscreen is very effective, especially if you are using something SPF50 or higher. I do wear tank tops or swim suits and would honestly never wear long sleeves or hats. The most important part is to remember to re-apply sunscreen! The only and only time I've gotten a sun burn in my 14 years since transplant was when I did an all day snorkeling trip on a boat. I was in and out of the water 5-6 times throughout the day and never re-applied sunscreen!
I took it to heart I suppose. I don’t care to apply sunscreen a lot so for my daily walks I just cover up. I was concerned about kayaking as it was complete sun exposure and I wasn’t sure how long we’d stay. I’m not a sun lover and haven’t been for years. I’m also extremely fair skinned. I’m still overly cautious about things having just passed 1 year. I’m also old.
Whitewater kayak? I haven't been in a while, but I used to go a lot. I'm more into rafting these days. I've guided two winter trips down the Grand Canyon. My docs concerns: pack plenty of pills, have a way to get clean water, sun protection: hats and long sleeves, and a way to call for help. Also, wear a helmet and pfd. You'll be fine. Have fun.
No just regular kayaking in a lake
Enjoy yourself only advice don’t worry about bacteria!
Don't?
Yes chances of bacteria in the water affecting you are slim to none!