Even if your plans aren’t finalized, it’s helpful to start the conversation early. The sooner your care team knows what’s going on, the more time there may be to explore options and help make a plan that works for your health and your schedule.  

Travel often takes more coordination than people expect. Talking through your plans ahead of time can help things go more smoothly and reduce any last-minute stress. Explore dialysis travel support and planning tips before your trip.  

Your care team can help you prepare before you leave. DaVita Guest Services can also help coordinate dialysis treatments away from home and answer questions about your trip. Give them a call at 1-800-400-8331. You can also search for a DaVita dialysis center near your destination.  

If there will be a longer gap than usual between your treatments, ask your care team what you should pay extra attention to in the meantime. 

Depending on your needs, they may recommend being more careful with fluids, certain foods or medications until your next treatment. Looking up nutrient data, getting guidance and knowing exactly what to focus on can help you feel more confident and in control if your schedule changes. 

If you notice new or worsening symptoms like swelling, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea or rapid weight gain, please don’t ignore them. 

Contact your care team so they can help you decide what to do next. If your symptoms are severe or you think you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately. 

It isn’t always easy to say no to invitations, leave an event early or explain why dialysis needs to come first. 

But protecting your treatment schedule and making meals more kidney-friendly is an important part of taking care of yourself. It’s okay to let others know you need to plan around treatment and recovery time. The people who care about you want you to stay healthy and feel your best. 

Try saying:  

“My DaVita team wants me to keep treatment in my holiday plans, so I need to work around that schedule.”  

Or:
  
"My care team asked me to choose some foods that work better for my health. I’d still love to enjoy the meal with everyone."  

 You already have enough to think about without coordinating every detail yourself. 

If travel, special events or changes in your daily routine could affect your dialysis schedule, start the conversation early. Your care team may be able to help identify options, make arrangements when needed and connect you with resources like DaVita Guest Services. 

Sometimes support looks like more than encouragement. 

It might be a ride to treatment, help planning meals, a reminder about upcoming appointments, or someone helping coordinate family plans around your schedule. 

Accepting help when you need it is completely normal and can make busy seasons feel more manageable. Family members, friends, care partners and your care team can all play a role. Your dialysis center social worker may also be able to connect you with emotional, financial, transportation or other practical support. Learn how social workers support people on dialysis.

When life gets busy, it’s natural to want to fit everything in. 

But making time for treatment, rest and recovery can help you feel better and have more energy for the things that matter most. Taking care of your health isn’t stepping away from your life. It’s part of helping you stay present for it. And if the season feels especially difficult or taxing, find support through your care team for managing the holidays with kidney disease.