Camping After a Kidney Transplant

Growing up in northern Wisconsin, my world was filled with outdoor adventures. Everyone I know hunts, fishes, skis, etc. About three hours north of my house is the Chippewa Flowage, which is a series of lakes connected by channels and surrounded by hundreds of camping areas. Every summer, my entire family would head that way for about three weeks. We were a family of camping enthusiasts. We had a camper, multiple tents, coolers filled with treats, lanterns, a boat stocked with fishing and tubing necessities... and a bag full of medicine for me.

At age 13, I woke up in the middle of the night with the urge to go to the bathroom. Sitting down I remember screaming for my mom because it hurt so bad and nothing was coming out. I sat there for almost two hours while my mom tried to calm me down. She eventually got me into the car and took me to the local emergency room. I was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, given antibiotics and sent on my way. The antibiotics did nothing. The pain only got worse and slowly moved to my lower back. Within a couple of days, my urine contained blood and when I would stand I would immediately get dizzy. We knew this wasn't right. After seeing a few more doctors and specialists, I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and was put on multiple medications. We were told I could have this condition my whole life without having kidney failure, or I could have it a month and have complete kidney failure.

A little over eight years later, it was suggested that, if possible, I receive a kidney transplant. Although I had followed a strict diet and exercise regimen, my kidneys couldn't keep up. It was either a transplant or dialysis. My family and I researched extensively and decided that a transplant was the option for me and the most likely way I would return to living a normal life. My mom was luckily type-O blood and was compatible with me. The surgery went smoothly and recovery, while difficult, was helped with extremely supportive friends and family.

Since then, life has changed in many ways. There is always fear of organ rejection. Taking doses of medication each day has become common place. An ID bracelet is permanently around my wrist in case anything should happen. And camping is a little different these days.

I still go meet up with my parents every summer. But now, instead of jumping in the water completely carefree, I make sure I am completely lathered up with sunscreen because skin cancer is much more prevalent in transplant patients. Being outside for even a small amount of time without sunscreen would lead to a dreadful burn. I learned this the hard way after my transplant. I had always been able to tan right away and, with my dark complexion, never worried about sunblock. Two hours outside left me with a severe, blistery burn and a dozen visits to different doctors and dermatologists.

Outside of that I have to be careful to take my medication while camping. Most the time when I was camping growing up, the last thing on my mind was the clock. I would get up with the sun, know the approximate time when the sun decided to go down and go to bed when the fire finally burned low. Now I have to remember to take medicine at a certain time, eat at a certain time and make sure I am exercising properly during the day.

Eating while camping is also different. I have to stay away from treats, like smores, and there's no drinking at all, which is hard in a family that loves their Miller Lite. When we go visit other campers for a meal, I usually bring my own meat to be sure it's the leanest on the market and "heart healthy." Taking a day off just to lounge is also unheard of. I always need to make sure I exercise somewhat to keep my heart going strong. It's a good thing that when I'm camping there are always tons of activities going on around me to take part in.

Life with a disability has changed me somewhat but camping still remains one of my favorite activities. Sure, I have to be more careful and realize that small things can make a difference but it's still wonderful to sleep out under the stars and be thankful for the blessings that I have been given. There is no better place to do that then with nature as my backdrop.