At last my husband and I got away to Spain for our holiday! Slightly later than planned due to the volcanic ash, but hey never mind. At least the delay meant that I didn’t need to take my EPO injection with me.. although I have in the past and it’s quite safe in the suitcase in a small cool bag.

My suitcase was carefully packed and loaded with my relevant tablets, blood pressure mini monitor and associated requirements from Baxters and I made sure I took a letter “to whom it may concern” outlining my medical condition etc from the consultant, but I didn’t need this.

So, it was time to relax and get the blood pressure down. This time of year is so lovely with the spring flowers and it’s a great chance to relax and get the blood pressure down. I used to be able to wallow and swim in the pool, but that’s a small thing to go without and I sit on the edge and dangle my feet in.

Doing dialysis, writing postcards, visiting restaurants and friends, and planning our next day out is just wonderful – there’s nothing else like it.  Don’t be afraid to travel - your unit and suppliers can help and getting rid of your waste in yellow sacks is easy, just pop it into any chemist and it’s done - no problem. I was scared the first time I went off abroad but my unit put me in touch with a lady who ‘talked’ me through it. I can recommend travel to anyone – we all need and deserve a break!