“Precisely because of dialysis, in the last few years I’ve seen more of the world than in the previous three decades.”
This is Krzysztof’s story from Poland, shared with us in his own words.
When Krzysztof started hemodialysis at 63, he wondered whether a dream he had held onto for years, driving to Rome in his own car, was now out of reach. Instead of giving it up, he found a way to make it happen.
That first 1,800 km journey to Rome became the beginning of many more adventures and a new chapter in the way he saw life with dialysis.
“I had just turned 63 when the doctor said it straight: “Starting next week, you’re on hemodialysis- three times a week, four hours each session.” For many people my age, that would have felt like a life sentence, the end of any dream of long-distance travel. For me, it became the beginning of a new life. For the first few months, I drove 6 km to the dialysis center like clockwork- regularly, punctually, without complaint. But in my head, one thought kept circling: “I’ve always wanted to drive to Rome in my own car… Is that really over forever?”
One day I stumbled upon Bookdialysis.com- a site specializing in so-called “dialysis holidays”- and saw they had a center right in Rome. I booked a slot for July 2022. My wife shook her head: “You’ve lost your mind- 1,800 km one way, alone?” I just smiled: “If not now, when?”
I haven’t stopped since.
Today I’m 66, and I say with a smile: “You know what’s the funniest part? People my age complain they can’t travel anymore- because of health, age, kidneys… And yet, precisely because of dialysis, in the last few years I’ve seen more of the world than in the previous three decades.”
