Oh I have such mixed feeling. My niece in Australia is organising a gathering of the Clan for my Brother's Birthday next year. Some of whom I haven't seen for 50 years. Will I be up to flying that distance? I should feel excited but I just feel sad.
I should be excited but.... - Lung Conditions C...
I should be excited but....
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Suzy6
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I can sympathise Suzy. There are so many occasions I have had to pull out of in recent years because my lungs won't allow it. I really hope that you do manage to get there. Keep your chin up you may surprise yourself! M xx
Hi Suzy,
I flew to Australia in the summer 2012. Ok, my condition wasn't as bad as now but I'm so glad I did it when I could. It took some planning but I managed it. Discuss with your consultant(s), GP. Get airport assistance so you're not trying to struggle walking round the airport. You will probably need a 'fit to fly' certificate. Make sure you have enough medication for your stay, back up antibiotics, steroids, whatever.
It's so frustrating having to miss out on events because of being ill, I really hope you can work this out and get to see everyone.
Victoria xx
Perhaps you can fly with an airline that does a stopover for maybe a few days that will break the journey a little. It would be a pity to miss such a wonderful trip. Do all the planning that Victoria advises and you should be fine.
I agree with Victoria and silversurfer - planning and preparation! Just adapt the plans to suit you and I am sure with the right support you will have a marvellous time. Take good care, TAD xx
I wish you all the best buyt I was led to believe that high altitudes would possibly collapse the lungs . We had planned to go to Tenerife but was advised not to fly which is really difficult because it would mean a long sea journey for my husband and myself and neither of us. Love that option that much
You can have an assessment to see if you are fit to fly - who advised you you couldn't? Some airlines provide you with oxygen or allow you to take a POC on board. O2 levels can drop at high altitudes for everyone. I checked with my consultant if i could fly to New York. he told me I could. I almost didn't go in the end after looking at all the scare stories on the internet about collapsing lungs etc. Don't rule yourself out of doing things unless you are told categorically by those professionals that you can't do it.
marie x
Speak to your GP, have a flight assessment to see if you are fit to fly. You may need supplemental oxygen and oxygen while over there but you can still fly if you want to. Make sure you get decent insurance.
Good advice from flylikeeagles.
Also check out temperatures, weather, humidity at the time of year the gathering will take place, Our summertime is australia's winter time etc.
If it is not too hot by ozzie standards ie below 30C (it can get up to 45C depending on the time of year), be prepared and take cool towels, cooling aids, such as spray water bottle and hand held fan, cool towel for around your neck or other kind of cooling neck scarf like cool downz - images here:
google.co.uk/search?q=cool+...
Always carry a bottle of water with you wherever you go, stay in the shade if its hot out wherever you can. One good thing is most all shops and offices, buildings have air conditioning so you can cool down just by entering a building such as a coffee shop or the bank for instance, including hotels and other venues.
If you are an oxygen user this is something else you will need to take into consideration, for the flight and whilst you are in Australia. BLF helpline may be able to help you with this, also advice on travel insurance.
Try not to feel sad, there may well be a possibility you are fit to fly and can manage the flight with a stop over.
Let us know how things unfold.
Best wishes BC
Oh Suzy,it would be wonderful for you,if you are fit enough to fly.I last went a few years ago,it is a long haul,23 hours!
I had to have that flight simulation test,that showed I would have to have 02,as my 02 levels dropped significantly on take off.That proved to be quite expensive for long haul.
They were good the airlines,pushed me in a wheelchair everywhere,nice & quick through customs etc,I did find it rather tiring though.However coped ok.You must get tested first though,the other thing,found insurance to be expensive.
I hope I'm not sounding to gloomy,don't mean to,but want to be factual!
I'm no longer allowed to fly,with my lung function at 0.6, the lung specialist,also told me not to go on any cruises etc,as many people get sick on them,with the recycled air con,as on planes.He stated the number of people that run into trouble,is kept very quiet!
Well Suzy,if you are ok to fly,why not do it,whilst still able? It could be an exciting adventure for you,& a great family reunion!
Don't be sorry later,that you didint do it,whilst able,I am so glad I had a last chance at it!
Good luck,with whatever you decide xxxx
Suzy, I have read all of the above. Decisions but you have been given excellent advice. I wish you all the best with whatever you decide to do.
Thank you everyone for your, as usual informative replies. It is September next year so i'm going to aim for it. So many family I have missed and many I have yet to meet. One of my nephews was 6 when I last saw him, now he has five children and 4 grandchildren. oh how ancient does that make me.
Ha Ha,go for it gal! What an incentive to keep healthy,always good to have a goal in front.xxx
Suzy6 in reply to
Good morning Wendells, thanks, I will try. Although this morning not feeling get up and go.
I flew to UK from Oz this Sept, had the altitude test and was cleared to go, I did struggle a little on 1 leg, my SATS fell way down for some reason, but other than that it was manageable and we flew straight through. Some airlines, and I think Emirates are one will supply o2 for free, please check it out as you will love Australia, PS Sept is the end of winter, so weather will be mixed depending on where you are visiting/.
Thanks Kad21. It is Kanahooka, about 90 miles west of Sydney. Will check Airlines out.
I have been as far as Cuba with Oxygen You get a Fitness to Fly test from the hospital Fill in loads of forms and your doctor signs one of them and off you go . You can be wheelchaired from the door of the airport to the plane and off too. the good thing is tht you get security right away I have ILD and am on oxygen 24/7 6 litres pm I does not stop me . It is all in the mind . You can do it .
I'm going to oz next year got my ins from specialist site for people with pre existing medical conditions called ( cover for you ) for 98pnds for a world wide yearly cover went on a price comparison site
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