Going on long trip

[tvernstrom]

I live in the midwest in the U S this August I am flying to Kampala Uganda to visit friends and to visit with kids we sponsor for schooling and the basic needs of growing up without a family. Very nervous cuz I do not like to fly very much, but also very excited because this is the longest journey of my life, (other then the army travels). My copd seems pretty good right now so that hopefully will not be a problem. I know the weather there is very hot, but hopefully that will not be a problem.

[peterjones]

hi tvenrstrom good on yer mate for not letting anything stop you\\

I went to Canada a few years ago but I thought if anything happens to me its just hard luck but I am going anyway so you go mate and enjoy yourself its no good staying at home and saying[[ if only I had done this or that I take my hat off to you take care all the best for august peter jones queensland Australia psp sufferer

[tvernstrom in reply to peterjones]

heartily agree and the best to you also my friend.

[peterjones in reply to tvernstrom]

tveernstrom thanks mate take care peter jones queensland Australia =psp sufferer

[dwitt]

Use your nebulizer. Long flights are great for sleeping. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.

[Suzy6]

Wonderful enjoy. Long flight but I'm sure you will be well looked after. Those kids will be looking forward to your visit spoil them. I have flown from London to Singapore twice in the last 10 years and my COPD was probably moderate then. The heat and humidity I was able to bear. I wish it was me have friends in Singapore but alas too far for me now. xx

[hirschhs]

I was recently warned against travelling to Angola for work because of the high incidence of malaria, tb etc., Uganda has similar problems. While not wishing to put a damper on your enthusiasm, I would advise a thorough investigation of the risks you are going to face as someone with respiratory problems before you commit. Hope it works out for you...

[Mollysdad]

Hello tvernstrom. I hope you enjoy the trip and your health remains stable. I lived and worked in Kampala from 1965 until 1972 when Ida Amin wrecked the country.

[juney_99_antique]

Have great time! I fly from UK to Melbourne each year, worry about it slightly before I go and then usually enjoy the trip! I will not let my copd get the better of me when it means seeing my daughter! Cheers!

[tvernstrom in reply to juney_99_antique]

Agree with you

[fredsell]

I have lived in Uganda for several years. I would advise you of the following:

Uganda is at 1000 mts. on average and depending where your friends live could be a lot higher.

Malaria is very bad, I have had it many times and it is no joke and at that time I did not have COPD.

You have no medical support, so should you get ill and need a hospital the nearest good one is in Nairobi that will be able to help.

My advice would be to think very carefully. I don't want to sound negative but I am just stating the facts.

[salis]

Good for you, go for as long as you can. After 15 yrs, I am now pretty much housebound. Have a great time.

[magician]

I do not know anything about copd. But I did work on malaria for many years and it is indeed very bad in Uganda. Do speak with your doctor, as you will need to take propylatic malaria meds 2 weeks before departure, during the stay in Uganda, and 2 weeks after you arrive in a malaria free destination. You need to take these even if you do not get malaria. If you get malaria, you will need additional meds.

You will probably be given a choice of propylactic malaria meds - one genre is very tempting, because you need to take it only once a week - but beware - this kind of propylactic is known to cause psychosis. Some of my colleagues have gone down that path.

If you do decide to go, take the best mosquito repellent you can find. In one of my trips to Uganda, the mosquitoes were just everywhere. I had to work inside a mosquito net but they were so smart, they still managed to bite me.

Malaria can kill within 24 hours - hence very important to get immediate treatment.

One of the big problems with malaria is poor diagnosis and most emerging economies lack proper diagnostic kits.

Another problem is the preponderance of fake anti malarial drugs in the emerging economies.

Your doctor might be able to give you, for your trip, a rapid (preferably rapid) diagnostic kit - and the meds to take in case you get malaria. Do specify your destinations to your doctor - the correct malaria treatment depends on the species of mosquitoes that transmitted the parasites.

Like the others who responded, I would like to say that I am not being negative - just stating the facts so that you can be better prepared.

There may be other Diseases that you should watch out for in relation to Uganda trip - do try to research the specific destinations and be prepared.

[tvernstrom in reply to magician]

My wife goes to uganda and India allot and she would rather go africa then India came home sick from India a couple of Times. Guess it is just the luck of the draw my wife she goes to uganda a couple times a year so she has taught allot of her stay healthy procedures etc.

[skinnylizzy59]

O.K. tvernstrom, seems everyone was wasting their time giving you advice, you obviously didn't need any. What I would say is, have you had a flight assessment because on top of everything else high altitude can affect you. Take care and have a good holiday. Lizzy.

[Dmactds]

Sounds like you've gotten some good feedback about your trip; I would also be interested in how your oxygen tanks are handled by TSA as 'security matters'. I was once hesitant about visiting our county courthouse with my portable tank but the guard at the entrance said there was no need for concern.

However, to me, a metal canister would seem a perfect deceptive device. But then what do I know....

[Hidden]

Hi Tvernstorm, You go and have a wonderful time, I travel to Africa from UK and suffer the same as you, but if you keep putting these things off you will never get any place of interest. get them bags packed. have a nice trip Malk.

[peege]

If you take all precautions, your vaccinations, malaria medication, vitamins to keep your immune system working well then you'll have a brilliant and exiting time.

I used to sponsor children in the Tweyembi region, near Lake Albert.

I'm pleased to say I raised funds to build a health centre there including maternity and children's wards, nurses home and latrines for all. I hope that it's still going strong.

Have a great experience and return well and safely - I wish I were coming too.

BTW, A close friend of mine, his brother and sisters were all born there. Their father was a district commissioner for many many years. Not one of them has malaria.