Flight assessment/Hypoxic challenge test

[MarieW-F]

All

I have been told I need this before I can fly. I have been waiting and waiting for an appointment to come through and still haven't heard anything. Does anyone know where I could get one done privately in the north of England? I want to go on holiday in March so time is running out.

Thanks

Marie

[Toci]

Try ringing your consultant's secretary to chase it up. Sorry, I don't know of a private test but maybe contacting BUPA would help?

[MarieW-F in reply to Toci]

Thanks - I completely forgot about BUPA. They do them but of course no idea of cost on the website!

[Billiejean_2]

Who is insisting on the test Marie ? Your medical team or your insurance ? Whichever one, you need to get on to them and arrange a time and a place.

[MarieW-F in reply to Billiejean_2]

My consultant. My SATS have dropped to 95% so he wants me to take an assessment. His secretary said she would get it organised but I am fed up chasing her.

[Billiejean_2 in reply to MarieW-F]

95% seated I presume. That doesn't sound too bad. The day I flew to Newcastle, my 02 had been 94 the day before but I put it down to being on a stuffy bus. There were no problems with the flight but it was a short flight. Where is it you're planning to fly to ? More then 2 hours ? I thought it was the 02 level in your blood gases that counted for flying. It's very frustrating for you, I hope you get it sorted soon.

[MarieW-F in reply to Billiejean_2]

I am hoping to go to Cyprus. I flew to New York 4 years ago on SATs of 96% and he was quite happy to let me go then. I fly regularly to destinations in the UK but then that's usually less than an hour. Yes - I apparently need to have blood taken from my earlobe at regular intervals whilst breathing in the reduced levels. I am usually really patient. I know the NHS is at full stretch and I would be happy to pay for it but I would just like a date as the window of free holiday opportunity is running out. Thanks x

[Billiejean_2 in reply to MarieW-F]

I suppose Cyprus would be 3-4 hours flying, which is long enough. Where is the test done ? If you have to wait until the last minute the ticket price will probably have doubled. I can understand how annoyed you must be, hope it's sorted soon.

[MarieW-F in reply to Billiejean_2]

Yes - the prices have already begun to increase substantially. Test was due to be done at Newcastle.

[Linda1853 in reply to MarieW-F]

Please excuse me for asking.

I have COPD, I went to Mexico last year and Las Vegas the year before.

Am I being stupid? I have never asked my GP what my o2 is, or if it should stop me from flying......Or is it people on oxygen only?

Sorry if I seem thick?

I do Iearn so much from this site.

Thanks

Linda

[MarieW-F in reply to Linda1853]

I am not on oxygen, I work full time and am fairly active. I have pulmonary fibrosis caused by a couple of things but my o2 levels have been ok although I have low lung function levels. It depends on your COPD and how it affects your levels at rest. My o2 levels were 96% at rest 4 years ago and I went to New York with his blessing. They have dropped to 95% and that as I understand it is a trigger for flight assessment because the oxygen levels on a plane drop slightly so its whether you can cope with that drop.

All the test will tell me is whether I need oxygen for air travel. And for insurance too.

You seem to be doing ok so I wouldn't panic.

Marie

[Mardi in reply to MarieW-F]

I'm in Australia-it sure is hard to buy ventolin in the UK! I was there two years ago. No script needed here and if the chemist knows you are on a preventer they sell you 4 ventolins if you explain .My Sats are never over 96-iHave asthma using preventive Seretide 500 and now I have mild bronchiectasis I need 6puffs of ventolin 3times a day to move the bit of phlegm- new rules about ventolin -used to be 2 puffs no more for four hours-specialist said 10 puffs is ok!!

This morning my Sats were 88 before the ventolin then when I shifted the phlegm up to 96! Bit scary but I felt ok.my lung function is 90 per cent -tested by specialist's nurses. Is thatFev1 ?

Don't worry .i don't know but they seem to call bronchiectasis COPD I think .

[tamariki]

Is there a diving school near you that you can contact. They usually know where to get a test. Also contact the airline you want to travel with. Some airlines say if you can walk 200 meters without losing your breath your OK to fly. Should you need 02 on a flight, the airline will tell you if they can supply it, or if you have to arrange for your own supply.