Hi everyone! Wanted to share my excitement about travelling to the UK at last. Since coming out of hospital last year on 16hrs oxygen a day, I thought I'd never be able to leave Spain again to visit my family in the UK. Having been reduced to just nightly oxygen and when excercising by my specialist in October, I merrily booked a flight for over Christmas but had to cancel because of another infection which meant my doctor was not happy about me flying. (I must admit I was very scared of doing so too!). But then a month ago, when my daughter had a baby boy I was determined to stay well and get to see her.
We're booked to go by ferry this Sunday - driving up through Spain to Bilbao then 24hr overnight ferry to Porstmouth and 2 hour drive to Bath. Taking my Inogen One G2 portable with me and organised for continuous-flow oxygen to be at my daughter's house for our arrival. (Bit of a palava organising it to be reciprocally provided free on the NHS, but persevered and won in the end!)
Now all I need to do is stay infection-free! Going to my doc's on Thursday morning for her to check me out and provide me with my emergency pack of antibiotics and steroids (I wonder which AB she'll choose this time!). Will also need her to provide a 'fit to travel' note. So fingers crossed all round.
Still a bit scared as it was this trip last year that nearly wiped me out! Going to have to be very selective with social gatherings and avoid my granddaughter's 2 year birthday party I think. (Have to have our own private party with her new baby cousin!).
Never saw myself as a doting grandmother - never thought I'd live this long!!
Thanks for reading
Michelle x
BTW. I've got COPD (Emphysema)
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MichelleT51
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As a relatively new ( 2 years) granny, I can share your excitement and anticipation about the trip, Michelle. I suppose there's a lot of driving but the sea air will be good for you and it will be all so worth it when you get there. Have a wonderful time
Thank you! Actually I love driving in Spain. Fabulous roads and traffic jams are very rare (other than the city) ... only when everyone is trying to get to lunch!!! And, yes, the sea air will do me good - hope the weather in the Bay of Biscay will be kind to us. As you say, it will be so worth it to be able to have those cuddles. xx
Hi Michelle I hope you get the go ahead and have a safe trip you will need a warm coat we are still having cold spells in the UK.
Know what you mean about being a grandmother I didn't want to be one till I was 89 I have 2 granddaughters now and not reached 60 yet but wouldn't have it any other way
Thank you for your kind wishes. The weather here last week was baking, but then the last couple of days we've had torrential rain and its become really chilly. So I'm prepared for anything. xx
Aw hope it goes to plan for u Michelle, enjoy it and spending time with ur grand kids. Xx sonia xx
I wish you the best of luck with your travelling. I looked at getting to Spain with the Ferry the other night as I also wasn't allowed to fly (such an annoyance ) it was Southampton to Santander I preferred. I hope you get your travel letter to see the Wee baby.
Hi Michelle, I hope your doc gives you the go ahead to travel, and all is well throughout your visit to the UK. I'm a grandmother too, and know what this means to you. I'm newly diagnosed copd, stage one. Not long joined Healthunlocked. Here in the UK, the weather is ok, average 12 degrees, and that's in the North East where I live. Pack a couple of cardigans hun, as you know, I'm sure that British weather changes often. Enjoy.
Thank you! I'm taking lots of layers, fur coat, mac, and wellies! Ready for anything! So much easier going by car. Could even fit in the kitchen sink! x
Hi Michelle hope all goes well and have a great time with your family. We also live in Spain and go back to the U.K. to see our granddaughter about 3 times a year. My husband has COPD and on oxygen 16 hours a day. We managed to fly back at Christmas and again for her birthday in Feb. All good as we took our portable oxygen generator with us and John had no problem flying (he didn't use oxygen on the flight). I only hope we can continue doing this. Once again have a great time and enjoy your new grandchild. Carole
Our portable generator is Life Basis and we bought it from Amazon, I believe it cost 400 pounds which is a lot cheaper than some. Hope this helps. Carole x
Michelle, as a fellow copd sufferer I know how brave you are to take on the journey and I hope you enjoy yourself no end. Sometimes a woman's got to do what a woman's got to do. Best wishes.
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It's not a No yet to getting on the Lung Transplant List in the UK
Trache taken off and back on oxygen mask at 60%. Is this causing breathlessness?
Holiday oxygen saga continues.
