after a few months of having been diagnosed with COPD I concluded that rarely are doctors specialists in this arena, significantly more knowledgeable than me [thankfully] but like any area of Specialist, it is that person working in the Pulmonary Arena that has the most up-to-date knowledge and experience. Whilst my GP [well any one of about eight at the Surgery I attend] may have the data to hand, please note I did say may, it is the Pulmonary Nurse or one of them in the team that arranges tests and can introduces changes. This applies to travel arrangements too.
This in no way reflects on our noble GPs battling away with 100s of other ailments on a daily basis.
My Oxygen supplier is unable to help and advises that the Pulmonary Team advise and prescribe dosage and method and the Supplier just falls in line. Like roz38 & her husband my wife and I wish to travel. Not flying, I might add, therefore one ought to expect it to be simpler.
Trying to keep matters simple, we wish to travel by Motorhome over a period of 3-4 days for starters. I am in need of Long Term Oxygen Therapy at a rate of 15ltrs/minute for 15-18 hours a day at home and have the Oxygen Concentrator at home to support this.
Travelling is a change, therefore guidance, advice and indeed a change in prescription is necessary is required from the Pulmonary Team to enable the Oxygen Supplier to support my needs. It has been impossible so far to speak to anyone in my Support Team so a change can be brought about.
Anyone have ideas as to get the appropriate Nurse[s] to hone me? Easter fast approaches but will we be able to get away in our Motorhome? Incidently we will not have continuous access to Power - some places we stop will have power but others we rely on Solar Panels.
It is not just getting the right person to speak to, it's speaking to them so the Oxygen Supplier can supply appropriately.
with regards
Wullie09