Holidays with copd and Asthma

[Hollyhops]

Hi..would love some advice please..im due to go on holidays to spain soon but am terrified of going only been diagnosed with mild copd and asthma about 10 months..had a chest infection recently was in hospital fir 3days on nebulizer and antibiotics..im terrified of getting sick in a foreign country..im allways a bit wheezy in the morning..but am ok rest of the day..im on spiolto respimat 2pufs in morn.for copd...and flixitide evohaler for asthma...am I being paranoid..whats the worst case scenario that could happen...with copd...thanks...

[Pam1952]

Hi beverley93. I went to Morocco at the end of March, and was feeling a little dubious as I had recently had a bad exacerbation. Fortunately I had nothing to worry about as I'd only been there for 24 hours and my breathing improved tremendously. I had a wonderful week. Try not to worry, and I hope that you have a lovely holiday. XXX

[Hollyhops in reply to Pam1952]

Hi pam 1952..I have been to london a few times my son lives there..but am not nervous over there..its just being in a foreign country that worries me..I would have my blue inhaler with me at all times in case I get wheezy...I get quite frightened when my wheeze comes on..not too often as sometimes it clears when I cough...or take my blue inhaler..thanks for your reply..xxx

[Pam1952 in reply to Hollyhops]

I always carried my blue inhaler with me, but fortunately didn't need it. I've only had to use medical services once, and that was in Mexico about 6 years ago (but it was for a stomach problem), and I have to say that the care was excellent. I'm sure that it would be just as good in Spain, but hopefully you won't need it. XXX

[Bella395]

I can understand why you would feel concerned about this holiday. This type of thing is down to personal opinion and attitude to risk. I don't care for doing things that I am not comfortable with but others would push themselves that bit harder. It sounds as if you don't mind some risk because you booked the holiday as you wanted to go. Would it help to discuss matters with the practice nurse who covers the respiratory clinic?

[Hollyhops in reply to Bella395]

Hi bella 395..yes I would like to go...am going with my daughter her partner n 2grandkids..I have only paid a small deposit..no going till August..was quite happy about going untill I was admitted to hospital with my first exasperation..(not sure about the spelling)...havnt been to respiratory clinic yet still waiting on appointment..which I hope to get before I go...doc in hospital said my lungs are in good condition..spirometry test showed my lung function at 70%..dont really know much about that...

[soppysokes in reply to Hollyhops]

As Bella says it's down to personal feeling about pro's and cons. With 70% lung function test I would go, many others travel extensively with much worse! But, it's for you to decide obviously. One thing I would say is don't go without travel medical private insurance should anything unforeseen happen it does give extra protection as long as all conditions are declared and hospital admissions etc.

[hypercat54 in reply to Hollyhops]

Hi the spelling is exacerbation - it took me a few times to get it right I think make sure you are honest with your insurer so if you do get problems your insurance will cover it. I have heard the health system in Spain is excellent so have a good time. x

[Hollyhops in reply to hypercat54]

Yea I have full medical insurance cover.but was never admitted to hospital at the time I got cover..should I ring them to say I've had a hospital admission since..my cover lasts untill november..

[hypercat54 in reply to Hollyhops]

It depends on what your policy says so have a good read of the terms and conditions. I wouldn't volunteer any information they don't ask for. x

[Hollyhops in reply to hypercat54]

Ok I will check that out..thank you..xx

[Hidden in reply to hypercat54]

Can you recommend a good insurance company when you tell them you've had a chest infection in the last 12 months the number of inhalers and tablets you take the premiums go right up.

[hypercat54 in reply to Hidden]

Sorry I haven't been abroad for years now. If you put your search criteria in the box that says 'Search HealthUnlocked' all previous posts and replies will come up. x

[soppysokes in reply to Hollyhops]

Normal conditions of any policy it is required to disclose any relevant facts and hospital admission or any illnesses between taking out the cover and end of cover date. Just 1 admission may well not increase your premium or be any problem at all, but non disclosure, should you require any kind of treatment, is a problem.

[Hollyhops in reply to soppysokes]

Thank you soppysokes I will definitely check it out..xx

[jackdup in reply to soppysokes]

I agree. Insurance companies often look for a way out of paying a claim so best to be up front with them so should something happen you will be covered.

[garshe in reply to Hollyhops]

You have to disclose any hospital admittances in the past 12months. If you were admitted for your COPD. Remember to take your emergency pack with you. Steroids and antibiotics. I am always more concerned sitting on the plane as thus is what you pick up the infections . The air is. circulating around the cabin. I always cover my nose and mouth with a scarf during the flight. You should be fine as you only have Mild COPD.Have a lovely holiday.

[Hollyhops in reply to garshe]

Hi and thank you for the advice garshe...I dont have a rescue pack..didnt know about them untill it was mentioned on here...yes I do worry about the flight I often travel to london to see my son and nervous when people start coughing and sneezing around me..I will be wearing a mask going on holidays..ha..thanks...

[garshe in reply to Hollyhops]

Have a lovely holiday .Sheila.

[Joy123 in reply to Hollyhops]

Yes, definitely tell insurance company you've been in hospital. If, I'm sure you won't, you need to make a claim for no matter what you wouldn't be insured. They try every angle possible to not pay out. Joy.

[gingermusic in reply to Hollyhops]

Hi Beverly go and have a great time I am sure the different air will be nothing but good for you, and should you need any help their medical teams are fantastic and you can actually buy antibiotic should you get a chest infection over the counter at the chemist unlike here. So please don't worry I am sure you will be fine and will have a good time.

[Hollyhops in reply to gingermusic]

Thanks so much gingermusic thats good to know think im just being paranoid abut going..wold hav had no problem going before being diagnosed...

[gingermusic in reply to Hollyhops]

Just go and enjoy every minute

[Whitechinchilla]

Do go and savour every moment. A holiday in the sun is so very therapeutic.

Just one suggestion if I may.

Carry ALL your meds with you I,e, including any back ups you have.

A form of reassurance I find,

Have fun and write when you get back with a great photo of you and yours enjoying yourselves.

Good wishes.

[Hollyhops in reply to Whitechinchilla]

Thank you Whitechinchilla..Im feeling more relaxed about it with all the positive comments..not going till August..need to give up the cigarettes I have cut down from 20 a day to 10..was off them for nearly 2 weeks whewhbutn I was in hospital...but cant do cold turkey so im weaning myself off them..

[Whitechinchilla]

I couldn’t do cold turkey either beverley93. Took me years and when the emotions become troubled I still reach for the odd one,

BUT I refuse to beat myself up about it.

Take BABY STEPS, one day at a time. You will get there.

Good wishes.

[Hollyhops in reply to Whitechinchilla]

Thanks for that advice whitechinchilla..first thing in the morning time is my worst..my doc said if I want to stay mild copd I have to give up.easier said than done...its nearly 1year since being diagnosed but still havnt managed to give up yet..hope you dont mind me asking what stage your at..have you given up cigs completely...

[Jehinch]

Hi. I travel abroad every year with severe COPD and ensure

I have appropriate travel insurance. I find my lungs enjoy the warmer climate in Europe and have never had any problems. I carry my emergency meds too e.g. Antibiotics, just in case. Please try and give up smoking. I'm 9 yrs free of cigarettes after 45yrs as a smoker. I used nicotine patches and an online support forum. Have to say I found quitting easier than I thought and wished I had given up 20 yrs ago. COPD at severe level and above is no fun so stay at the Mild stage and you can enjoy travelling.

[Hollyhops in reply to Jehinch]

Hi jehinch..thanks for the advice..I dont have a rescue pack..??..never even heard of it...i just take 2puffs of spiolto every morning for copd...and 2puffs of flixotide for asthma.+ blue inhaler which I very seldom use...i will ask my doc about it before I go...

[Jehinch in reply to Hollyhops]

Rescue pack it s antibiotics and steroids. You may not need them just yet but do ask GP

[Skatergirl1]

Am I missing something?? Why pay expensive travel insurance for medical cove r when in europe, when you can get it free with which card?? X

[Hollyhops in reply to Skatergirl1]

Hi Skatergirl I know the card you mean I have one....but does it cover you if you have an underlying condition..I think it only covers you if you fall and break a leg or similar..not too sure...I allways took out travel insurance when going abroad even with the card...

[Skatergirl1 in reply to Hollyhops]

From my understanding ehic card covers sickness and accident, the same as here in UK. I never declare copd or cancer on insurance, just really want it for luggage and delays etc when travelling in Europe xx

[Jehinch in reply to Skatergirl1]

Doesn't cover us for chronic conditions. Always best to have insurance too

[Hidden in reply to Skatergirl1]

The E111 doesn't give you free medical cover