I had lobectomy aug 2018 . Will i be ok to fly this june 2019

[jckjanetrosalin]

I had lobectomy aug 2018 half left lung removed . Will i be ok to fly this june 2019. Has anyone else been on plane this soon after operation

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear jckjanetrosalin

It is recommended following lung surgery to allow up to 3 months before flying. You may need a letter from either your specialist or GP stating that you are fit to fly. It may also depend on the regulations of your airline so perhaps check with them or you can check on the Civil Aviation Authority: caa.co.uk

Our lung surgery booklet and Travelling going on holiday with lung cancer provides lots of useful information that you may find helpful, including insurance providers:

roycastle.org/system/file_u...

and

roycastle.org/system/file_u...

Hope you have a great holiday and all goes well for you.

Our Freephone nurse led helpline is 0800 358 7200

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Tina60]

Hi, I had similar to you four years ago, I flew 6 months after, I was very concerned (what if I felt breathless, lung collapsed, felt ill while in the air) but all was well with no problems at all and the good the holiday did me far outweighed any fears, been flying ever since. Enjoy.

[Rutheg in reply to Tina60]

Hi I had my operation in the June and we flew in the October with no problems. Enjoy your holiday

[jckjanetrosalin in reply to Rutheg]

Thank you for replying, its given me confidence all will be well. Did you get a letter of your doctor and did you tell your insurance .

[Tina60 in reply to jckjanetrosalin]

Hi

I don't remember having a letter from doctor, did tell insurance though, I feel you have to tell them everything now a days. Don't remember having oxygen levels checked either.

[jckjanetrosalin in reply to Tina60]

I did answer question with insurance about being in hospital within the year but they never asked anything else only one question if i had cancer and i havent so said no.. I didnt know if i should speak to them about it or not. Before my op last year when i went away i was having tests because of shadow on lung but as hospital was not sure if it was early cancer or not they wanted more money off me i ended up paying another 500.

[Tina60 in reply to jckjanetrosalin]

I know its a pain but you have to if under investigation like you were. I declare everything just in case any problem, they will wiggle out of it if they can, although like me you haven't got cancer at least you have told them. I declared a tablet that doctor but me and it gave me a skin irritation I was only on it a week but because it was for feeling a bit low I had to tell them and they charged extra even though the doctor had taken me off them, you have to not have them on your files for a year other wise it has to be declared with my bank travel insurance. I am thinking of looking elsewhere as mine is with my bank and its worldwide but I have to pay and extra premium on top of monthly charge.

[jckjanetrosalin in reply to Tina60]

Thank you. This clears my mind. Did you get letter of doctor and did you tell your insurance ? Thank you

[Colin57]

I also had this concern, having had left lung pneumonectomy last July. My respiratory consultant checked my oxygen level two weeks ago the reading was 95. Apparently to fly it must be a minimum of 95 so happy days! He gave me the all clear without further requirements.

So beginning of May we’re flying to Malta, and at the end of June we’re flying to Calgary.

[jckjanetrosalin]

Im not under clinic no more so i guess i can ask gp to check my levels. Ive already booked my holiday after seeing in brochure you can fly after 3 month.