Will breathlessness get worse on flights?

[microferret]

Hello all,

I was wondering if any of you who suffer with breathlessness could share your experiences of flying on planes with me?

My mum suffers with breathlessness, despite the fact that her disease is currently stable and her bloods are good. I suspect it is due to heart damage caused by the chemo, but I'm no expert; however, she is anxious about not being able to catch her breath if she goes on an aeroplane. As she's really keen to visit us here in Germany, and to go to France for a while, and to Turkey - her homeland - before it's too late, I'd like to be able to reassure her that there's nothing to fear on a flight.

What are your experiences, positive and negative? Does anyone know what an airline can do if someone has breathing difficulties on the flight, short of landing it? Can they provide oxygen, for example?

Any info from someone who has flown despite breathlessness would be gratefully welcomed.

Sara

[Katmal-UK]

Hi Flown loads of times, especially long haul (10+ hours), never had a problem. I hope your mum is able to get to you and you have a lovely time together. I would contact the airlin regarding oxygen but I am sure they carry some (though hopefully won't be required!).

[microferret in reply to Katmal-UK]

Thanks so much! This is encouraging!

[Seasun36-uk]

Hi. Why don’t you/your mum ask her GP? They will know and advise I’m sure. All the best. Holidays do you so much good. Linda xx ☀️☀️

[microferret in reply to Seasun36-uk]

We did ask the doctor last time she was at the Christie and he said it would be fine. I think perhaps we just need to equip her with a valium to keep her anxiety levels down and book those flights!

[Purple-iris]

Hi

Yes definitely check with your mums team or GP . Can appreciate why she is feeling anxious and they may be able to put her mind at rest so she can enjoy her trips . Only experience I have was when I was diagnosed after an emergency laporoscopy whilst on holiday in Mauritius and had to be assessed fit before I could fly home . Their concern was any possible fluid on the lungs ( as I had ascities drained ) as this can be dangerous and cause increased discomfort when flying . Needed a scan the morning of my flight before the insurance company would let me fly home . Was a total nightmare so would definitely recommend your mum gets throughly checked out before she travels.

Hope she gets the ok and enjoys her travels .love Kim x💜

[microferret in reply to Purple-iris]

Thanks for the helpful advice Kim! I'll mention it to my dad as he's taking care of all the ins and outs of travel - mum prefers not to think about it, understandably. I hope you had a lovely time in Mauritius apart from this experience! xx

[Hidden]

I would think that if your Mums oncologist is happy enough for her to fly then there isn't a problem, make sure she wears proper flight socks and also remind her to drink water etc on the planes

[microferret in reply to Hidden]

thank you suzuki I will do!