I have a prob with SOB, due to couple... - Lung Conditions C...

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I have a prob with SOB, due to couple of things COPD, Diaphragm Paralysis will aerosure medic help esp if I want to fly on holiday

edwdys70 profile image
22 Replies

I would like to fly to Spain....

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edwdys70
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22 Replies

Good afternoon edwdys70! My husband has severe COPD and has given up on the flying thing - never liked it even before COPD! However I do know that there are a couple of things to consider - the first is a "fit to fly" assessment which will establish is you need oxygen on the flight - the oxygen saturation levels are lower on a plane. If you do that's fine - you can use oxygen on a plane just needs organising. If that's is not a problem you can get help in the airports with wheelchair assistance which could help to alleviate the SOB.

Onto the aerosure medic - I am not convinced! My husband used a powerbreather device which gave fantastic reviews but he didn't find the results were worth the effort of using it! I have no knowledge of the use of this device but my gut feeling is that it wont deliver miracles.

Have you been on a pulmonary rehab course (a course of supervised exercise and information) - which has really helped my husband cope with his SOB. He had to fight for a referral from the Doctor but it was worth it.

Good Luck - I am sure there will be a stressfree way to get to Spain! Lots of love TAD xx

edwdys70 profile image
edwdys70 in reply to

My Dear Lady, (TADAW).Thank you so much for that, the points you mention are well taken I'm sorry your husband is suffering similar symptom's. It must be difficult for you. All these conditions have crept up very subtle over the last 18 months/ 2 years, however I'm determined not to be beaten by it. It started with my spine deteriorating and moving about hence causing 'Diaphragm Paralysis. This meant I couldn't lay down to sleep, for 9 months I had to sleep sat upright. I now have a machine that basically breaths for me whilst laying down. you must imagine I look like a right old dodderer. believe it or not, I don't, although some days I feel like it.. TAD, I wish every good thing upon you and your husband. It was so kind of you to share your own worries, concerns and knowledge. Many sincere thanks and God bless. Edward. edwdys70.

in reply to edwdys70

I can imagine that you look amazingly well with that positive attitude! Take good care of yourself xx

phillips1 profile image
phillips1

The first thing to do Edward is get a wife like Tadaw who looks after her husband really well. Secondly, see your GP to make sure you are fit to fly. Thirdly, get a very good specialised travel insurance policy. If it turns out that you are not fit to fly you can always get a train down to Spain. I wish you the best of luck with your travels.

Bobby

in reply to phillips1

Woah !! Not sure he would agree all the time - nice to hear you think that I am looking after him well. Hope you are well TAD xx

Suzy6 profile image
Suzy6 in reply to

Oh Tad you most certainly do and also manage to impart very useful and helpful info to people on here in a friendly manner. You deserve Bobby's praise.

edwdys70 profile image
edwdys70 in reply to phillips1

I know, you are so right on all three points. Actually, a nice long train ride sounds really quite exciting. Thanks Bobby your a gem, take care. Edward

You are very kind Suzy and I value this site very much it is so reassuring to know we are here for each other x

edwdys70 profile image
edwdys70 in reply to

Absolutely, I have only just found the site and already I feel everyone is of similar mind, having a genuine and sincere empathy for each other. I am finding a sense of warmth and understanding from other members, this in itself is salutary, let alone the little snipits of information and advice I am finding invaluable. Once again many thanks.

Puffthemagicdragon profile image
Puffthemagicdragon

I use one of these. They can be adjusted to either breathe in or out. Does the job for me and a bit cheaper than that new fangled Aerosure thing.

" The Ultrabreathe is so compact it will fit in a pocket

Athletes who want to boost their performance and folks who suffer from breathlessness can all benefit from using this ingenious breathing exerciser

Adjust Strength from Beginners to Advanced With touch of a button "

amazon.co.uk/ULTRABREATHE-b...

edwdys70 profile image
edwdys70 in reply to Puffthemagicdragon

Hi there, how fascinating, I will certainly look into the little machine you mention. If I can't find it on the internet then I may need to come back to you for a bit more info. Thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to share that with me..Good luck and good health.

Puffthemagicdragon profile image
Puffthemagicdragon in reply to edwdys70

Click the bit and it will take you to Amazon, where I got mine.

in reply to Puffthemagicdragon

same as mine puff, worth the money,xxx

Puffthemagicdragon profile image
Puffthemagicdragon in reply to

Cool ! :) x x

in reply to Puffthemagicdragon

yer get the saliva but that's expected,just wash the mouth piece after each use,xxx

suemaz profile image
suemaz

Hi I had a "Fit to Fly", assessment last October, after I mentioned to my consultant that I was thinking of going away with my kids for a week, good job I did, I was just going to take a flight, thinking I would be fine, but no I was informed that I needed 5 litres of oxygen per min whilst on board. The nurse that did the test told me of the airlines that give this service for free, but some major airlines charge silly prices each way for oxygen. I decided not to go I could not be bothered with all the fuss, but good luck to you.

edwdys70 profile image
edwdys70 in reply to suemaz

Hi suemaz, many sincere thanks for that, it's not what I want to hear but something I should obviously think about and look into. Once again many thanks, I wish you good health and good luck.

Edward.

Toci profile image
Toci in reply to edwdys70

Don't let the need for oxygen during the flight put you off. I need it but there is no "fuss", I just pre-book it and a cylinder is brought to my seat and hooked onto the seat in front. I have flown with oxygen many times now and never had a problem.

edwdys70 profile image
edwdys70 in reply to Toci

Hi Toci, thanks for that..at least I'm not alone then. You start and think your the only one with such a problem. I suppose I will have to get used to the feeling of embarrassment. I just know I am going to think everyone will be looking at me as they wheel a cylinder up to my seat. Isn't vanity a bummer. Thanks again Toci.

Toci profile image
Toci in reply to edwdys70

It is not wheeled up - just a little cylinder, like the ones people carry about. And the embarrassment soon wears off! :)

edwdys70 profile image
edwdys70 in reply to Toci

My dear Toci, thanks for that..you must think I'm a dumb bell, but this is all new to me but fortunately there are nice people like you to educate me.. again many thanks.

Toci profile image
Toci in reply to edwdys70

No dumbbells on here, just friends needing information and/or support. ;)