COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
On Friday I had to go to the Airlines pulmonary doctor to be accessed for oxygen requirements for flight to Australia.
I was pretty SOB lately mainly due to so much stress. I was asked to do the 6 min walk test, down this long corridor and back......I did it with no problems by continually PLB.
My pulse was around 115 but my oxygen started out at 94% n ended at 93%.....after taking a few more details I was told I would not need oxygen to fly......
Besides saving me a couple thousand dollars I still worry what if I do get difficulty mid flight.....
Hugs Peter
I was pretty SOB lately mainly due to so much stress. I was asked to do the 6 min walk test, down this long corridor and back......I did it with no problems by continually PLB.
My pulse was around 115 but my oxygen started out at 94% n ended at 93%.....after taking a few more details I was told I would not need oxygen to fly......
Besides saving me a couple thousand dollars I still worry what if I do get difficulty mid flight.....
Hugs Peter
Anyway finally was able to buy some Xanax to use....Finding any sort of anti depressants or anxiety meds here are really difficult as most people here are born depressed so don't need it....
Use your own judgement, even tho the cost of oxygen for that flight is super inflated!!! Why the doctor say you do not need oxygen when you fly? Did he do an altitude test to see if your o2 drops when the plane reaches the cruise altitude, and the oxygen is a bit thinner?
That is a hard decision, because if you do not need it, why pay for it, but as someone else said, if you get stressed out getting there, or during flight, there is no promise they will give you oxygen.
A six minute walk is one thing to determine if you need O2 here on earth, but up there, is a different story.
Would the airport let you get away with just one cylinder rather than the two they insist you have? Or could you or Beth call and see if they do carry emergency oxygen in case.
David said he thinks it takes about 12 hours flying time, so you would really be just very short of breath if you have problems. Would your inhalers and PLB pull you out of it?
Check it out my friend, and it would be super great if you could save all that money, but it is not worth your life or health.
Brenda
Brenda
I did take the test results back to my own pulmo n she agreed I would be ok....so really I think I will ring today n check if emergency oxygen is available...one would think so....
Its a direct flight mostly, just one stop from where I live to the main city...total flying time is 12 hrs....
Most planes when they reach altitude of 32 to 40 thousand feet fly with the cabin pressurized between 5000 and 8000 feet. Your finger meter is very good in the 90's and I wouldn't worry about the 02 on the plane. The airlines carry bottles of 02 in the main cabin just in case there is a need for it. So you're covered.
My doctor told me I needed to fly with 02 on the flight from St Thomas to Ft Lauderdale, a 2 and half hour flight. That would've cost me $125.00 on Spirit. I felt good enough not to to fly with it and everything worked out just fine and saved myself $125.00. Although I did do wheel chair assistance in both airports for the first time in my life.
Good to hear you're going home mate. and saving all of that money in airline tickets. See, there's always a silver lining in the dark clouds of life. I wish everyone there a speedy recovery and they are in my prayers. Enjoy your flight.
The Xanax should relax you if necessary, and your inhalers and PLB, if necessary also. Everyone seems to think getting emergency o2 is possible, so check it out and put all that money back in your pocket.
Don.t let them steal your joy Peter. You have been thru hell and back trying to get all this togeather, and have spent enough to put several of the officials kids thru college...lol
Major airlines will assist disabled OR elderly passengers if arrangements are made in advance. Generally this means a staffer will escort you through the airport & security to your gate via wheelchair or a golf cart ride. I find this helps me considerably. Do call your airline & tell them you need this assistance.
Hugs,
TJ
Hugs Peter
Hope your trip is pleasant, and uneventful! Glad your going, and yes..if you feel SOB, just ask them for some good ol' 02!!
Hugs,
Boo