need advice

[sue35]

As I am writing this I am up in the middle of the night coughing so that is why I thought of it and am now worried.

I am supposed to go to AZ on Thursday to visit my boyfriend's dad. The problem is that I have been sick for two weeks now. I am normally at 50% FEV1 and now am at 34%. I am still managing to go to work but not well. I am trying to weigh the pros and cons of the trip but am having trouble.

I have never traveled when I was sick. Do you think the germs of the plane itself would make it not worth it? I don't need oxygen and can't wear a mask as it makes it harder to breathe.

My boyfriend's dad knows about CF but doesn't really know what it all entails so I think he is planning big trips that my boyfriend just thinks we should go on or hurt his feelings. I have also never been to AZ (live in Chicago) so I don't know how the weather would be.

Basically since I don't know what to do, I am asking what other people would do if they felt like I did. Would you go? Am I just worried to worry?

Thanks!

 

[sue35]

As I am writing this I am up in the middle of the night coughing so that is why I thought of it and am now worried.

I am supposed to go to AZ on Thursday to visit my boyfriend's dad. The problem is that I have been sick for two weeks now. I am normally at 50% FEV1 and now am at 34%. I am still managing to go to work but not well. I am trying to weigh the pros and cons of the trip but am having trouble.

I have never traveled when I was sick. Do you think the germs of the plane itself would make it not worth it? I don't need oxygen and can't wear a mask as it makes it harder to breathe.

My boyfriend's dad knows about CF but doesn't really know what it all entails so I think he is planning big trips that my boyfriend just thinks we should go on or hurt his feelings. I have also never been to AZ (live in Chicago) so I don't know how the weather would be.

Basically since I don't know what to do, I am asking what other people would do if they felt like I did. Would you go? Am I just worried to worry?

Thanks!

 

[sue35]

As I am writing this I am up in the middle of the night coughing so that is why I thought of it and am now worried.

I am supposed to go to AZ on Thursday to visit my boyfriend's dad. The problem is that I have been sick for two weeks now. I am normally at 50% FEV1 and now am at 34%. I am still managing to go to work but not well. I am trying to weigh the pros and cons of the trip but am having trouble.

I have never traveled when I was sick. Do you think the germs of the plane itself would make it not worth it? I don't need oxygen and can't wear a mask as it makes it harder to breathe.

My boyfriend's dad knows about CF but doesn't really know what it all entails so I think he is planning big trips that my boyfriend just thinks we should go on or hurt his feelings. I have also never been to AZ (live in Chicago) so I don't know how the weather would be.

Basically since I don't know what to do, I am asking what other people would do if they felt like I did. Would you go? Am I just worried to worry?

Thanks!

 

[JazzysMom]

Well first let me say that IF it was me I probably wouldnt follow my advice and would go, BUT since its you and I can be more neutral here is my opinion. The fact that your FEV has dropped that much means you need care. Going to work was too much for you so can you imagine what the trip would do. Just the energy it would take never mind any germs, environment issues etc. Should you decide to go then your BF MUST be told the consequences of the trip. I would think there is a good chance you need iv's &/or hospital stay. IF you werent already sick I wouldnt be as concerned, but you are so I think you know the answer. You have to made this decision yourself!!!!!

 

[JazzysMom]

Well first let me say that IF it was me I probably wouldnt follow my advice and would go, BUT since its you and I can be more neutral here is my opinion. The fact that your FEV has dropped that much means you need care. Going to work was too much for you so can you imagine what the trip would do. Just the energy it would take never mind any germs, environment issues etc. Should you decide to go then your BF MUST be told the consequences of the trip. I would think there is a good chance you need iv's &/or hospital stay. IF you werent already sick I wouldnt be as concerned, but you are so I think you know the answer. You have to made this decision yourself!!!!!

 

[JazzysMom]

Well first let me say that IF it was me I probably wouldnt follow my advice and would go, BUT since its you and I can be more neutral here is my opinion. The fact that your FEV has dropped that much means you need care. Going to work was too much for you so can you imagine what the trip would do. Just the energy it would take never mind any germs, environment issues etc. Should you decide to go then your BF MUST be told the consequences of the trip. I would think there is a good chance you need iv's &/or hospital stay. IF you werent already sick I wouldnt be as concerned, but you are so I think you know the answer. You have to made this decision yourself!!!!!

 

[Kelli]

Hey Sue,
Let me give you my 2 cents.
My mom just asked me to go to AZ with her (she is going in May). We live in Ohio, and I have been to AZ twice before (about high school age).
I am deciding to not go this time. The air is different due to the desert, it is so dry out there. The heat is anohter issue. And they are going to go to the mountains, so then the altitude is different. All of this equals a big NO for me.
I'm not currently sick but even with my regular FEV1 hovering around the mid 50's, it's just not worth it.
Another big factor in my decision is that I don't take my vest when I travel (its the old one, the BIG one) so that would be 5 days without my vest (accapella isn't the same for me). And I know I won't feel good by the time 5 days pass without the treatment of my choice.
Good luck with your decision. I think you are smart to weigh the pros and cons. It's your health and I'd be concerned being on a plane with others, when you aren't at your 100%.
Let us know what you decide. Remember, don't put yourself at risk (of not feeling well on vacation, being in an AZ hospital, etc) for the sake of making your BF upset. This is your health so do what YOU need to do. You can go to AZ anytime, especially when you are feeling well.
Good luck, Sue. Let us know what you decide.
~Kelli
29 female CF'er

 

[Kelli]

Hey Sue,
Let me give you my 2 cents.
My mom just asked me to go to AZ with her (she is going in May). We live in Ohio, and I have been to AZ twice before (about high school age).
I am deciding to not go this time. The air is different due to the desert, it is so dry out there. The heat is anohter issue. And they are going to go to the mountains, so then the altitude is different. All of this equals a big NO for me.
I'm not currently sick but even with my regular FEV1 hovering around the mid 50's, it's just not worth it.
Another big factor in my decision is that I don't take my vest when I travel (its the old one, the BIG one) so that would be 5 days without my vest (accapella isn't the same for me). And I know I won't feel good by the time 5 days pass without the treatment of my choice.
Good luck with your decision. I think you are smart to weigh the pros and cons. It's your health and I'd be concerned being on a plane with others, when you aren't at your 100%.
Let us know what you decide. Remember, don't put yourself at risk (of not feeling well on vacation, being in an AZ hospital, etc) for the sake of making your BF upset. This is your health so do what YOU need to do. You can go to AZ anytime, especially when you are feeling well.
Good luck, Sue. Let us know what you decide.
~Kelli
29 female CF'er

 

[Kelli]

Hey Sue,
Let me give you my 2 cents.
My mom just asked me to go to AZ with her (she is going in May). We live in Ohio, and I have been to AZ twice before (about high school age).
I am deciding to not go this time. The air is different due to the desert, it is so dry out there. The heat is anohter issue. And they are going to go to the mountains, so then the altitude is different. All of this equals a big NO for me.
I'm not currently sick but even with my regular FEV1 hovering around the mid 50's, it's just not worth it.
Another big factor in my decision is that I don't take my vest when I travel (its the old one, the BIG one) so that would be 5 days without my vest (accapella isn't the same for me). And I know I won't feel good by the time 5 days pass without the treatment of my choice.
Good luck with your decision. I think you are smart to weigh the pros and cons. It's your health and I'd be concerned being on a plane with others, when you aren't at your 100%.
Let us know what you decide. Remember, don't put yourself at risk (of not feeling well on vacation, being in an AZ hospital, etc) for the sake of making your BF upset. This is your health so do what YOU need to do. You can go to AZ anytime, especially when you are feeling well.
Good luck, Sue. Let us know what you decide.
~Kelli
29 female CF'er

 

[NoExcuses]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>sue35</b></i>


I am supposed to go to AZ on Thursday to visit my boyfriend's dad. The problem is that I have been sick for two weeks now. I am normally at 50% FEV1 and now am at 34%. I am still managing to go to work but not well. I am trying to weigh the pros and cons of the trip but am having trouble. </end quote></div>

Are you sure you're not going to de-sat on the airplane???? J

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>I don't need oxygen and can't wear a mask as it makes it harder to breathe.
</end quote></div>

Just because you don't need O2 on the ground does not mean that you won't need O2 when you fly ... that worries me with an FEV1 of 35%

Are you on anything to improve your PFT's? That's a pretty dramatic drop .... <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">

 

[NoExcuses]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>sue35</b></i>


I am supposed to go to AZ on Thursday to visit my boyfriend's dad. The problem is that I have been sick for two weeks now. I am normally at 50% FEV1 and now am at 34%. I am still managing to go to work but not well. I am trying to weigh the pros and cons of the trip but am having trouble. </end quote></div>

Are you sure you're not going to de-sat on the airplane???? J

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>I don't need oxygen and can't wear a mask as it makes it harder to breathe.
</end quote></div>

Just because you don't need O2 on the ground does not mean that you won't need O2 when you fly ... that worries me with an FEV1 of 35%

Are you on anything to improve your PFT's? That's a pretty dramatic drop .... <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">

 

[NoExcuses]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>sue35</b></i>


I am supposed to go to AZ on Thursday to visit my boyfriend's dad. The problem is that I have been sick for two weeks now. I am normally at 50% FEV1 and now am at 34%. I am still managing to go to work but not well. I am trying to weigh the pros and cons of the trip but am having trouble. </end quote></div>

Are you sure you're not going to de-sat on the airplane???? J

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>I don't need oxygen and can't wear a mask as it makes it harder to breathe.
</end quote></div>

Just because you don't need O2 on the ground does not mean that you won't need O2 when you fly ... that worries me with an FEV1 of 35%

Are you on anything to improve your PFT's? That's a pretty dramatic drop .... <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">

 

[coltsfan715]

I completely understand the situation you are in and am going to offer my advice. I will admit last year I was in this same situation and I did not listen to myown advice and I went on my trip anyway. I can say NOW if I am in a similar situation (there is something that I want to do or have been planning and I turn up sick) I will take care of MYSELF and pass on whatever it is I have planned.

I got sick last April and had a cruise planned for the first week of May. I refused to miss the cruise. I took oral meds and rested for days before the Cruise and started to feel a little better felt okay on the cruise but was hit HARD when I came back. I ended up being admitted 2 days after returning home, I had lost 10 lbs and a few points of FEV - permenantly (well at least to this point the loss has been permanent.

As for AZ - I am from Florida so te climate situation may be different. I have been to AZ in times when my FEV was closer to yours and I could barely breathe. I went in Sept 2000 and June of 2001 and was so short of breathe when I went in June. Sept was okay but it also rained the 2 days I was there, so I think the moisture helped me. IT gets very hot there depending on the season so if you do not handle heat well - you may want to reconsider your trip for right now especially since you are already sick.

Also think of this - you may not need O2 on a regular basis but if you are sick your sats are probably lower than normal. Do you think it is possible they will drop even more on the flight with the elevation? I know it is a pressurized cabin but ya never know. Not trying to make you panic but yeah just something to think about.

Overall I would NOT go especially since your FEV1 has taken such a hit. I will add though if I were to go - I would make sure that I had some type of oral med or aerosol to take with me that was an antibiotic. That way you have some help with fighting off whatever you have and it is not running wild in your system until you can get back and get some medical attention.

Take Care and whatever you decide I hope you start feeling better.
Lindsey

 

[coltsfan715]

I completely understand the situation you are in and am going to offer my advice. I will admit last year I was in this same situation and I did not listen to myown advice and I went on my trip anyway. I can say NOW if I am in a similar situation (there is something that I want to do or have been planning and I turn up sick) I will take care of MYSELF and pass on whatever it is I have planned.

I got sick last April and had a cruise planned for the first week of May. I refused to miss the cruise. I took oral meds and rested for days before the Cruise and started to feel a little better felt okay on the cruise but was hit HARD when I came back. I ended up being admitted 2 days after returning home, I had lost 10 lbs and a few points of FEV - permenantly (well at least to this point the loss has been permanent.

As for AZ - I am from Florida so te climate situation may be different. I have been to AZ in times when my FEV was closer to yours and I could barely breathe. I went in Sept 2000 and June of 2001 and was so short of breathe when I went in June. Sept was okay but it also rained the 2 days I was there, so I think the moisture helped me. IT gets very hot there depending on the season so if you do not handle heat well - you may want to reconsider your trip for right now especially since you are already sick.

Also think of this - you may not need O2 on a regular basis but if you are sick your sats are probably lower than normal. Do you think it is possible they will drop even more on the flight with the elevation? I know it is a pressurized cabin but ya never know. Not trying to make you panic but yeah just something to think about.

Overall I would NOT go especially since your FEV1 has taken such a hit. I will add though if I were to go - I would make sure that I had some type of oral med or aerosol to take with me that was an antibiotic. That way you have some help with fighting off whatever you have and it is not running wild in your system until you can get back and get some medical attention.

Take Care and whatever you decide I hope you start feeling better.
Lindsey

 

[coltsfan715]

I completely understand the situation you are in and am going to offer my advice. I will admit last year I was in this same situation and I did not listen to myown advice and I went on my trip anyway. I can say NOW if I am in a similar situation (there is something that I want to do or have been planning and I turn up sick) I will take care of MYSELF and pass on whatever it is I have planned.

I got sick last April and had a cruise planned for the first week of May. I refused to miss the cruise. I took oral meds and rested for days before the Cruise and started to feel a little better felt okay on the cruise but was hit HARD when I came back. I ended up being admitted 2 days after returning home, I had lost 10 lbs and a few points of FEV - permenantly (well at least to this point the loss has been permanent.

As for AZ - I am from Florida so te climate situation may be different. I have been to AZ in times when my FEV was closer to yours and I could barely breathe. I went in Sept 2000 and June of 2001 and was so short of breathe when I went in June. Sept was okay but it also rained the 2 days I was there, so I think the moisture helped me. IT gets very hot there depending on the season so if you do not handle heat well - you may want to reconsider your trip for right now especially since you are already sick.

Also think of this - you may not need O2 on a regular basis but if you are sick your sats are probably lower than normal. Do you think it is possible they will drop even more on the flight with the elevation? I know it is a pressurized cabin but ya never know. Not trying to make you panic but yeah just something to think about.

Overall I would NOT go especially since your FEV1 has taken such a hit. I will add though if I were to go - I would make sure that I had some type of oral med or aerosol to take with me that was an antibiotic. That way you have some help with fighting off whatever you have and it is not running wild in your system until you can get back and get some medical attention.

Take Care and whatever you decide I hope you start feeling better.
Lindsey

 

[Uli]

My FEV1 is around 40 % and I did have no problems with flying to Thailand last year, which lasts about 12 hours from Germany.
From Chicago to Arizona should be much shorter, so I would not see a big problem with that as long as your boyfriend takes all the baggage and handluggage<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0"> and you take your time.
As the air in Chicago might be not the best, perhaps it could even help you to come into a warmer climate like Arizona. I have been in Phoenix in March once and it was not too hot already, so April could be ok too.
If you don´t take antibiotics now, maybe you could start with some?
But of course you should take it as a vacation and if your boyfriend does not see that you need a break and no full-time-tourist-program and if he is not able to tell his dad, you should better stay where you are and relax on your own...

Uli,44,Germany

 

[Uli]

My FEV1 is around 40 % and I did have no problems with flying to Thailand last year, which lasts about 12 hours from Germany.
From Chicago to Arizona should be much shorter, so I would not see a big problem with that as long as your boyfriend takes all the baggage and handluggage<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0"> and you take your time.
As the air in Chicago might be not the best, perhaps it could even help you to come into a warmer climate like Arizona. I have been in Phoenix in March once and it was not too hot already, so April could be ok too.
If you don´t take antibiotics now, maybe you could start with some?
But of course you should take it as a vacation and if your boyfriend does not see that you need a break and no full-time-tourist-program and if he is not able to tell his dad, you should better stay where you are and relax on your own...

Uli,44,Germany

 

[Uli]

My FEV1 is around 40 % and I did have no problems with flying to Thailand last year, which lasts about 12 hours from Germany.
From Chicago to Arizona should be much shorter, so I would not see a big problem with that as long as your boyfriend takes all the baggage and handluggage<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0"> and you take your time.
As the air in Chicago might be not the best, perhaps it could even help you to come into a warmer climate like Arizona. I have been in Phoenix in March once and it was not too hot already, so April could be ok too.
If you don´t take antibiotics now, maybe you could start with some?
But of course you should take it as a vacation and if your boyfriend does not see that you need a break and no full-time-tourist-program and if he is not able to tell his dad, you should better stay where you are and relax on your own...

Uli,44,Germany

 

[Diane]

If it were me in your situation, i would not go.

 

[Diane]

If it were me in your situation, i would not go.