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Oxygen and COPD

Posted , 6 users are following.

suzanne96013
suzanne96013

Hello, my brother in law has COPD.  Over 2 years ago he went into hospital because of low levels.  When he came out oxygen was delivered to his home, but after 2 weeks the nurse said he didnt need it so it was removed.  Do I need to tell insurance company when I go abroad?

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • sandy58386
    sandy58386 suzanne96013

    Posted

    Hi Suzanne!  I would certainly suggest to your brother in law that he seek a second opinion.  The day that I was diagnosed, 4 years ago, my General Practitioner put me on oxygen ONLY during the night.  My Pulmonary Specialist agreed.  4 years later, I am still following this procedure and I feel it is literally making me stronger and saving my life!! I take Spiriva and Symbicort and I have never felt the need to use my rescue inhaler.   It is hard for me to comprehend as to WHY your brother in laws nurse told him he didn't need it after 2 weeks.  If he was diagnosed with COPD, he still has it!  PLEASE have him get a second opinion.  Hugs!!

    • suzanne96013
      suzanne96013 sandy58386

      Posted

      They said until his levels are really low they wont put him on it at home.
    • sandy58386
      sandy58386 suzanne96013

      Posted

      Does he have an oxymeter that he can use at home?  How will he know if his levels are low unless he has to go back to the hospital OR to his nurse.  In the 4 years that I have had COPD, I have not had an exacerbation OR had to go to the hospital.  I attribute that to my meds and my nightly oxygen.  I see my Pulmonary Specialist once a year and each year, after tests, I am told that my stats have not changed and to come back in a year, unless I have problems.
  • robertgreynomad
    robertgreynomad suzanne96013

    Posted

    I would NOT recomend that you go abroad  without having medical insurance anyway. ANND make sure that you complete ALL the details trhat they ask for. Leave one out or don't disclose the true facts and they wil not cover any claims you may have to make.

    Also IF you are flying, arrange through your doctor or specialist to have an " altitute test " The oxygen available inside a plane at about 8000ft is MUCH lower than at ground level and it means he may need supplimentary oxygen.

    Some air lines will supply this at a cost ( expensive ) or he would be able to use an " oxygen concentrator "  BUT it must be an approved make and these are listed on many airline sites. They can be hire for a reasonable cost. Without taking these precaustions JUUST DON'T GO . To be medivacted out of another country is VERY expensive. And remember , the plane, crew and medical staff are also returned back to the country of origine which you also pay for.

    I just love to travel but with my COPD I can no longer get travel insurance.

    I just now think of the things that I am still able to do and places within my own country that I can see, rather than the things I am no longer able to do.

    There will always be others on the forum that will have a vastly different opinion.

    STOP and consider your options. Planes are not hospitals noe are cruise ships, in fact they drop you off at the nearest port they can to just get you OFF the ship.

    There have been many reports of this happening and the medical attention in many of the 3rd world countrys does leave a lot to be desired.

    I know your question seemed to be an easy one to answer, BUT believe me , ITS NOT. 

  • aitarg35939
    aitarg35939 suzanne96013

    Posted

    Why would you discuss your brother's health with your insurance company when you travel? That would muddy the waters needlessly.

    Oxygen is given for different reasons. Quite often it is given on a more permanent basis because the person has a higher degree of strike risk in addition to the COPD. If your brother's treating docs/nurses decide he doesn't need it, I would find that to be cause for celebration and, again, completely irrelevant to insurance for your travels.

  • alexander35057
    alexander35057 suzanne96013

    Posted

    Hello Suzanne,

    I am amazed how varying the treatment given. I have been given oxygen at home for when I exercise and does help, but I have never heard that they would take it away if the nurse felt it right. The trouble is that must leave you in a state of flux  Good Luck Alexander

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