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Pneumothorax 2 years ago. Afraid to fly out of the country. Please help

Posted , 3 users are following.

sarcasemmm
sarcasemmm

Hello! This is my first time posting here. 

I’ve had Pneumothorax 2 years ago on my right lungdue to a fall from the 4th floor down to the ground (not disclosing anymore deets) had surgery; chest tube and all. Now my problem is that I am afraid I’ll have another collapse on the plane. I am flying to the US from the Philippines and that will be a very long flight so I want to know what i can do. When I had my check up a year after my last surgery, pulmo said my lungs are good, chest xray is good and that I won’t have any problem flying. But after having pneumothorax, I’ve always had difficulty breathing, the right part of my back hurts especially after walking for so long / running or simply sitting without back support. What should I do? I’m afraid it’ll collapse on the plane and if I do feel like I couldn’t breathe on the plane, what can I do? 

I want to go to the hospital but I don’t have sufficient funds as of the moment. Should I go for a check up and ask the doctor if it is safe to fly? We already have tickets and I honestly don’t want to waste anymore money... please help..

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • sarcasemmm
    sarcasemmm

    Posted

    Correction the surgery is just chest tube insertion, “CTT” I honestly cant remember what it means but they drained my right lung. 
  • dor08270
    dor08270 sarcasemmm

    Posted

    2 years is very long time man. if you didn't had any problems since then you have nothing to worry .

    you can ask for a x ray few days befour the flight just be calm. and make sure you have travel insurance . other then that don't worry

    • sarcasemmm
      sarcasemmm dor08270

      Posted

      Thank you! I don’t think I’ve ever had a problem and my past xrays are good but sometimes when doing strenuous activities it’s definitely hard to breathe and the right part of my back hurts so yeah I’m afraid
    • dor08270
      dor08270 sarcasemmm

      Posted

      to tell you the truth I was having one and took care or it . a week later I was on a plane and I was okay during the 10 hours flight. when I landed I went for x ray and they said it was good. 2 days after I went back to hospital .

      so no one knows what to say and what is good or not

  • jonathan123
    jonathan123 sarcasemmm

    Posted

    Hi, I had numerous pneumothorax on both lungs. I also had the dreaded tension pneumothorax for no reason. Good news I have had vats procedure and a pleurectamy. I fly out 30 - 50 flights a year short and long haul. I have never had a problem. If you are nervous have a beer! Honestly it's safe to fly. Good luck and I hope that helps.

    • jonathan123
      jonathan123 dor08270

      Posted

      Yes I did and gave up since it happened. Smoking isn't necessarily the issue but it does not help either!

    • dor08270
      dor08270 jonathan123

      Posted

      I had 2 pneomotorax then a sergury where they cut a part of the lung . 2.5 years later it came again twice . then they put talc inside...2 mouth after I'm okay but it's a problem then maybe it will come again

    • jonathan123
      jonathan123 dor08270

      Posted

      I have had talc also. Trust me you can't worry about it life goes on. I was like you at first. On a plane it is decompressed air same as on ground! Really I do 30 - 50 and have no problems.

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