Flair-ups While Traveling

Posted by zscline @zscline, Aug 13 4:55pm

I seem to be full of questions today. I have had flair-ups twice since being diagnosed with BE 2 or 3 years ago. Both times while traveling.
Perhaps not coincidental, since the normal routine changes so much. Both times we traveled to areas that ended up being quite hot. That also might have been a factor. I live in the cooler PNW.
This last time, my doctor was also on vacation, so unreachable. What Iam wondering is whether any of you have plans in place with your Pulmonologist whereby you can either get a prescription called in for you or have it with you just in case or do a virtual appointment or something else?
I don't know if it's always necessary for the doctor to see you in person in order to deal with these flair-ups. I will be seeing my Pulmonologist soon and will discuss it with him, but I thought I'd run it by my fellow BE suffers in the meantime. Thanks so much for any comments or advise you might have to offer.

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lilianna | @lilianna | Aug 14 7:52am

Hello zscline. You are not the only one struggling with the idea of a plan just in case. When I talked to my pulmonologist she was clear she does not give meds “just in case”. I insisted I have a standing order for a culture. Unfortunately my flare ups always happen on weekends or holidays. Then I call a pulmonologist on call and we deal with the problem- X-ray, culture before I start the antibiotic. Last time I went to the hospital immediate care and they checked me for viruses- I had para influenza. I emailed my pulmo and was given steroids- had no choice, had really bad cough. I am not completely happy with this arrangement. I am always afraid of “what if”. I hope your pulmonologist will be more cooperative because in my case it’s a lot of decisions on me. Let me know privately how the visit goes and what plan you come up with. It might help me modify mine.

scoop | @scoop | Aug 14 7:56am

Pulmonary gives me emergency antibiotics for travel. I would not leave home without them.

zscline | @zscline | Aug 14 9:55am

That sounds good. I am hoping my doc will do likewise. I will be seeing him this next week. Thank you!

zscline | @zscline | Aug 14 9:57am

In reply to @lilianna "Hello zscline. You are not the only one struggling with the idea of a plan just..." + (show)

I will let you know.

zscline | @zscline | Aug 22 8:58pm

In reply to @scoop "Pulmonary gives me emergency antibiotics for travel. I would not leave home without them." + (show)

Good news for me! My pulmonologist did not hesitate to give me two prescriptions for antibiotics (one milder and one stronger) that I can take with me when I travel.

I explained about feeling the need to have a plan for when we travel, and I can't get into the office or get a hold of anyone on the phone, which is just what happened this past July.

I don't think he did so casually. Probably like with your doc, we have developed enough of a rapport that he know that I won't abuse this and use a prescription without thought. I feel so much better about travels now.

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