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absinthefairy Posted: 02-03-2012 3:09 PM

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Hi I am Gail and I am 39 years old, i have had asthma for 8 years and have been recently diagnosed with moderate COPD.I am already aware of the condition as my Mum has severe COPD but still coming to terms with having it myself!I had already gave up smoking 6 months ago as i knew something wasn't right and i walk everywhere (how ever long that takes!) and also have a running machine at home. I am interested in people's views on using public transport with the condition ie being in contact with people and increasing risk of respiratory infection,as well as travel in the cold weather,has any research been done on either of these?Look forward to speaking and sharing with people.

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Tru replied on 02-03-2012 7:05 PM

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Hi Gail

Welcome to the forums.  Great you managed to stop smoking and stay smoke free, well done.

I don't know of any official research except that it is always advised by the medical profession to avoid contact with people who may be infected with a cold or flu virus.  Also to stay in doors when weather is very bad.

Myself personally, I try and avoid using any public transport during the winter months in order to avoid infection, I don't want to take any risk with my lung health.

I don't go out at all when the weather is very cold, we've had 2C max past few days.  I might consider going out at 6C but I wont go far as my lungs hurt in cold weather even when using scarf over nose and mouth.

For me taking these extra precautions during the winter months are just part of living with emphysema COPD.

Wishing you a great weekend.

Stay warm, stay well.

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jojam replied on 02-03-2012 10:46 PM

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Hi Gail,

Welcome to the community, well done for giving up smoking and walking as much as posible & exercising, both vey good positive steps.Have you also had a flu jab?

I'm with Tru on avoiding public transport & being in close contact with people to minimise the risk of catching any infection to cause an exacebation. I also try to avoid going out in very cold weather.  I have severe COPD so it is very important to keep warm & take care of myself

Best wishes

Jo 

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absinthefairy replied on 02-04-2012 1:56 PM

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Thanks for the warm welcome guys and yes i have had a flu jab I was advised by my GP to avoid public transport to avoid the risk of excerbation as she feels it could be deleterious to my health,however work have taken the great decision to send me further afield which means I would have to take two forms of public transport in rush hour! I am trying to fight this but was hoping to get some research etc as back up.

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David replied on 02-04-2012 10:55 PM

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Hi Gail,

and welcome, will back up everything taht has been said by Jo and Tru, but have a handy bottle of antiseptic hand rub if you do go out ( even use it after touching shopping trollys or baskets0) yes we are all in a panic but that is how it goes if more people were to use antiseptic wipes / spray's or hand cleanser in /on public transport that would solve sooooo many problems 

all the best

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absinthefairy replied on 02-05-2012 1:58 PM

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Thanks for the warm welcomes everyone. Thanks also for the invaluable advice I have had a flu jab and my GP has also advised that i avoid crowded rush hour travel etc due to risk of infection,however my work in their wisdom have decided to send me further afield to work which means two modes of transport (either 2 buses or 2 trains) in rush hour and i am in process of trying to fight this and was hoping to gain some information to back me up.

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rita replied on 02-06-2012 9:43 PM

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Gail - welcome

Please do as others have suggested and use the hand cleaner - they are in such handy little bottles these days and fit into some of the smallest handbags!  Also no reason why you shouldn't wear the masks that some of the builders use ( and many air travellers I have noticed too!) when on public transport, especially at this time of year.  They are quite cheap and come in packs.  The helpline might also give you other tips and hints.

  Am not sure how viable it is for you but you may have to chat to your line manager or HR to see if they can change your work venue.  Understandable in the current climate you may not have too much choice in the matter, but they should be made aware of your situation and if your GP can give you a letter attesting to it, it may help. 

Good luck and do let us know how you get on

rita

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absinthefairy replied on 02-07-2012 10:54 PM

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Thanks Rita, I have made them aware of the situation and also had a letter from my GP (which appears to have been ignored in the decision) they do have  a choice as other people could move location (who drive,no health conditions etc) plus they could move me to a location 10 mins from my home.As I say i am fighting this and my next step is to plead to my GP to compile a more detailed report as well as contesting the reason they say i can travel (COPD and exercise and movement are beneficial!) I will keep you posted.x

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rita replied on 02-08-2012 11:11 PM

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I don't know if it will help, but when I returned to work having broken my wrist and incidentally I had my first hospitalisation and consequent diagnosis of COPD, I was referred to to the Occupational Health doctor the company used.  After seeing him I was allowed to carry out my full duties which included driving to events on their behalf.  He had been sent a copy of the hospital report as well as from the GP.  

Please do keep us posted and am keeping my fingers crossed for you - good luck 

rita