Going on a cruise and not going home to visit
A year and a half before being diagnosed I visited my family in Denver. I had alot of difficulty with the altitude. I almost went to the emergency room. Probably should have. We made plans to visit again this coming August but since my diagnosis I have cancelled the visit [husband and disabled adult son will probably still go and my oldest son, who lives nearby will keep an eye on me]
I also booked a week long cruise in the middle of March 2026. We will drive and only be at low altitudes. I, as always, will have all my vaccines and will wear a mask except when in my room, eating, and when I am in fresh air in non-crowded areas. Some of my family from colorado will also be on the cruise. That should be safe, right? [or no?]
I want to do everything right. I need to live as long as possible because of disabled son and husband. Advice?
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I don't think anyone can actually predict if it will be safe for you or not. As COPD effects everyone differently and everyone has different things that aggravate their condition, it is pretty much impossible to say it will be safe for you. On the other hand I do not think you should cancel the cruise. I would suggest you ask your medical team for advice for sure. I would also ask your medical team to give you prescriptions for prednisone and an antibiotic to take with you in case you start having problems. Make sure you have all your inhalers with you also. I would also make the medical department on the cruise aware of your condition before the cruise or right after starting the cruise. It sounds like you pretty much know what to expect and how to protect yourself as much as possible. I, myself, would be more concerned about the stops and getting off the boat to do the things one does while on the cruise. It is hard to know what respiratory problems one can encounter in other parts of our country and other countries. This is just my two cents worth. I hope everything goes great for you. Take care and God Bless!
Hi Dminor9. vivky3vicky already gave you a great answer so I won't repeat anything she said. I just wanted to say, I have COPD (emphysema) from smoking way too long before quitting. I take 2 one-a-day inhalers but I'm not on O2 yet. I do get winded easily and hot, humid weather & severe cold really affects my breathing and my stamina but I go on a lot of cruises; 2-3 a year and even did a 60 day cruise to the South Pacific last Oct./Nov. and I've had zero problems on cruises. I don't wear a mask but I am up to date on all relavent vaccines. I also have seen people on O2 and riding one of those scooters many times on various cruises. They seem to get along fine.
What I would say also is part of any cruise adventures are the excursions one might choose to do at a port of call. If you want to book and excursion, just check the itinerary of the excursion and it's difficulty rating; easy, moderate or difficult. You may want to pass on any that are rated difficult as it generally means there will be some extended hiking or uphill walking.
Anyway, you do what you think is best for you & your situation but I say; "go for it and have a great time!" Don't let worry ruin your plans. Plenty of time to worry if/when something goes wrong 😀
Sorry; I got the nemes mixed up. Just trying to provide positive info to vicky3vicky. I meant to say YOU - Dminor9 gave vick3vicky a great answer.
No worries,
! That happens more than you would think! Thanks for chiming in with support and your own experiences. Welcome to the community! Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
Thanks to both of you. I am more excited than ever to make plans!
I hope you have a wonderful time! We'd love to hear about it when you return. - Lori (Team Member)
