First consultant appointment pending

[MrsCMK]

Hey guys!

After my asthma went drastically downhill last summer and being fobbed off with an “you must be anxious” diagnosis by almost every healthcare professional that’s come into contact with me (because I don’t wheeze), I finally have my appointment with the respiratory team this Friday...woohoo! I’ve never been so excited by the thought of going to hospital before but I’m praying that this appointment brings about a final diagnosis and come clarity regarding my condition.

In anticipation of this, I’ve been keeping a symptom diary and also have made notes of my triggers, along with a list of questions and records of all immunology results that show how highly allergic I am to many things. I want to be fully prepared for this because I refuse to be fobbed off anymore as it’s getting pretty dangerous if I’m honest.

Other than the above, can anyone advise me of anything else I can do to help prepare please? Ive had a spirometry test which came back normal which I know won’t help my case either. If I don’t get a diagnosis during this appointment I have no idea what will happen next

Thanks in advance!

[Lotti_321-]

I hope your appointment goes well. I’d definitely recommend taking in a list of questions so you get everything covered.

Sometimes they might not give you a diagnosis right there and then, i only talk from personal experience. I had my appointment especially a first one and went through everything and talked about what it could be, medication review and plan in terms of what to tests to do so to form a better picture. I’m always one for setting really high expectations from my appointments and can feel disappointed. Although you should feel like you’ve got a plan that you are satisfied with, if not you’ve got to say something. ☺️

[MrsCMK in reply to Lotti_321-]

Thank you for this! I need to manage my expectations and this is certainly helping me to do so

[Lotti_321- in reply to MrsCMK]

I’m so guilty of this, I always go to my appointment hoping for a quick fix and always come away feeling disappointed. Good luck!

[Wheezycat]

Peakflow meter readings. It could worth keeping a record, taking readings morning and night, and before and after taking inhalers, if you have any.

[MrsCMK in reply to Wheezycat]

Ahhh, great idea. Thank you!

[Mogget]

Hi, this sounds like me - my asthma went downhill last summer (possibly the high pollen) but still hasn't settled. I don't wheeze and sats are always fine, so I was fobbed off for a while, despite the fact that salbutamol/ventolin brings me relief! I was referred to a consultant last year and he questioned whether I had asthma as my spirometry was normal but was still willing to work with me and has been changing/increasing/adding to my medication. Also had a blood test done confirming I have allergies. Last week I had a mannitol challenge test which I reacted to and actually confirms a diagnosis of asthma (it's odd to say it but I was very happy!!!).

So, be prepared to fight your corner as there is ignorance even amongst consultants. Let them know about any peak flow readings, that your salbutamol brings relief (if it does for you), and that spirometry in asthmatics can be normal if you aren't currently in the middle of an exacerbation/it's a low-level exacerbation (though they might not like being told that!). There are tests which can provoke a reaction, like mannitol/histamine tests so it might be worth asking about those.

Fingers crossed and let us know how it goes!

[MrsCMK in reply to Mogget]

Wow, this is super helpful, thank you for sharing! Our stories certainly sound quite similar which is reassuring and I totally understand your elation when getting your final diagnosis!

For me, I deep down know that it is allergic asthma, given my triggers, allergic history and the fact that there’s a strong correlation between my allergic reactions worsening and my asthma symptoms becoming exacerbate.

Will certainly keep up guys updated

[Matman]

Other than repeating Spirometry and reviewing your symptoms, typical tests may include FeNO, Allergy Tests, Full Blood Count (particularly looking an Neutrophils and Eosinophils). If you’ve been struggling for a long time with breathing issues, you might also be offered a n X-ray and / or Thorax (i.e. Lung) CT Scan.