frustrated

[Shorty_89]

Sorry in advance this is gunna be more of a rant than anything because I just need to get it out!

In April I had 2 big asthma attacks in 3 days which led to me being admitted to hospital where I was also diagnosed with pneumonia. 3 courses of antibiotics and 6 courses of steroids later I was feeling better but in all honesty I don’t think Iv been 100% since then.

Around a month ago I had another exacerbation and another course of steroids.

Iv been referred to a specialist but my appointment isn’t until December.

Anyway Friday I started feeling a bit tight in my chest, woke up Saturday and my voice was going which always seem to happen with my asthma who knows why, chest has been feeling tight and the breathlessness came along with a dry cough. So I rang the GP this morning just been for my appointment and Iv come out feeling so frustrated because I didn’t have a wheeze (which I don’t always have) and my oxygen levels was 98% (also which have never dropped even when hospitalised) I was told it’s a viral infection and I have a problem with anxiety.

I’m frustrated because I’m sick of feeling rubbish and also being made to feel like I don’t know my own body 😞

[Homely2 Administrator]

My gp takes the same line, he diagnoses an infection if no wheeze and oxygen levels have not fallen. He then gives me antibiotics which I do not need.

Has your gp practice got an asthma nurse, if it has, ask to see that nurse.

My asthma nurse is much better for day to day stuff than the gp.

[djbctla]

Hi Shorty,

I understand how u feel, the nerve of them suggesting anxiety is your problem.

Naturally u are “concerned” - anxious about your health. Years ago everything was a viral infection.

BERNARDINE

[Oldandgray]

I get so frustrated when this happens to me. I never wheeze and my BG will stay at 96% and my peak flow only falls about 50 from 390 to 340 but my rib muscles are killing me because they are having to work so hard.

Some young doctor will invariably say “ are you sure you have asthma not just a cough”. 😡

[Mandevilla]

" I was told it’s a viral infection and I have a problem with anxiety"

I feel your frustration - it took me two years to get diagnosed with asthma because my GP kept dismissing my breathing issues as 'a problem with anxiety'. Like struggling to breath doesn't make you anxious in the first place?!!

Does your practice have an asthma nurse? If so, I would suggest ringing up and asking to see them instead. My GP is useless and I didn't get my asthma under control until I saw the asthma nurse. (GP believes that all asthma needs to be controlled by Ventolin, that taking it multiple times a day is ok, and that anyone with asthma needs to accept 'limitations' on what they can do - Nurse believes Ventolin should only be needed occasionally and that the goal should be to control your asthma well enough with a maintenance inhaler that you can live a normal life - or as close to normal as possible - so you can see why I prefer seeing her!)

[ReedB]

I feel frustrated on your behalf Shortly!This happens far too often to asthmatics. The fact that you've been in hospital in the last year should say something... I agree with the others, see if you can make an appointment with a nurse.

I hope you're on the up soon x

[CallysMum]

I think diagnosing anxiety is a lazy diagnosis. It absolves the GP of actually doing any investigation. I sympathise with you.