'Can I have some. . .

. . . Oxygen please?' was the question I put to the lady at the Outpatients Reception Desk. This was towards the end of April this year when I went to attend an appointment at Worthing Hospital with regards to having an operation to fix the hernai on my Belly Button (not a pretty sight).

I had decided I would drive down to the Hospital on this occasion as I normally take my car down to a certain point and then get the Bus the rest of the way. Between my parking KT and walking to Outpatients I had to stop twice as I was having great difficulty breathing - once in the Car Park and then half way from the entrance of the Hospital and its labyrinth of confusing corridors to the Outpatients Departments.

I remember the people in the queue behind me looked at me with some disgust as I (not something I would normally do) pushed my way past them and posed that request for Oxygen. The Receptionist held the letter I had given her - looked at me and all the while I am gasping for air. Another person behind the desk heard me and moments later I was in a wheelchair, taken to the Consultant I was to see and then after hearing the silly statement of 'You look very uncomfortable with your breathing Mr Jacques-Keen! (No kidding...are my unspoken thoughts) Take him straight to A&E please!' - sheesh...uncomfortable was not the word I would have used but moments later I was in A&E and hooked up to some Oxygen. I was kept in for a couple of days as I had a severe chest infection that was starving the blood of Oxygen (something new I had learnt that day). I have always been prone to Chest infections and back in May/June 2006 I had a serious Asthma attack along with a chest infection that put me into a coma for 8 days.

Since that episode whenever I get a chest infection whereby I can be ill one day ("I will go to see my GP tomorrow") then fine and dandy the next day ("Won't waste their time as I feel okay today") and then again the next day back as I was the day before. That is when I go and get prescribed a course of Antibiotics. Oh well...life goes on doesn't it.

[scrobbitty]

Well I certainly hope it does It appears that it is the frequent chest infections that keeps doing the most harm to our lungs so anything that can be done to lessen that is for the best.

Exercise, good diet, taking antibiotics and/or steroids at the first sign are all great ways to combat it if you are able. Sense of humour certainly helps on the bad days.

[jennieann]

Hi This is the lesson we have to learn. I really have after a long time found that starting the antibiotics and steroids,soon as you start feeling rough and taking the full course is the best thing to do.Hope your feeling bit better now and have an ok night. and keep warm!

Goodnight from us(me&carer).

[Hidden]

My immune systems is so bad that now I am under the immunologist as a result of constant chest infections. Although I am on oxygen 24 x 7, my immunologist has broken down my blood results and he now has given me 6 weeks supply of emergency antibiotics and he has stated that my bloods are not making enough antibodies or protein and shorty I will be starting regular blood transfusions to boost my antibodies then 6 months down the line I am getting a protein pen to inject myself. I have had COPD and bronchilitsis for a few years now and I wish I was sent to see the immunologist a long time ago. He is a brilliant consultant who gives you a thorough MOT and the works out the problem and the plans ahead with the treatment. At least you few better knowing that at least something is being done. Albeit it is going to take maybe a year to get everything right. As long as the chest infections stay away it is a result. At the moment I am on long term antibiotics and they are working. Best of luck to you It might be good if you consider being seen by an immunologist like myself. Breath Easy my friend.

[phillips1]

I was eventually given a rescue pack after several chest infections. It has stayed in my cupboard for nearly two years now (I must check those use by dates) as I haven't had a single infection since.

Good luck with the breathing and remember that if you can do one breath after another you are doing ok.

Bobby xxx