Hi all have just been reading up on this new procedure where they put coils in you lungs which make them work better .

[JosieNeg]

Has anyone else herd of this. Sounds good if it works xxx

[Hidden]

I have heard of it but think it is only experimental. Would be great if it did work and was suitable for everyone with dodgy lungs wouldn't it? x

[coastal1]

It is very new. Think that a member called ....out-for-lunch ... is being considered for this procedure at present . If you type his name into the search box above there may be more info. From what I remember it's a non surgical procedure done under sedation rather than anaesthetic.

However as the previous poster said it may still be at the stage of " clinical trials ".

[Eve3066]

I spoke to my consultant about it and it is being done all over now. Unfortunately it is only suitable for a certain type of COPD (not the type I have) but they are getting some good results from it.

[PeterK1]

I heard about this treatment and I contacted the hospital involved, very helpful !! They sent me information about the trials being done, it's going in to it's second stage now and they are recruiting, referrals are through your GP.

Just to add, my GP has been refusing to refer me to a specialist consultant for months now, saying that COPD is all treated in house by GP's now, and that is Government Legislation. When I sent in all the paper work from the hospital by letter to my GP and asked to be referred for this trial the response from my GP was just great.

I made an appointment to see him about this, he now says he can NOT refer me to the hospital for this trial as he is NOT QUALIFIED to diagnose what the problem is with my lungs, he has made a referral for me to see a specialist consultant to identify what the problem is then I might get a referral from the Consultant for the trial ( which will be to late ).

Why oh why has my GP been treating me for COPD when he has now admitted he is not qualified to diagnose a specific lung problem ???????????

[eastridingbigden in reply to PeterK1]

peterk1 sorry to hear your problem but the gps used to get paid for referals beleive it or not even with the big salary and this government has told them from I think last April they will not be paid so has we all know some people put money has there god and some actualy like to do what they are supposed to do for there patients and are still refering usely when a patient demands and I mean demands then they give in that is what N H S is now its a business

[peege in reply to PeterK1]

I would report him Peter. They have a serious job to do and some of them aren't doing it properly. The only way they'll pull their socks up is if people complain - even if it's just a review on their website.

[JosieNeg]

Thanks all will ask my consultant about it and let you know how I get on. Keep well all xxx

[Nikkers]

Hello Peter

It's because your GP isn't doing his job properly. He should have referred you to a specialist in the first place. Everyone has the right to see a specialist if they feel they need to, and can demand it. All GP's specialise in a particular branch of medicine, but if what you have does not fall within their specialised subject, the normal procedure is a referral to someone who does. Do not be afraid to say what you want to your GP - he's not a God, he's there to help you and, may I add, getting paid very well for it!

[Hidden]

I am moderate copd and have demanded to see a specialist but have always been refused. Is there anything I can quote please to make them agree? I even had to demand a chest x-ray and keep insisting before they gave me one! x

[kimmy59]

Afternoon everyone.

I was given the article in the Mail by someone at my PR, it's suitable if your Emphysema is wide spread as mine is. I contacted the hospital as Peter did and had a nice response. I've been to my GP who is referring me so fingers crossed.

Kim xxx

[doublecee]

What we need to know now is the name of the hospital and the contact . Cheers.

[eepee8]

I have been assessed for the coil trials at The Brompton Hospital. The first time there was very strict criteria to meet. I past all except my Ct scan showed bullea in right lung so was rejected on that point. I was recalled six months later as the CT Criteria wasn't as strict. Unfortunately I had pneumonia in between and I didn't manage to reach the level required on the lung function test. By all accounts it is proving to be a positive results for patients that are unable to be operated on.