I have just been diagnosed with COPD -emphysema given Spiriva inhalation capsule prescribed by nurse and told to come back when I need more

[lady631951]

What I want to know is should I not be seeing a specialist doctor and get more tests etc??

[stilltruckin]

pathways.nice.org.uk/pathwa...

[Puffthemagicdragon]

You should see a pulmonary consultant who will carry out proper tests with proper equipment. Then you will get the correct medicines for your illness. Ask your doc to see one. If he doesn't agree the TELL him you want to see one. I think it's very important to see one.

[victoriablue]

I agree with puff but when you were diagnosed who gave the diagnosis?

And if you are just on Spivra not enough on its own it is used along with Ventolin etc. Rose

[yorkie70]

Hi lady631951,

I agree with Puff in fact I would have thought that it would be mandatory to be seen by a pulmonary specialist.

[peege]

Yes, agree with all the above. P

[Batbara]

I would DEFINITELY see a pulmonologist . They can do a spirometry test and other test to determine the stage of your copd. They can also see if you have asthma, which would require a different medication to use along with spiriva. No question about it.....see a specialist!!

Best wishes,

Barbara

[Claudine]

If you haven't seen a specialist, who made the diagnosis? If it's the GP surgery there's a strong chance it may be a wrong diagnosis. I had two false diagnoses over the years before a specialist found it wasn't either of those. It's not good enough - you may have to be assertive. Also, Spiriva on its own may not be enough.

[lady631951]

thanks everyone,i got to see the specialist in the end and she said my lungs were just the same as when first had a x-ray,she did all tests poss including ct scan,she said i will get another x-ray in 6mths and i was to keep on with inhalers.