Bronchiectasis etc etc

[puppysue22]

Hi, guess im a little unlucky I been diagnosed with copd/asthma overlap early emphysema and bronchiectasis , who do I ask for a rescue pack my consultant or gp? Not had much explained to me because gp thinks its consultants responsibility to explain things and I dont see him until August. So any info greatly appreciated.

[Watfordgirl]

Hello puppy sue - lovely name!

Sorry about your diagnosis. It must feel a bit overwhelming but I know there are lots of people here who have different conditions at once. There's a lot of experience to tap into.

BLF have good information packs which you can send off for. Does your surgery have a respiratory nurse? - if so, it's worth seeing them. To answer your question- the GP should arrange your rescue packs, part of your medication.

You don't say what treatment your on - inhalers? Or what your symptoms are? The good news, in a way, is that once you know what the problem is, the help to make things easier to manage can begin. Keep asking your questions, and take care. Sue x

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome. You can ask either your nurse or the doctor for a rescue pack. There is lots of info on this site and also google NHS and any other reputable site. If I was you I would go back to the doctors asap and remind him/her that you can't see the consultant for 3 months. Try a different doctor! All of them should have a good deal of knowledge about copd/asthma if not bronchiectasis. Good luck. x

[garcordiner]

G/Day Puppy Sue - as already stated im not sure what tablets or inhalers you are on but for me I always keep a rescue pack of steroids and anti biotic s handy as they are the only thing that keeps me out of hospital and the repository gimp mask when i get a flair up, this is usually no problem from my GP.

Rgds

Gary C

[Bobsie1 in reply to garcordiner]

Me too, I have emergency antibiotics at all times. Saves me keep making appointments to see my doctor every time I have a chest infection. When I have used them I just submit a repeat prescription. Regards bobsie1.

[RibvanRey]

A good many GP's do not have a good knowledge of Bronchiectasis and only a working knowledge of COPD. As Bronchiectasis can only be diagnosed by the use of a CT scan it is not usually something that is covered in general medicine.

The contents of a Rescue Pack will vary from patient to patient, based upon what other health issues are present and what other medications the patient may be using. A GP would be extremely unlikely to refer a patient to a Consultant and then insult the specialist by prescribing other than the meds the GP would have notified the Consultant of when the request to see that patient was first made.

It would be the Consultant who would suggest the appropriate action and either prescribe or request the GP to prescribe any meds. Eg. The Consultant may arrange for you to see a pulmonary physio terrorist. Who would explain how the problems you have work and how to begin a new regime of life to counter these. Exercises, diet, etc.

I didn't think it odd that it took 3 or 4 months to get all this underway. After all I had had unknowingly had Bronchiectasis for over 40 years.

I hope this helps. Regards, Rib

[PollyP]

Hello Puppysue,

Aaaaaw sorry to hear of your new diagnosis. That is a bit pants when?

I have had COPD/Emphysema for 13 years and apart from one episode of pneneumonia and some brief exacerbations have managed quite well. Have always obtained standby rescue meds from GP.

This winter has been a nightmare with pneumonia and extended exacerbation. Last week at last I saw the consultant who is thinking I have ACOS Astham COPD Overlap Syndrome. He changed my inhalers to Incruse and Revlar, added in Azithromycyn and Metoclopramide. am awaiting a CT. It is all a very long haul this year!!

Getting back to your Rescus meds.... I would think you get them from your GP. However, you can always call the Consultant's secretary to clarify and that and then let your GP know the response. I don't call these secretaries very often but they always very helpful.

Let us know how you get on wont you.

Get well soon 😀

[Maximonkey]

Hi Sue, the consultant should have referred you to an asthma nurse who would normally work in his department. If this has not happened I would phone his secretary and ask for a referral. Don't to put off by having to chase for the help you need, the consultants secretary should be able to help, he/she is a direct line to your consultant. If you do not know the telephone number look at the letter which details your next appointment, this will have the contact number on it. If you find yourself speaking to an admin person who deals with appointments ask to be given the consultant's number as you wish to speak to the secretary. This should work. Also my GP received an electronic message telling her I was to be given emergency medicines to keep at home to use when needed. Your GP probably has not heard from your consultant and therefore will not know which drugs to prescribe. We are all different and therefore we all need different medication. Also your consultant may wish to see how your health is during the months leading up to August. Make the call and find out. Please do not worry about it. Good luck and take care Maximonkey

[tracyball1]

Hi my asthma nurse always gives me my rescue packs, you don't even need to see your go your nurse should be able to do it, if you have an asthma nurse xx

[CAROL-ANN12]

I have bronchiectasis i have antibotics on hand and steriods i take 1 antibotic everyday which keeps infection at bay