Copd

[Petejh]

Just wondering if everyone with copd has been seen by a consultant.

[lenney007]

hi ive just got to see a nurse...

[Nottobad]

Hi sadly to say not everyone with COPD is seen by a consultant. Witch I think is wrong. I do see a consultant though.

[mmzetor]

I have but it took 2 years and a collapsed lung before I did get to see one ,

[Hidden]

My GP nearly killed me befour i got to see lung consultant.

Nhs commisning boards say and to be fair gp contrancts say gp should provide good quality care and a lot dont when it comes to copd or lung dieases

Hear that saying about bread butter products THATs what we are to GP's

You have to say prove your gp is not providing good quality care by how many eperdodes you have had that resulted in hospital visit admission.

Then you might get refferd BUT a lot are not up for fight BUT like i say WzhEN i was working could i get away with out doing my job.

No in short i could not SO why should GPs when patient contracts say the should be providing good qualty care

[cofdrop-UK]

I wonder how many folks dx with copd are actually misdiagnosed and have bronchiectasis or have both. I keep getting letters from my GPs asking me to attend copd clinic, no matter how many times I tell them I haven't got copd. They asked me to go to the asthma clinic, which I do have. That too would be a waste of time as they just do peak flows and my consultants inform them anyway at each hospital visit re my spirometry and also deal with the asthma side of things. The nurse agreed it was a waste but decided she would always give me my flu jab on the annual check, so worth going for that reason alone.

cx

[jjnanna in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Latest news is that the flu jab is no good for you ??? x

[cofdrop-UK in reply to jjnanna]

Have you got a link to the source of info please? x

[Ergendl]

No, not been offered an appointment with a consultant, just the respiratory nurse. At least the new one at our practice seems more clued up.

[jimmy1c in reply to Ergendl]

Ergendl hi I do see a consultant but I feel I cannot talk to him other that at my appointments (every 3months) I feel a nurse would be more available to discuss your illness or am I wrong

Jimmy

[Ergendl in reply to jimmy1c]

It depends on the nurse. I was diagnosed with moderate COPD with "some reactivity" by a very nice but slightly dim Respiratory nurse who was very sympathetic but not used to handling lots of informed questions. She has now been promoted and is in charge of various specialist nurses at our GP surgery, including a very clued up new Respiratory Nurse, who asked lots of pertinent questions and explained the computer results and discussed whatever I wanted about my condition - so glad she is now involved in my care.

[Hidden in reply to Ergendl]

Ergendl .this sounds ideal...how I wish the one I was allocated did not talk down to me as though I was a child or a very stupid person which I am not.

[Cheddar52]

I'm seeing a consultant tomorrow, first time since diagnosis long time ago, and only because when I was in hospital in April this year the respiratory nurse , who is fantastic, arranged it for me. I will let you all know how it goes , keep smiling and breathing well everyone.

[Sheilab123]

Hi Petejh, think doctors are supposed to monitor in house until they think you need more expertise, so on the one hand it's good they don't think your that bad, on the other most of us feel better by seeing a consultant. Though with mine I sometimes wonder.......xx

[vambo]

I was diagnosed by a consultant originally, about eight years ago. Never seen one since.

[Watfordgirl]

Absolutely agree with Sheilab123. If you're not seeing a consultant it probably is because your GP doesn't think you need to at this stage. You could ask him/her about it? Sue x

[Hidden]

Yes got to see him i 2 weeks time and a nother lung test this week in the hospital second in two weeks

[PaMaBa]

I was diagnosed over 7 years ago and have never been referred to a specialist. I am so SOB I use a mobility scooter or I would never go out. Recently I have changed surgeries and things are looking up, fingers crossed.

[Buzzytruk]

Hi... not long after my Gp diagnosis I was sent to see the chest consultant at the local hospital......... I sat I front of a man who was looking at my chest x-ray. After a few moments he looked at me and said. ". yes you have copd. ........discharge " . That was that .!

Now I am at the mercy of a nurse with no real interest in the condition ,who can't be bothered to keep up with all the new data , and a Gp you can't see , just talk to on the telephone.

Jo.

[Nanny1086]

I have to say I'm suprised that so many do not see a consultant ,I see my consultant at least twice a year ,and have done so for over 6 years ,before that it was once a year ,and that's since my first admittance to hospital ,,,I always say I'm lucky to live where I do as I have great NHS care ,consultant ,COPD team ,nurse specialist ,and GP ,I thank my lucky stars .

[Velezirma in reply to Nanny1086]

Hi I feel exactly the same. I've been blessed to have the greatest doctors and nurses taking care of my condition. I'm so sorry for those that are not getting the help they need its not an easy condition to have. Please ask for HELP you don't know what your up against. Take care God bless.

[Nanny1086 in reply to Velezirma]

When I've been at PR I have seen a number of people who have been diagnosed but never seen a consultant,

[Sue-p-25]

I see my doctor every 2weeks and I've a nurse that I can see and I've also a consultant , that I see every three months , (not that the consultant does any thing much )

[Hidden]

Not I. only nurse once a year. I think you have to be a lot further on than moderate, but don't quote me.