What to expect?

[Fantasy3]

Hi all.

I have been referred to respiratory nurse.

Got my appointment through for tomorrow.

Can anyone tell me what to expect,I'm feeling rather anxious.

Many thanks.

X

[stone-UK]

Hi

There are less informal than GP, They don't rush you as much, have plenty of questions to hand .They tend to have more direct knowledge and can recommend medication and speak to your GP on your behalf.

They will probably give you a contact phone number, which you can ring if you are having problems, they can advice a course of action.

Mine wil also do home visits.

The appointment is usually preceded by a weight check.

[Fantasy3 in reply to stone-UK]

Thanks stone.

My gp nurse has referred me as she says there is nothing more she can give me regarding meds.

Does that mean I will be on neb or oxygen? X

[stone-UK in reply to Fantasy3]

Hi

Unlikely to be given nebs, oxygen is only given after assessment, which you would have been prewarned.

Having spoken to my respitory nurse I was given Oramorph

Plus lorazepam for aniexty both which have helped with my breathing.

I recently changed one of my inhalers, under their supervision.

Speak of any concerns no matter how minor, you will be surprised at their depth of knowledge.

[Fantasy3]

Thank you so much.

Really put my mind at rest.

X

[Watfordgirl]

Hope it goes well, Fantasy3. A nurse has more time to listen to you and answer questions about your worries etc. They can suggest changes to inhalers but wouldn't start nebulisers without your GP being involved and oxygen needs to be assessed at a hospital so there's nothing to be anxious about. Hopefully she'll be a friend and will give you lots of support. Ours doesn't do home visits though - different areas vary.

Good luck. Sue x

[Fantasy3 in reply to Watfordgirl]

Thank you watfordgirl.x

[Brooke60]

Try to avoid taking Lorazepam, very addictive and most Drs will not prescribe for people with breathing problems. Take care. x

[Nottobad]

Hi Fantasy3 There is nothing to worry about. It is good you have been referred to see a consultant. They are very good and have more time to go through your history. And put you on the right medication. I see a consultant every 6 months. And my consultant is the only one who changes my medication. Good luck xxx

[Fantasy3]

It's not a consultant nottobad.....it's a respiratory nurse.😊

[Nottobad in reply to Fantasy3]

Hi sorry my minds not with me to day. What I said still applies. They have more time than your GP. But surely you should have been seeing a resp nurse before now who dose your yearly review.

[Fantasy3 in reply to Nottobad]

That's ok nottobad,I get very confused myself at times😊

Not a resp nurse,just the general nurse at my gp's surgery,I see every year

X

[tamariki]

My pulmonary nurse visits me once a month. She has several more patients near where I live. She is able to prescribe drugs to assist with my breathing, such as prednisone, anti-biotics, and inhalers. Also diuretic tablets. She has received months of training under supervision, before she got the position. She is in constant contact with my GP and chemist top see if I am taking other medications. Since she has concentrated on pulmonary problems, she has more knowledge about our condition than most other nurses.

[Ray47]

I have regular visits from my respiratory nurse, and she is brilliant. Don't worry about it. They are also easier to get to see than doctors.