Consultant question

[Sjac]

Hi again , another question. It seems when reading post on here people are talking about there consultant and C O P D , sorry if a silly question but should I have been referred to one , I'm currently under the GP nurse .

[Ergendl]

Hi, Sjac. Some people are referred to a consultant, but I chose not to as I have moderate bordering on mild COPD and the meds my Respiratory Nurse prescribed are working pretty well. I think you could ask your GP to refer you to a consultant if you feel your treatment isn't effective enough. Ask to go on a Pulmonary Rehab course too, if you haven't already been on one. All the best, M.

[mrsmummy]

Some GPs are more knowledgeable about respiratory illnesses than others. You can request a referral to a consultant who will assess you and then either give you a further appointment or discharge you back into the care of your GP. Asking for a referral to a PR course is also a good idea.

[Nottobad]

Not everyone is refered to a consultant. I was only refered after having infection after infection. And my consultant couldn't do anything more for me so I have been refered to an immunologist and have found out that my vitamin d is low. And she is doing other tests. As my immune system is low too.

[Hidden]

Hi I only have very high moderate copd and my surgery said they never refer unless there comes a point when they can no longer handle my care. If your symptoms match copd then they don't investigate any further. If they don't eg you start showing different symptoms then it is possible you would be referred.

You of course do have the right to a second opinion and your doctor can't refuse you. I tried this though and my doctors just got angry and said it's not necessary.

In some areas they routinely refer you to a consultant, but others like mine they don't. x

[Sjac]

Thankyou again , I thought I was missing something, hopefully my visit to the nurse Wednesday will be able to help with my questions as well .

[Dragonmum]

I've never seen a consultant.

[shadow4me]

It seem in the UK most of us dont get to see a consultant until we are so ill we end up in hospital .