14 Chest Infections!

[mbots]

Hi all,

It's my first time here so pardon me.

I had a really bad chest infection in May 2016 and it took 3 courses of antibiotics along with a trip to A&E due to coughing up blood for it to finally go away.

Ever since then I've had constant chest infections. Initially it started off with asthma symptoms which gradually got worse to the point I was dependent on the blue salbutamol inhaler and prescribed Clenil by the GP

Since then I've had 14 chest infections. I send away weekly sputum and every time it comes back positive.

GP referred me to respiratory consultant, got bloods done and CT etc and all came back completely normal- including my immune system.

Anyone have a similar problem? GP thinks asthma, consultant thinks bronchiectasis while the CT and bloods say I'm fine...

Thanks

[GeorginaS]

Hi Have you spoken to a respiratory consultant yet?

[mbots]

Yes spoke to the respiratory consultant in March 2017 and due to see him again in September.

He thought bronchiectasis due to immunodeficiency but CT came back clear and my immune system blood tests were fine.

[GeorginaS in reply to mbots]

Mmm... I think everyone in here has many different experiences. Maybe if you talk to your GP again s/he will be able to advise you as to what to do next. Perhaps s/he will recommend you contact admin in respiratory so you can express your concerns. I did this and the consultant phoned me but I'm sure different consultants will have varying strategies.

I know when I've been waiting for six months it's felt like a very long time if you've still got the problem. I just kept going back to my GP and after I had returned many times, together we decided I could see a private consultant. He had access to all my results so I just paid for one consultation. That worked in my case but everyone's circumstances are different x

[mbots in reply to GeorginaS]

Thanks for your help, I have developed a hard lump on the back of my neck - so I will be contacting the GP as a matter of urgency as it's one thing after another!

[Christabella153 in reply to mbots]

I started going to the Chest Clinic 2 years ago every March the Chest Nurse gave me her contact number to phone in case of any Flare ups have you a contact number as those constant Chest Infections are not clearing up you need different treatment. Hope you cn get it orted soon

[mbots in reply to Christabella153]

Thanks for your reply,

No I do not have a nurses number to contact. I will be asking for one when I see the consultant next. Going to see the GP today or tomorrow

[1carus]

Hi

my first time too - My Consultant tells me lung function tests normal and my bronchiectasis borderline. However after 3 doses of pneumonia 2 years ago and a constant shadow on my left lung it is hard to understand why the diagnostics do not relate to my actual physical condition which means at least 6 out of 12 months is in some form of flare up with constant coughing which has already caused one hernia and endless back strains.

[mbots in reply to 1carus]

I also have normal lung function according to those tests. I can tell you for a fact that it certainly isn't normal! I am in the same boat as you when it comes to diagnostics, something I think those machines aren't working lol! Best of luck hope you're feeling better soon.