So i finally got to see my new consultant in University hospital South Manchester to give it its grander title.
I journeyed in my baby Smart Car with baby o2 cylinder in passenger seat and matching Cannula up nostrils.Other motorists looked on enviously at this dapper driver with what must be the newest Smart Car accessory by Daimler.i just smiled and breathed in copious amounts of o2 whilst they struggled with their air con units.
Wythenshawe is not the most salubrious area of Manchester/Cheshire and the hospital borders a very large social housing estate where i have worked in the past as a BT engineer,on one occasion i had my van stolen whilst perched at the top of a telephone pole,fortunately i had access to approx 20 hot lines to call local "old bill" for assistance,Anyway get on with it you say!
Imagine a hospital with its own Lung Centre,with consultants who only specialise in respiratory diseases and deal with everything from Asthma to Lung transplants.I had indeed finally found the holy grail.I was weighed and bled before i even saw the consultant.A quick discussion then off to Xray.done in 10mins and back with consultant.Full Lung function tests and ambulatory assessment to be done within next 6 weeks and i even managed to scrounge a fit to fly/Hypoxic challenge test in 2 weeks time.
The only possible downside is that said consultant believes i have severe Emphysema but wont be sure until he has had CT scan done(another bonus point)Also he believes my severe weight loss and lack of appetite could be a result of my over consumption of red wine?Strange thought i,have you ever heard of any group of young or middle aged men going out for a skinful of beer who have declined a take away later due to a sudden lack of appetite?
If all else fails i am sure i can make my fortune marketing my new found and now medically endorsed slimming aid,i think we will call it the "Pinot Grigio plan"
Scruffy sends her love xx.....skis