Wrong diognosis

[zack55]

Hi all hope you all ok in this heat. 2 yrs ago I was told by my gp that I had stage 3 Emphysmea as you all know being told this is not fun. It has taken me this long to see a lung consultant and get some tests done. I had lots of breathing tests done yesterday by a nurse and she says I only have asthma and it's nothing to worry about. I can hardly breath some days and getting dressed and household chores are not easy . Walking leaves me breathless . Now who do I believe . I don't see lung guy now till October . Thanks in advance

[BB4ALL]

Hello Zack, emphysema is like what you've described. Out of breath, when walking uphill, carrying heavy shopping bags, going up stairs or anything to do with cleaning or even just shaking the duvet and putting it back on the bed makes you breathless. It seems to come and go, some days are good and some bad, panic attacks happen as well when you wake up in the night wondering how to breathe. Its a strange disease that you need to understand and only you can tell when things aren't right. Some days I can walk for long miles, other days I can't walk round the block without stopping for breath. Your fitness does make a difference and the rehab clinics for COPD and Emphysema help lots and you do a slow build up of your core muscles to get them working again. It also gets you out and meeting others who will openly discuss their problems too so maybe that will help you. I don't know if you're on the same meds as me but I take a Spiriva tablet every morning and use the pump maybe once or twice a day. Remember the pump only takes effect some 10 to 15 mins after inhaling it and don't inhale it too quickly otherwise it just sits at the back of your throat, try and breathe normally as you inhale it.

[zack55 in reply to BB4ALL]

Thank you I will ring his sec in the morning

[Hidden]

Hi zack. Only believe the consultant. GPs and nurses should not be telling people what they have and which stage that they are at without a full range of tests. Yours could not possibly give you an emphesyma diagnosis without a ct scan and the nurse has contradicted the GP with no better knowledge. Phone the consultant’s secretary and find out if they can fit you in earlier.

[zack55 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[O2Trees]

Whichever it turns out to be Zack, asthma or copd, it would appear that you need a medication review to address the breathlessness. But in the context of a correct diagnosis of course.

[zack55]

Hi thanks for reply .i had 5 chest infections in one year doc sent me for a X Ray then spriomtry test and then said Emphysmea

[zack55]

Thank you .

[katieoxo60]

Hi not sure you would be seeing a consultant for asthma unless it was not under control. Xrays don't show much in respect of lung issues. My xray showed a shadow so I was followed up with scan. Sounds like you need a prescription reveiw to control symptoms till you see the lung consultant, these things take so long you have my sympathy but only the specialist can confirm the true situation. It took me three years & a visit to Glenfield lung speciality clinic to get it all on paper.

[Hayley_ in reply to katieoxo60]

Oh my, and I thought I had a long wait of 4 months to see my specialist. That’s terrible.

[katieoxo60 in reply to Hayley_]

Hi know it sounds terrible , but I got through but had to be persitant so I was not fobbed off. However it has left a lasting emotional scar of what I went through which also involved a misdiagnosis. Hopefully you will soon get yours sorted out, please keep me updated on how it goes I would love to know. Best Wishes

[anng1814]

A flattened diaphragm on an x-ray would indicate emphysema.

[Hayley_]

I first got diagnosed through a chest x Ray. Something to do with the length of my lungs I think. But then I was sent to a specialist to have it all confirmed. I can’t believe it has taken so long for you to see a specialist. And I wouldn’t necessarily believe what the nurse has told you. You really need to put your foot down and get this sorted so you can get the best care available. Good luck 😉

[jackdup]

My X-ray results usually say hyperinflation consistent with COPD, meaning it could also be something else but is seen in people with COPD.

[zack55]

Thank you all for your replays

[shadow4me]

I hope they are right that its Asthma but i would ask for a Scan has you can have Emphysemia without the airway obstruction ?I believe also If you are overweight it doesnt help im finding this out after putting 2 stone on and anxiety can affect breathing badly i hope you find the answer x