My first hospital visit to the respiratory clinic

[Tansycat1]

Hi everyone, I have just had my first appointment at Leeds General Infirmary. My symptoms are tight heavy chest and getting breathless very quickly.

So, today I have had a chest xray, blood tests, my oxygen levels measured, the lovely young lady doctor gave me a going over with her stethoscope and I had a ECG. Apparently the results of my spiromotry test, taken five months ago, that I thought were terrible, were actually OK. I passed everything with flying colours, and I will get a letter with another appointment date for November where more tests will be carried out. So I am no nearer to knowing what is causing these horrible, worrying symptoms. Whatever it is, it is becoming worse by the day, and really quite debilitating. Anyway, today I have started the diet to end all diets, we will continue going to the gym, where I fear I will spontaneously combust, go on more walks,do more gardening and just hope that I am able to control it. And to cap it all, I had gone to the hospital in my lovely new turquoise strappy sandals, only to discover I cannot walk in them, that only resulted in my breathing et al becoming even worse as we walked up hill for five minutes to the car park! If I am going to be really ill, my God, I will do it with some sparkle and attitude!

Lots of love to all you gorgeous people out there, and I hope you are having a good day.

[Hidden]

Really glad it well for you or as well.as possibly could? Great attitude and by the way where did you get the turquoise sandles I've been looking for them in that colour everywhere 😂😃

[Tansycat1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Ger,Got them from asda, I have an awful lot of turquoise things! you should see the new turquoise and coral trainers I just got for my 60th, Fabulous!

[Hidden in reply to Tansycat1]

Was trying to make you smile because I was thinking about your appointment all weekend and I'm sure it's a relief plz keep well or wellish,Ger

[Katinka46]

So glad it went well, and that you liked the doctor. Having confidence in those treating us makes a huge difference. Well done. What did Colin make of it?

November seems like an eternity but by NHS standards it could be worse. It’s only three months and I think with your new found confidence you will fill the time easily. I think you have some trips planned?

All the best

Kate xx

P.S. post a pic of these amazing sandals?

[sassy59]

Nice to read your positive post and I truly hope you get a specific diagnosis in the not too distant future. Wishing you well.

The sandals sound amazing but pity you can’t wear them. Xxxx 😘🤭😍

[Candyred]

So glad the tests went well .. walk slower much slower then everyone will get a better look of they sandals! 😊

[Tilantoe]

I am like you! I have been waiting 8 weeks and still not got an appointment through. All my tests at docs. Are ok. Yet I am getting worse with my breathing by the week. Doc. Doesn't seem to understand and I am getting the feeling that he thinks I am making it up! He did admit I should have had an appointment through by now even if it meant waiting. I wish you well.

[Tansycat1 in reply to Tilantoe]

Hi Tilantoe, sorry for not replying earlier. The waiting is awful isn't it. I was told there is a waiting list of 20 weeks here in Leeds, it took my appointment 16 weeks and that was only because of a cancellation. Now I have to wait 2-3 months for a second appointment, I passed all the initial tests, so why are my symptoms not clearing. You could try ringing the hospital clinic yourself and asking where you are on the list. I did this and found it reassuring that they were aware of me, and they told me approx. where I was. I really hope you get seen soon. It's the not knowing that is awful isn't it. I hope you have a great weekend x

[Tilantoe in reply to Tansycat1]

Thankyou for your reply. Because I am feeling bad and getting worse I have been ringing every week. Only to be told there no appointments to give me. I asked roughly how long. Was told she had no idea as no appointments have been released to make available, and she told me to ring my doctor. Doctor said the only way at present to get an appointment in the near future would be to pay private if I could afford it. It is £235. And then go on to the nhs for tests and treatment. Of which like you I will have to wait again. Doctor did try other hospitals in the area but although they had appointments earliest was December. I can't wait that long knowing I am going to wait more before any treatment. So doctor rung to refer me for private appointment Tuesday morning. And private hospital rung me same.day and gave me an appointment for.this coming Monday. I don't have much money. But what I have won't be much use to me if I am dead. I totally disagree with going private it's just not fair. When the private hospital asked me if I had insurance i said I thought I had but they won't pay out. She asked who it is with and I said The national insurance.lol

[Tansycat1 in reply to Tilantoe]

Will be thinking of you on Monday, please let me know what they say. Try to have a great weekend, eat cake, drink wine x

[Tilantoe in reply to Tansycat1]

Thankyou

[HungryHufflepuff]

It’s so frustrating to have to wait so long to find out what’s causing the symptoms. Hopefully you’ll get some helpful news then. At least you have your sandals of awesomeness.

[Tansycat1]

Thanks every one, Will take pic of turquoise sandals, and my fabby new turquoise trainers, oh! and I have turquoise flip flops too. It is often thought over 60s wear purple, not me I love the rich hues of a tropical lagoon, stunning, have a great evening x

[Tansycat1 in reply to Tansycat1]

Fabby turquoise trainers had to go back... am gutted xxx

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to Tansycat1]

Oh no! Why is that? Do you still have the lovely sandals? Hopefully you’ll find something of equal awesomeness to replace the trainers. These things are very important 😎

[Tansycat1 in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Still have lovely sandals, but somehow they don't work for me unless Colin tethers them on to my feet. Have also bought another identical pair of turquoise flip flops and some turquoise toe post slippers to wear around the house, so I can wear toe post flip flops in Thailand when I go in November. It is so good to have something to focus on, but in the back of my mind I am wondering if I will get there.

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to Tansycat1]

We can't know what tomorrow will bring, or November, but we have to hope and be optimistic and believe we will get where we want to be. Sometimes it can be really hard to stay positive. I am one of the worst to be offering you advice! I'm travelling to visit family next month, I'm already anxious about the travel, worried about whether I'll get there, and stressed about a whole lot of things. Which is ridiculous. But I can't help it. So I focus on the easy things, like awesome sandals in your case, and that's OK. I can't change my health and the travel will be what it is, so I try not to think about that, and just focus on the good stuff. Some people would say I'm burying my head in the sand but it helps me to cope. I hope you will get there 👍

[Tansycat1]

Kate, Colin was wonderful, as always taking notes and asking questions. We are going to Thailand on 20th November for a month, so looking forward to it. We did the same last year, but this year we are going to Hua hin, it is out in the countryside and there are lots of places to have walks, and the area is flat, which is great because hills are becoming quite difficult for me

[jeanetteubo in reply to Tansycat1]

Hi - just ready through your post and comments. I really admire your enthusiasm and positivity. Given your travel plans, can I ask how you manage health insurance for travel? My husband is waiting on outpatient appointments and test results and is finding it difficult to get travel insurance.

Just wondering if you have any advice.

[Tansycat1 in reply to jeanetteubo]

Hi Jeanette, Travel insurance can be a problem, we have used Holiday Safe in the past, but I wont get insurance until a week before, and then I will know what I am dealing with, I know it will be expensive, but I am sure this will be our last long haul trip.... but then again, my son and his family have just emigrated to Australia, and my son in law is a British Airways pilot and could, in theory, get us very nice flights to Australia..... I think differently about things every day. I hope everything starts to go well for your husband, give him a big cuddle from me!

[Ramy22]

Have you had a ct scan?

[Izb1]

Love the picture of the boat, where was it taken? At least they have tested you for most things, you didnt say though if you had a ct scan, these seem to show up more what is going on in your lungs. Hopefully they will get to the bottom if things soon. Take care x

[Tansycat1]

Hi Ramy, no I haven't had a CT scan yet and I really think I need one. I am aware that CT scans show up more than a normal xray, when I stopped smoking I joined an American forum, it was wonderful helping me with my quit, and they had CT scans for their official diagnosis. The Doctor did say it could be something external to my lungs, but what? I have to wait 8-12 weeks for the next appointment, but I feel worse already this morning, my stress levels are going through the roof too, have a great day xxx

[Tansycat1]

Hi Izb, please see my above post re CT Scan.

The picture was taken on Kata beach, Phuket, Thailand. We were there for a month just before last christmas, we are going to Thailand for a month again later this year. My breathing was a concern when we were last there, but it was very hilly and our hotel was on the edge of the jungle/ rain forest. This year we are going to Hua Hin, it is on the mainland about 2 hours drive south of Bangkok, it is much flatter, and not quite as hot as other parts of Thailand. I am going to fight this thing, what ever it may be, and cram as much in as I can, Hope you have a wonderful day! xxx

[Superzob]

You sound like a very active person, but don't overdo it! Sometimes, the simple worry that we haven't done enough of this, that and the other, can make our symptoms worse - you're entitled to a rest and not feel guilty about it.

[Tansycat1 in reply to Superzob]

Thanks so much for your message, I think because I am overweight,and an ex smoker I feel ashamed so I feel I ought to be doing something. I have mental health issues, and part of my problem is putting myself down while trying to make other people like me. I just feel so hopeless. I had hoped yesterday at the hospital something would have shown up, a little clue as to what it could be, but everything seemed ok.

Thanks once again for your message. x