My consultant is absolutely lovely..he was outraged that my Dr gave me a diagnosis over the phone..he said my spirometry results could improve. He said I definitely have asthma will do further test to see if I actually have copd
Confused as Dr said I had as did respiratory nurses. He said I had a significant 24% improvement after inhaler which clearly indicates asthma...I would need scan and full pulmonary test to confirm diagnosis of COPD...so another couple of months to wait..I was able to ask as many questions as I wanted, even down to can i wear perfume
So pleased for you, Emily. A consultant you have confidence in and who gives you time to ask all your questions is a godsend. You must be feeling encouraged this evening. Don't worry that his opinion may be at variance with your GP/resp nurse - he's the expert, not them.
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Thank you I am..as I was an absolute mess going..he actually listened to me
As I was in hospital it was arranged as a follow up. I assumed that's what happens after hospital admissions. He is absolutely lovely drew diagrams so I got what he was saying..asked me lots of questions..said it can take up to 6 months to recover after a hospital admission. And my breathing could be due to that ...he also said I hold my breath and asked why I said I tend to when I am outside to avoid cold air getting in...didn't realise it has become a pattern...well will have full picture in 3 months..and I can contact his secretary...totally blown away by his bedside manner
Well I have never been in hospital because of it than goodness. I am glad you have seen a lovely consultant. In the winter it's best to wear a loose fluffy scarf around your nose and throat to avoid breathing in the cold air. Or a snood or buff. x
What's a snood and a buff I have got scarves and summer ones as well as I have become obsessed with breathing in car fumes as well..it was my first ever hospital admission..last time I was I hospital I was giving birth to my youngest child 20 years ago...think that's why I am so frightened of having to go back to hospital
Yes I do act on thing i know I may appear not to listen but have acting on a lot of things I have been advised to. Even if I moan have a melt down..I try out most of what people on here have told me to try..even purchase first defence nasal guard which I used whilst at the hospital
Putting a little amount of any anti-bacterial handwash type thing on to a cotton bud and smearing it into the nasal cavity keeps cold germs at bay. It's a lot cheaper than first defence. It nips for a millisecond. Gargling with diluted peroxide every day also helps with sore throats and as a cold preventer. I also like apple cider vinegar as a gargle. Best of luck and keep with the preventative stuff. That's the way to go to stay healthy. Xx
Wonderful news Emily61. That is great news. So you must be tremendously relieved. Hopefully you won’t have to wait too long for the tests and then you will have a definite diagnosis.
I hope he is going to write to your gp with the details.
Do keep us updated with your news and now you can relax and feel more at ease. Best wishes
He will write to my GP he was not impressed that Dr took it upon himself to think it appropriate to give me information over the phone ..I kept asking so what copd have I got..when he said who said you had copd I got quite emotion. I explained what had been said and how it was said. I further went on to ask if he specialized in copd as well as asthma..he smile and said yes
Hi. I’m fairly new to this forum. I had exactly the same experience of getting diagnosed over telephone. Have been told don’t need to see consultant as it’s stage 1 copd. Surely sooner rather than later would be better. I am pushing to see consultant but not hopeful.
Morning. A spirometry test on December was my diagnosis. Spoke to practice nurse yesterday who referred me to Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland website! In Scotland it seems they prefer to wait until a referral is desperate. I’m not used to going to the doctors so will have to be strong and learn to push for what i need for a change. Probably easier and quicker to go privately. I am an emotional wreck at the moment. Just want more info so I can get on with my life.
As you should had I not been under consultant due to hospital admission I would have gone private. I don't think Dr realise how devastating a diagnosis without support is..do what ever you need to do to ease the anxiety
My spirometry showed asthma with moderate obstruction he said that is not a clear indication of copd as asthma can cause obstruction so further test ..what did yours show
That’s a good question. All I’ve been told is mild copd over the phone and to keep taking inhaler and stop smoking which I haven’t done in years. Had to make appointment to see another gp and was given new inhaler, flu jag and basic info on exercise. The impression I get is that it’s mild so no need to worry. Easier said than done.
Try not to worry and I know it is easier said than done..as why type of COPD let nurse Dr know just how stressed you are ..have you contacted the BLF nurse as they are a wealth of knowledge please please do not suffer in silence
Sometimes it’s nice just to vent off to someone who doesn’t make you feel neurotic. I’ll get there one way or another. Thank you for allowing me to rant. I will contact BLF nurse. Take care.
What COPD do I have is my persistent question to my GP. I never get a satisfactory answer so I can only deduce he doesn't know. I'm going to insist that I see a consultant but I can't think of appropriate grounds for making that request. Anyone got any ideas???
At last you are getting some answers It all takes time, come the summer you will be running rings all over your condition/s. You will have come to terms with it and in a routine. Not only that you have a consultant who explains things so you can understand, now that is a real bonus.
Thank you it is a bonus he actually listened asked lots of questions..even asked me to show him how I used my inhaler.i do feel more positive as I understand my asthma part better than before and copd a bit better. And I feel now I am getting somewhere.
Thank you for your support I will be changing GP after all results done in and I know what's what. As I have absolutely no confidence in my Dr now
That's brilliant news Emily. It always helps when you are given the time to ask the questions that are worrying you. Fingers crossed that you continue to improve.
Bingo little lady,not such a scary world after all is it,you just needed to meet the right people with the right attitude which you have now done and also that measured improvement with inhalers will hold you in good stead for the future knowing how and when to use your medication and the fact that it will help you should relieve a lot of the anxiety surrounding your condition.
So great to have a dr you like! I need the further tests to see if my asthma will morph into the dreaded copd. I would like to say that even if he says you can tolerate perfume many of us can't so please think of us.
I will I don't wear it when I go to pulmonary rehabilitation for that exact reason...although I do wish the smokers who attend think the same in relation to be considerate
Fantastic news, what a difference a caring listening consultation can make .
I was so annoyed that your original diagnosis was just given over the phone in such a blunt manner with no explanation and no real tests either.
I am glad your consultant noticed your breathing pattern too. My asthmatic friends doctor watched her breath pattern and commented on the fact when she was anxious and talking about certain personal problems her breath became faster and more upper chest .
Relaxation exercises and meditation can help with dysfunctional breathing. Stop from time to time to check that your mouth is closed, your chest relaxed and that you are belly breathing as gently as you can . Then carry on nose breathing as gently as you can. Pace yourself, periods of rest and even mini meditations maybe, in between activities .
Be compassionate with yourself as well.
I know it sounds a bit strange but send yourself love , just as you would a good friend or family member or even a pet. Treat yourself with as much compassion and love as you would do them. There is a loving kindness meditation too .
I hope you slept well after that reassuring meeting.
Oh Emily, This is such Good News. You must be feeling much Better and can Look forward to being in Control, I have always said, it is The Consultant that Knows everything about Lungs/Breathing, Not the GP.
I have only just seen your Post Hun. Hubby has a Sprained Ankle and I had to Look after him Yesterday , maybe also today, Rolls are reversed as He is my carer. ( He has never ever had a Health Problem, and Doctors are out of the question,) .
Keep Smiling Hun, Sleep well and Stay Positive. Hugs XXXX
Hello Emily61, sounds like your hospital appointment went well. I agree with the consultant COPD cannot be diagnosed over the phone or in GPs surgery these sort of GPs who think it can should be severely reprimand by the body who controls their employment. Good luck with your results and take care of yourself.
I didn't come on to the site last night, but this is great news to start my day Emily. You won the lottery! I am so relieved for you that you've got a wonderful consultant. It's makes such a difference to our care to know that the expert is on your side and is willing to spend time listening and answering any questions. Exactly what you needed to feel you can get to grips with your situation. Have a lovely day!
Hi Emily, my GP gave me a diagnosis of Lung Fibrosis over the telephone, following a severe exacerbation of asthma. I have now paid to see a consultant privately, who has told me I do not have Fibrosis. Why do GP’s not leave these decisions to the experts? They needlessly frighten people, when they are not qualified to diagnose these sorts of diseases. I will definitely be filing an official complaint about my GP, and finding a new one, who’s not so keen on scaremongering his patients. Good Luck with your asthma. Sheila
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Well, I'll go to the foot of our stairs!
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