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First consultant appointment

68 Replies

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 glad got a consultant like him

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68 Replies

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.

in reply to

Thank you I am..as I was an absolute mess going..he actually listened to me

hypercat54 profile image
hypercat54

That's great Emily well done. How did you manage to see a consultant? I can't get even within sniffing distance. x

in reply tohypercat54

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

hypercat54 profile image
hypercat54 in reply to

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

in reply tohypercat54

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

hypercat54 profile image
hypercat54 in reply to

Buffs are on there too. x

amazon.co.uk/s?k=snood&ref=...

in reply tohypercat54

Thank you just ordered one navy blue thanks a lot x

hypercat54 profile image
hypercat54 in reply to

Wow that was quick! x

in reply tohypercat54

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

hypercat54 profile image
hypercat54 in reply to

Don't forget my commission of 20% :D xx

in reply tohypercat54

40% commission headed your way..thank you for supporting me.

hypercat54 profile image
hypercat54 in reply to

:) :D xx

Minkywhire profile image
Minkywhire in reply to

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

in reply toMinkywhire

I have apple cider vinegar mixed with water twice a day

sassy59 profile image
sassy59

How great to have such a good consultant Emily, I’m really pleased for you. Wishing you well for the future. Xxxxx

in reply tosassy59

Thank you he is absolutely amazing

Whitechinchilla profile image
Whitechinchilla

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

in reply toWhitechinchilla

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

Mearnsm profile image
Mearnsm in reply to

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.

in reply toMearnsm

Keep pushing unless your doctor is expert in that field which I doubt he is keep pushing

in reply toMearnsm

How was you diagnosed

Mearnsm profile image
Mearnsm in reply to

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.

in reply toMearnsm

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

Mearnsm profile image
Mearnsm in reply to

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.

in reply toMearnsm

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

Mearnsm profile image
Mearnsm in reply to

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.

Minkywhire profile image
Minkywhire in reply to

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???

in reply toMinkywhire

Why not say you have a right to specialist care..you want a consultant to monitor you..GP as I have discovered are not experts

2greys profile image
2greys

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.

in reply to2greys

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

Candyred profile image
Candyred

Brilliant! It’s great when they listen and answer questions .. xx

Yatzy profile image
Yatzy

You’ve dropped lucky! So pleased for you, Emily. You’ll feel much better about things now 💕

in reply toYatzy

I do and feel more able to ask questions. I have been so scared confused and worn out since my drs phone call. Feel now I am making some progress

Thank you

Yatzy profile image
Yatzy in reply to

Yes, you sounded quite tormented at first. This consultant’s expertise sounds just what you needed. So pleased for you xx

in reply toYatzy

Thank you it is

Poppins23 profile image
Poppins23

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.

in reply toPoppins23

Thank you

cofdrop-UK profile image
cofdrop-UK

Really pleased you have found a very proactive consultant who you have confidence in and feel supported. Things should now improve on the GP front.

Good to hear your uplifting story, particularly as you were not getting anywhere fast which was making you anxious. Onwards and upwards.

Love cx

in reply tocofdrop-UK

Thank you actually think for first time since drs call I will sleep

skischool profile image
skischool

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.

Best wishes for a long and happy future.

Ski's and scruffy

in reply toskischool

Would not have survived this far if not for the people on here thank you all for continued support

Cibolagirl profile image
Cibolagirl

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.

in reply toCibolagirl

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

Cibolagirl profile image
Cibolagirl in reply to

Oh my gosh YES!!

knitter profile image
knitter

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.

Take care

in reply toknitter

Thank you and yes I did sleep well

Roysieboy profile image
Roysieboy

Good luck to u Emily. It’s a bonus when u get a consultant who listens to u and takes careful note of what u ask. Best wishes.👍🤓

Hacienda profile image
Hacienda

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

in reply toHacienda

Hope hubby is doing better and thank you so so much for being there xxx

Hacienda profile image
Hacienda in reply to

He is Hun, Thank You, he's Cleaning at Home, as he hops along Multitasking. I'm in the Gym right now. Have a Good Day Hun. Xxx

katieoxo60 profile image
katieoxo60

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.

in reply tokatieoxo60

Thank you

watergazer profile image
watergazer

Isn’t it wonderful to get someone to listen to you? Progress has been made x

Ergendl profile image
Ergendl

Fantastic news. Glad your consultant was so helpful and you feel so much better after seeing him.

in reply toErgendl

Thank you. My first singing to breath is next week Monday really looking forward to it although I can't sing

Ergendl profile image
Ergendl in reply to

Enjoy it! Our singing group doesn't worry about whether people are good singers, just encourages everyone to take part.

jabber profile image
jabber

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! :)

Foxie52 profile image
Foxie52

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

in reply toFoxie52

I would love to know just how many people on here this has happened to ..let's find out

PollyP profile image
PollyP

Excellent appointment it seems then Emily!!

Just brilliant for you.

Just go with the flow re further tests etc and then when you get the results you will know what you have to do to look after yourself.

In the mean time...

Take a look at this to help direct your breathing

youtu.be/eBZPxp32Nmw

There is also something called a Cambridge mask to help with traffic pollution and cold weather...ask Google.

If you use Facebook there is a Facebook page called COPD Uk, which is very helpful.

Lastly, do you have notebook to use to write down all your questions and all the answers you are given ?

I do, it comes to every appointment with me.

Keep in touch x

in reply toPollyP

Thank you

in reply toPollyP

I have tried this will be adding to my management plan

Shortlungs profile image
Shortlungs

Glad to hear your good news hope everything goes well with your scan and all your tests

in reply toShortlungs

Thank you got to wait a while but that's ok as I am at least making progress

Shortlungs profile image
Shortlungs in reply to

Really glad to hear that keep moving forward

Patsy164 profile image
Patsy164

So glad to hear Emily61. Some GP’s need lessons on communication with patients. Good consultants are hard to come by. Xxx

Sharaybia profile image
Sharaybia

That's great to hear and im glad you like him that goes to show that he's going go everything get you healthy

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