Hospital Appointment - Chest infection

[Jezza1945]

I have my annual COPD appointment at the hospital tomorrow with a consultant. A few days ago I started a chest infection which I guess would distort the Spirometry tests which I will I will be asked to do. Should I phone to postpone the appointment or just turn up?

[Fleurbaby]

I would still go, if it was trouble with your heart, I would go to A&E instead! You may end up there or respiratory ward anyway, they may decide to do spirometry anyway, as, isn't that the whole idea? To see how bad your breathing is??

[Jezza1945 in reply to Fleurbaby]

Thanks Fleur. I just don’t want to waste an appointment that someone else could use; they are like gold dust!

Since posting I have phoned the Consultant’s secretary and she doesn’t know either! She’s going to take advice and call me back.

[Fleurbaby in reply to Jezza1945]

Yes! Same here as well.

But, remember! They are gold dust for YOU as well.

[jabber]

I'd be inclined to go anyway assuming you feel well enough to travel and don't have a difficult journey. I don't think it would be time wasted. If they decide to go ahead with the spirometry it will be interesting to compare the results mid chest infection with your usual results.

Good luck tomorrow if you do go

[stone-UK]

Hi

I would ring the hospital explaining about the chest infection, and follow there advice.

Chest infections and spirometer don’t mix and will give a false reading.

My annual review is with the medical centre, and they always advice to be infection free for previous six weeks

[Jezza1945]

Thanks to those who replied to my original post.

I managed to contact the consultant’s secretary and she has just phoned me back. She has spoken with the consultant and they don’t want to see me until the infection has cleared up.

I now have a new appointment for the end of June.

Thanks again.

[Dedalus]

At least there will be no danger of passing on your chest infection to others, especially those in your own position who will be vulnerable.

[ssafa]

I went to my lung function test this week, I had been on antibiotics up until Sunday. I asked the question at the clinic and they said to attend unless I was too ill to do so. All went well but it was hard and hopefully the results will point us in the right direction.