What should happen at my yearly checkup?

Hi I was wondering if any of you can help me. About 5 years ago I was told I had emphysema. I was told to go for a spirometry test once a year but 2 years ago my nurse changed and she says Spirometry tests are only used for diagnosis so now when I go for yearly checkup she takes my blood pressure and oxygen levels and asks me how I am. I do have 3puffers but I would like to know my fev1 etc just wondering what you all think. Should I be getting a spirometry test every year or not. I live in Scotland.

[Caspiana]

Hi Irene,

I've always had the spirometry test yearly and as often as the respiratory doctor sees fit. It could be different from place to place. xx 😊👋

[Katinka46]

I have a full pulmonary function test every six months. That is at the request of my consultant and is done at his hospital. But I thought it was common practice for GP surgeries to do spirometry every year.

[cales]

The only spirometry I had was when I was diagnosed in 2012 I have a yearly appointment with my respiratory nurse but that’s it unless I go into hospital, I think it does depend on where you live each health authority have their own way of doing things x

[tomc]

I Am sick to death of spirometry test, it seems never ending and each time different opinion.

I have had five over this year alone, so, I said why don`t I get just one a year the reply was, we want to make sure you are doing OK?

IF I WASN'T OK.........YOU'D BE THE FIRST TO KNOW ABOUT IT!!!!! DOC!!!!!

[skischool]

Irene,as others have said different health authorities and even consultants have different monitoring regimes,it may be that your condition is stable and that you have had no exacerbations or infections for quite some time but there is nothing to stop you asking your consultant for his/her opinion and mentioning your desire for an update.

Best wishes Ski's and Scruff's x

[Hidden in reply to skischool]

Thanks for your reply skischool. I have never seen a consultant about this only nurse and doctor at my local health centre. I have a chest infection at the moment and doctor did say this is my third one this year. He asked me if I felt I was getting worse and when I said yes he just said if the antibiotics don't work I've to go back and see him. I know I may sound as though I'm complaining about nothing but I just want to know what stage I'm at and no one seems to be able to tell me.

[skischool in reply to Hidden]

All i can advise is given your repeated chest infections you tell your Gp that you wish to be referred to a respiratory consultant,find out the name of a consultant at your local hospital and ask to be referred specifically to him. x

[hypercat54]

Hi I didn't used to have one yearly then there was a change of respiratory nurses and now I get one annually. However if you want one then insist. x

[Hidden in reply to hypercat54]

Thank you for your reply hypercat54 . It's not that I want one it's just I would like to know how bad or good I am. I don't like to make a fuss.

[chubby2x22]

I seriously think the whole gp system is changing. Rapidly so here, we have always had a good respiratory team and regular Check ups. All spirometry tests have stopped and no check up procedure every 12 months, luckily I see a consultant every 6 months. My husband has a chest problem, the doctor ordered a spirometry test, that was 4 weeks ago and he has been informed that it will not be at our surgery but a community health centre 40 miles away. It's very worrying. Jane

[Hidden in reply to chubby2x22]

Thanks for answering. I was at doctors today and had a talk with him. He told me he would look into it for me but he thinks it's because my oxygen levels are high enough. He did ask if the nurse had carried out a peak flow test and when I said no he seemed quite surprised. We also used to have a great COPD nurse but she moved away and was never replaced. Probably cut backs.

[Hidden]

Thanks for all your help. I think it must be where you live that makes a difference.

[Tetrazzini]

Annual review includes spirometrt,b[ood pressure, O2, all bloods, urinne, height and weight.

[Hidden in reply to Tetrazzini]

Thanks for answering. I've never had all that done at my annual review just blood pressure oxygen level and as I say I used to have spirometry but they've stopped that .

[Hidden]

I live I ayrshire in Scotland and from what I can gather a lot more changes are happening some good some not so good at our GP practises I cant even get to see a Consultant and now trying to save to pay to see one privately. Have tried time and again for my GP to refer me but no always the same answer no. Hope u get things sorted out soon. Maz

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Think I'm up against a brick wall with that one Maz. Same boat as yourself. Hopefully you'll manage to see your consultant soon. Don't know what's going on up here changes everywhere I suppose X

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Irene if I get to see a consultant I'll have to pay privately for it. The Dr at the surgery is adamant that I dont need to see one he can sort me out. Well pigs might fly ir I have a lottery win. Maz x

[Hidden]

Meant to ask you irene what puffers are you on. I'm only on ventolin and have a chest infection and we speak. This is no 5 this year. Something far wrong here. I'm hoping to get an appointment next week. In fact I will be getting an appointment or be at A&E. Maz