Follow up to my catch 22 question.

[Turfcare]

Hi again. Thanks to all who commented on my post regarding trying to chase up a respritory consultant.

So here's a wee update. I raised a formal complaint regarding being told by one gp that I should chase up the appointment myself and from another doctor at the practice telling me that the GPs couldn't chase up such appointments, despite the hospital telling me that I should get my gp to do so and that it does happen. After this I decided to email my practice quite bluntly saying as the doctors there weren't bothered about the care of their patients could they at least tell me who I should send copies of the videos taken by my wife. (and before anyone starts to say if its that bad why not phone for an ambulance rather than take videos, my wife is an ex nurse, my symptoms don't last that long but during that time I struggle to take a breath, but if she were to phone by the time medical assistance arrived I would have been back to normal bad!)

Anyway, got a phone call from another doc at the practice early evening a week past Friday, he agreed they couldn't chase up consultant and when I said about the video he responded by saying they wouldn't be of any use. I told him, having read the information leaflet, that I had not taken one of the meds I had recently been prescribed for another issue by one of the docs. He agreed with me that it was FOUR times the maximum dose! Well double appointment to see him on Friday, with my wife in as back up, the useless videos being kind of forced onto him, oh.... That plus my struggling for a decent breath during the consultation. Result.... Yes I will write to the consultant, so contradicting what had been said about video not being of any use and the inability to chase up consultant! I wait and see how it develops.

However I did not get to finish the appointment as I started to cough and left the consultancy room via the fire door to get outside to have another episode of coughing, bringing up phlem and struggling really bad to breath. Was told before I departed that I was on the waiting list for respritory rehab and for some bio stuff (didn't quite catch what he said) as well as the consultant. My wife continued the consultation on my behalf so, as I said, I'll wait and see what the actual outcome will be.

However, thanks again for your replies the last time, I appreciated them.

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

I'm pleased to hear that you are being referred to see a consultant well done you and your wife. I hope all goes well for you and you get the answers and a y treatment you need. Have a lovely day both of you and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx

[Turfcare in reply to Damon1864]

Thanks for that... I was referred in early March and still waiting to see the consultant as they have it down as 'routine' hence my trying to chase it up. But goes to show that we sometimes need to be a little more forceful when trying to get seen. Not got there yet, but a little more hopeful that it will be this side of the new year.

[Damon1864 Volunteer in reply to Turfcare]

Keep pushing and I know you will get there. 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx

[MMaud]

Turfcare, I do hope your GP will be using the electronic communications system that exists within the NHS for GPs who need information/support from specialist care. All that nonsense with snail mail - second class of course, really gets me going.

I know such a system exists because a former GP (she moved area, I was bereft) of ours used it when my thyroid was going adrift in a very atypical way, and she couldn't quite work it out.

What they do is email to a central, departmental, email inbox with their query/support issue, and they expect a response within 24 hours. That way tends to minimise delays, and can also be used to garner information regarding waiting times or whatever.

It seems the appetite for using these services seems very varied, with some Doctors (I won't discriminate GP v specialist care) thinking it's fine to just leave their patient in the dark. I mean, that sort of thing would never trigger concern, anxiety and frustration.

Good for you both for being proactive, but my suggestion now would be not to wait too long for the outcomes from your consultation. The phones go down, or the patient leaves the room and the Doc's life carries on with normal. The patient leaves the room, oftentimes with as much frustration as they entered with. I'm sure that isn't how it's supposed to work.

[Turfcare in reply to MMaud]

Thanks for the reply, I won't be leaving it on the back boiler and will be chasing it up if the consultation doesn't materialise.

[Hidden]

Well done. What a bunch of liars those Gps are and amazing how that Dr changed his tune on not being able to contact the cobsultant when he was faced with your persistence. He didn't need to write. He cd pick up the phone. I am always nagging that we have to be pro active ib our interests and vociferous in sourcing the best treatment. You are the proof.

[Kristicats]

Hope it’s not too long now🤞

[Turfcare in reply to Kristicats]

Hopefully not... But I'm not going to hold my breath.... (Pun intended!! 😢)!

[B0xermad]

Good luck getting some help

[PaulineRich]

I have Chronic Emphysema COPD and after telling my respiratory nurse at the end of August I had not seen a Consultant in over 3 yrs just a phone call last August with a promise of another in 3 months which never materialised I see a different Respiratory Consultant this afternoon (14/09/21). I must admit I was shocked but very pleased when the letter arrived so hopefully yours will soon arrive

[Hidden]

My consultant’s secretary advised me to ask my Gp to write an ‘expedite letter’ which she did. Result was I now have an appointment in 3 weeks time, after being originally told I was looking at a 29 week wait.

[Turfcare in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that reply, I'm hoping that is what the gp I saw on Friday is doing in his letter. I'll wait and see. Good luck seeing your consultant and I hope everything works out well.

[Hidden]

Thanks Turfcare, I wish you all the best! X

[Alberta56]

Glad your persistence has paid off so far. Hope it results in action very soon.