Disappointed

[Anniecheney]

Very upbeat as I've changed my gp practice until I had an asthma review. I have copd and haven't had a check up for several years.

I have salamol and trimbow inhalers but still experiencing breathlessness.

Very disappointed to be told that they are not allowed to change my inhalers to anything else which could suit me better.

Has anyone else come across this ?

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

I have never come across this surely they should change them if they aren't suitable for you. Have a good evening and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx 🌻🌻

[Anniecheney in reply to Damon1864]

That's what I was hoping for. I think a year is long enough to know when something isn't working. I was expecting spirometry but actually just had a chat with practise nurse. Apparently their health authority doesn't allow anything stronger. Did ask about trelegy but they are not allowed to prescribe it !!!

[Tykelady in reply to Anniecheney]

Very few, if any, surgeries do spirometry tests now. Apparently it's upsetting for the patient and has little value!

[Ergendl]

Refer the nurse to NICE guidelines, which she should be practicing. Is she a nurse specialist in lung conditions, or just a general nurse who's been given the job because the GPs are too busy? Does the practice have a pharmacist attached? How about discussing your meds with the chemist that prescribes them and seeing if they agree with the nurse that only those two things can be prescribed?

Visit nice.org.uk/guidance/ng80

[GintyFerguson]

Absolutely, my practice would not change inhalers unless the consultant said so . Recently consultant did change me from Clenil , Serevent and Spiriva to Fostair and Incruse. Great move in fact. I have asthma and bronchiectasis . Ask to see a consultant?

[Maximonkey]

Hi Annie, I would phone yr consultant and ask for a change of inhalers. A gp was wrongly telling me to increase the dosage of my inhalers and I felt very breathless. I saw my consult any who straight away changed the inhalers for newer ones. Within days I felt well again. It is worth a try. Good luck. Maximonkey

[watergazer]

Not come across this. I think my asthma nurse at my last practice changed them x

[anng18]

Hi,I've been told the same thing. I think you need to ask to be referred to a consultant - they appear to be the only ones who are allowed to deviate from the GOLD standards.

[horseygirl_0103]

I use ventolin & evohaler