Want to speed things up

[d0ttysslave]

Hello,

I am currently waiting for a diagnosis, after a chest X ray and chronic breathlessness suggested COPD (emphysema) may be a possibility. I have only been waiting for about four months for the spirometry test, but I really would like it over and done with before mid-September, when work gets incredibly busy.

Would the GP be able to say where I am on the waiting list, and does anyone know if a private test is possible? I checked with a local private hospital, but they do not do spirometry tests.

Thanks

[Troilus]

Do you know which hospital you were referred to ? If so, give the spirometry department a ring - just ask for spirometry appointments.I rang and got put on a list for people who are able to attend a short notice if someone cancels their appointment. I got seen a couple of days later.

[d0ttysslave in reply to Troilus]

Hello Troillus,

I have no idea which hospital I was referred to. It could be our small local hospital, if it does the tests, or it could be the larger hospital in our closest city.

I will call the local hospital and they will be able to tell me.

Thank you for this really helpful advice.

[Hidden in reply to d0ttysslave]

The secretary at your GP surgery should be able to tell you the hospital where you were referred. There should be an email address for enquiries to the surgery on their website. I find that this usually elicites a better respinse than trying to obtain information by telephone.

[d0ttysslave in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Littlepom. I will contact the surgery on Monday. I agree about e-mails. in many cases, the information does seem to be more forthcoming by e-mail. It also means I have a record of who I contacted and when.

[Cloudancer in reply to Troilus]

Great reply -I waited 10 months for mine.

[Badbessie]

To be honest a spirometry test is not the most reliable test as many factors can affect them and can be confusing. Personally I would be asking to see a respiratory consultant as GPs resources are limited.

[d0ttysslave]

Thank you Badbessie. That is interesting. Could an assessment for COPD be made without the spirometry test? If so, that might be another way forward.