rescue pack

[Redrum46]

iv always had a 2 week rescue pack but recently had a bad infection X-ray sho up a white mask on left lung witch iv had Lobe taken away years ago iv been very poorly infection as gone it took some strong antibiotics to get rid but my doctor as said no moor rescue packs if I’m bad I must go in and see her it’s worrying me she said I can have one if I’m going on holiday do you think this is good or bad she definitely said no rescue packs I feel so fundable

[djbctla]

Hi Redrum46

I would strongly advice you to make an appointment with your Doctor for a checkup.

She clearly has your best interests at heart.

Reviewing your medication is a top priority, symptoms may appear to b the same, the cause could b different.

Controlling your health issues especially before going on holiday is vital.

Best of luck

BERNARDINE

[beech]

There was a thread on here a couple of months ago about the withdrawal of rescue packs on repeat prescription in some areas of the country.

Seemingly either in an effort to save money, or to control ‘inappropriate use’ of the antibiotic/steroid combination, some forum members needed to contact their GP to discuss their symptoms and be issued a rescue pack instead of just starting their rescue pack kept at home as had previously happened, with obvious concerns about the slowness and inconvenience of this changed process.

Make of that what you will, it sounds like your GP has changed their policy, and you will have to comply to discuss and get your prescription. It may be that you can persuade your GP to make an exception for you 🤷‍♀️ good luck!

[Redrum46 in reply to beech]

T Hank you nex time I go to hospital in jan I will ask my consultant he is expert in brord green see wot he says he gave me a very strong antibiotic iv not had before he gave it to me at hospital said it woud sort me out it did work but iv had the worst infection iv ever had showed up on X-ray but we don’t no wot infection it was

[beech in reply to Redrum46]

Please do make an appointment to see your GP in the very short term given you may not have cleared this last bad infection rather than risk waiting for further treatment till you become very unwell again.

Perhaps it might also be wise given how unwell you have just been to phone the secretary for your consultant to ask if he/she would like to see you sooner rather than wait till January.

Every infection we have damages our lungs, so it is best not to risk worsening your situation by waiting too long.

[Redrum46 in reply to beech]

I did see consultant about 4 or 5 weeks ago he was the one that gave me a strong antibiotic he said it woud kick in after a couple of days and it did don’t know wot I would have done if I hadn’t seen him never been so bad in my life but at least no nasty s showed upon second X-ray wen infection had gone but I’m wiped out but hopefully on the mend thank you for your help it’s so nice of you x

[beech in reply to Redrum46]

That sounds good. It isn’t very easy these days given how difficult it is to see medical professionals, and that we often have to do the legwork to get the best care we can.

Do let us know how you get on, and I hope you pick up soon 👍🙂

[Redrum46 in reply to beech]

Thank you so mutch I’m struggling wen I go out it’s the cold here and I carnt work very far the dust of 2 cars and I’m so out of breath never used my blue inhaler so mutch carnt wait for this cold west to go x

[leo60]

Hi RR, I read your post as your doctor wanting to keep a closer eye on you as you have been so poorly. If you have to call when you start to feel bad he/she can see you and make sure you get and take your rescue pack quickly and maybe take a sputum sample to get the right antibiotic. I only say that because I know I have been guilty of leaving it to "see if I can fight it off myself"! All the best xx

[Hidden]

Your GP is going against the bronchiectasis guidelines by refusing you a rescue pack - what if you get an exacerbation over a weekend, bank holiday, can't get an appt etc?However, I tend to agree with the others that she wants to keep a closer eye on you. So get on that phone the moment you begin to notice a change and nag nag nag for an appointment.

I hope that you have a proper bronch specialist who has the expertise and knowledge of bronch that GPs and general respiratory consultants don't have. The specialist will write to your GP and tell her to give you a rescue pack.

[Patk1]

I understand Yr apprehension.i think Yr drs v concerned that you've been so ill+ is hoping to avoid that again.if u feel unwell at weekend/ Bank hol don't hesitate,ring 111..if Yr 'off' and can't get thro to gp, ring 111 then too. It's hard in wk or 2 before a major exacerbation,to know on what day its not going away.i think Yr dr wants to see u in early " off" stage.xx

[Lol1944]

I suggest you put in writing to your gp a request as to exactly what you do if you start with a chest infection on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Bank Holidays. Request of him absolute specific advice as to the method to use to ensure you protect your already damaged lungs.