After seeing new Consultant last week

[Tiggertheterrier]

well, had my appointment with new respiratory consultant on Weds last week, she was new to me and vice versa. She actually took the time to talk me through my ct scan done in April 2021, said she would arrange another CT soon so we can compare the two to see what the Bronchiectasis is up to now. I had spirometry done ( last one was ten years ago!!. She was totally horrified at the lack of care I've had from my gp surgery, similarly no asthma review at surgery for 3 yrs) I have, apparently got very long lungs and an enlarged trachea, nobody told me that before! So we await test results and ct scan to work out whether it's out of control asthma or ththe Bronchiectasis or something new.

She has taken me off Relvar and Incruse and I will be getting(eventually) a Trimbow inhaler used twice a day, using tidal breathing & a spacer device. This is a trial to see if it improves things. Can still use my Ventolin as needed, & she was happy to leave me on Fexofenadine 180 and my Montelukast. We need ENT to get me in soon to explore the very bad sinus issues. She will chase up respiratory physios ( on their waiting list since 2022) , but the current waiting list for Pulmonary Rehab( which I am also sitting on) is over two years!!!!!!

On another note, I have sold my current house and will be moving to Northumberland in October (all being well). Just hope I can get better care up there than in north Wales. I've let the consultant know, and hope she can get me a little better before I head north.

[sassy59]

That’s awful to hear you’ve not had the care you need. I hope the new consultant looks after you and wish you well with your move. Good luck. Xxx❤️

[Homely2]

Northumberland sounds lovely.

I had similar issues re access to pulmonary rehab and physio.

My hospital could diagnose me and prescribe meds, in fact they love diagnosing me and keep on doing it, but not help me with how to breathe better.

So I did the asthma UK online breathe easy course, free of charge, that did a bit of everything and have done four sessions with a private physio, who also works at my local hospital, so could check with my consultant what he is happy for me to do.

This has helped, it has not solved my asthma, but has sorted out an increasing breathing dysfunction, and given me more control.

[Izb1]

This all sounds positive Tigger and it must put your mind at rest to finally have somebody that is taking care of your health. Sadly it is all too common now for gp/hospitals to leave you to get on with it yourself. Your story sounds much the same as mine as I have been going through the same thing with the same issues. I ended up taking charge and asking for a referral to see a specialist at Wythenshawe, they did loads of tests, some which I have never had and found I have overlap asthma. They have put me on Fostair nexthaler and i must admit to feeling so much better. I had a sinus op a couple of years ago and although I dont have quite as much mucus it is still an over prodution but dont think this will ever change now. Hope your move goes well and you settle in quickly x

[Donald_1931 in reply to Izb1]

The big DIY days are back again, put are now based on health rather than the home. 🤷‍♀️

[Izb1 in reply to Donald_1931]

😄😄 x

[Donald_1931]

Big changes all round eh? The future must look a lot brighter for you now. 😀xx

[watergazer]

Good luck with the move and the new consultant seems to be lovely and thorough x

[leo60]

Sometimes it takes someone new . . . . . Sounding positive, good luck with your move xx

[Nula2]

Hope things go better for you with new consultant and good luck with your move🤞. I've probably asked this before but can't remember🙄 - could you explain tidal breathing please (no worries if you'd rather not😊)xxx

[Tiggertheterrier in reply to Nula2]

using ththe spacer device, you put one puff of the inhainhaler into it, then KEEPING YOUR LIPS SEALED ROUND THTHE MOUTHPIECE you breath in and out slowly and gently 5 times. Then remove the spacer and inhaler, repeat if you are told two puffs, rinse mouth out thoroughly.

[Nula2 in reply to Tiggertheterrier]

Thank you 👍😊xxxx

[Tiggertheterrier in reply to Nula2]

should have said....breathe in and out through your mouth into/out of the spacer! Apparently it helps get the medication right down ththe Lungs properly.

[Nula2 in reply to Tiggertheterrier]

Ah thank you. Did it that way this morning. Thanks for your help and good luck with move & new consultant 🙂xxxx.

[Germantara]

Hope everything goes well my husband is from Northumberland nice place