I was told by my gp at the beginning of last month I had emphysema so I thought I would find out as much as I could. She had said the only thing I could do was increase my inhaler, take antibiotics when necessary and keep fit. I spoke to a very helpful nurse at A&L UK who made a number of suggestions including prophylactic antibiotics as I have had monthly chest infections since June and spirometry test. I made an appointment at the surgery and was seen by a nurse practitioner. I explained I’d spoken to a nurse at A&LUK. She wasn’t very happy about that and said I should have made an appointment with their respiratory nurse but I didn’t know there was one. She said my emphysema was only mild and didn’t warrant prophylactic treatment. I said I was worried about going into winter with the increased risk of illness when I’d already had so many chest infections. She reluctantly agreed to do an advice and guidance referral to the hospital to see what they thought. I should hear back next week.
If my emphysema is mild surely it’s better to do all I can to prevent it getting worse. I have had a constant barking cough and several chest infections this year. I’ve had some time off work which is not great and I want to limit that going forward.
End of moan 😊
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Cappuccinolife
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there is good info on the NHS website, I assume you have had a proper diagnosis with X-ray, CT scan and possibly broncoscopy as there are other lung conditions that have similar symptoms
Yes u want to do all u can to avoid exacerbations/ infections.theyre often triggered by viruses so avoid people with them or take precautions - mask,frequent handgel, viral blockers eg coldzyme throat spray,vicks rescue nose spray. Keep as active as u can. If u produce mucous, do get it up or u will keep getting reinfected - see aluk website.whn u speak with respiratory dept,have a bullet pt list of reasons u want azithromycin - it is an antibiotic + also has anti inflammatory effect in lungs .we have to be very proactive these days to get healthcare we need.
Hi sometimes it is just possible that a course of steroids after or with the antibiotics will help with the cough,azithromycin and long term antibiotics will be a benefit if you are having a lot of infection back to back. I really hope that the referral will help you with your emphysema going forward.
What was the respiratory nurse thinking? That it's ok to let people's conditions deteriorate before giving them what they need? I have 'mild' bronchiectasis and have been on Azith since not long after my diagnosis. I've only had one bad infection in that time. I think you need a reference to a consultant, who will not dismiss all those infections as nothing. Be persistent until you get proper treatment. Good luck.
Ask to be referred to Pulmonary Rehab to help you get fitter.
Consider joining a singing for lung health group, or playing a wind instrument like a recorder or trumpet or harmonica to help strengthen your respiratory muscles and gain more control.
I was put on Azithromycin 3 times a week and have not had a flare up since then which was a couple of years ago now so they do work though I appreciate maybe not needed for everybody
I completely agree with you. They give us what they call 'a preventative inhaler' but that's about it until you actually get poorly. PR is the same, you need to either have had several exacerbations or been hospitalised before they will send you on that course. Why not do it before you get ill and then just maybe, you wouldn't get so ill. Very frustrating to say the least!
I do hope that your appointment comes through soon. Better for you and the NHS to be an outpatient rather than being treated from a hospital bed.
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TIPS TO INCREASE ENERGY LEVELS? EMPHYSEMA? COPD? OR ASTHMA?
Follow up doctor appointment.
Persistent infections 
GP and information
HELP !" In trouble here
