Sputum test results help please

[Otto11]

Hi everyone I hope you all had a good Xmas.

Prior to Christmas I posted about my recent CT results. I eventually got a GP appointment with a new GP who was very thorough. He asked me to give 3 sputum samples 2 were for TB ( not sure why) & the other for culture.

The TB results were back well before Xmas but not the other sample. Today I looked on my NHS App & found this report dated 18th December. It said result abnormal make an appointment to see your GP. It then said patient informed. Which I hadn’t. I called the surgery who can pass on messages to the triage team telling them I am confused what is happening & could I make an appointment as the app says. I was told no because I already have an appointment on 7th January. I told them I didn’t have any appointments & the app says to make an appointment. I asked if I needed antibiotics. This sample was sent on 13th December & report dated 18th December. It’s now the 27th. The staff member said he would pass on the message. I received a text from the surgery this afternoon to say the GP will call me on 7th January to discuss test results. Should I just wait for the appointment?

I didn’t get the opportunity to discuss the COPD review unfortunately when I saw him on 10th December so that’s still not been looked at. ( Previous post). Is it fair to leave it so long & do you think I need treatment?

[Patk1]

Try 111

[Difficul in reply to Patk1]

I think the call back from the GP would have been sooner if you needed urgent attention.

[Otto11 in reply to Patk1]

Thanks. I havn't yet but feel I need some clarification why they aren't doing anything about it.

[Patk1 in reply to Otto11]

Yes u need to know.how do u feel x

[Otto11 in reply to Patk1]

I’m ok just a bit short of breath & a bit wheezy. No temperature. This is one of the reasons I don’t want to make a fuss if not necessary. I went to our local Boots Pharmacy this afternoon but the Pharmacist clearly didn’t want to get involved. He just said 7th January is a long time to wait. He looked at the report above & said “it say NIL antibiotics so they don’t want you to have any”. I said that NIL means I’m not currently taking any antibiotics. His response really shocked me. Im sure im right. Either way he couldn’t help.

[Patk1 in reply to Otto11]

Yes I read it that it meant yr not on any.if u get any worse at all,I'd ring 111,or gp x

[Otto11 in reply to Patk1]

Thanks x

[Hidden]

I’m inclined to agree with the other replies, you have positive cultures indicating the need for treatment. Contact 111/out of hours and explain the result you have and your symptoms. Hope you get some answers/treatment before 7th Jan. take care 🦊x

[Otto11 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. I will ask the pharmacist first I think.

[Hidden in reply to Otto11]

Good idea, ask someone 🦊x

[PaulineHM]

Hello,

I share the views of others who have replied to you.

Sadly this is the current state of general practice. It is largely up to patient these days to self advocate, which isn’t easy when we are feeling unwell.

May I advise …. you make a list of questions to ask. Make a double appointment if you have a lot to discuss. Ask for a treatment plan ( short term at least )

No harm in asking is there ?

If you unhappy with treatment and care from your GP Practice and local Healthwatch then do let your PPG know that the system isn’t working.

Hope you get the support you need.

Go well

Pauline

[Otto11 in reply to PaulineHM]

Thanks. I would love to book a double appointment but unfortunately we can't book appointments anymore. We can submit an e mail request asking for an appointment & then you are sent a text with a time & date. No choice anymore. We can no longer call the surgery either. If you call it is answered by admin staff often working from home who pass on the message (often getting the facts wrong I might add) so it's better to send an e mail message. I will ask though. I will look up Healthwatch. I just currently want to know if I need antibiotics. I am awaiting a call back from a pharmacist.

[Alberta56]

It's not good to be left without answers for so long. We hear a lot about the importance of mental health these days, but in practise ....!!!! I should follow up the suggestions others have made. Good luck. xxx

[Otto11 in reply to Alberta56]

Thanks. Our GP's are a nightmare these days. they were ok before Covid & have changed significantly since.

[Lutontown]

I don't understand that report, but I see "staph, Aureus" there. If you have that bug in your lungs, you will need the right intravenous antibiotic to sort it. Oral ones may not knock it out. Staphylloccus Aureus is the SA bit of MRSA. That bug I had from end of March into November 2014, I believe caused my bi-basal bronchiectasis. My surgery, which was in disarray at the time, kept giving me an oral antibiotic which didn't stop it. When "my doctor" came back from having a new hip, I was seen at the hospital by a lungs consultant, CT scanned, and put on an intravenous AB, which sorted it. A week later, had another infection, sorted by an oral AB.

[Otto11]

Thanks. I am currently waiting for a pharmacist to call me back.