Breathlessness

[BenHall1]

During the last 4 months or so I have experienced increasing bouts of breathlessness for which I have had a series of blood tests which have returned normal with no heart failure (even though I do have some highly controlled cardiac issues).

On 6/12/2024 my GP decided I should have Spirometry with Reverseability Lung Function Tests fairly promptly and these were carried out ( after a 145 mile round trip to a major hospital ) on 19 December 2024. The person carrying out these tests told me if I hadn't heard from my GP within 2 weeks to phone my Surgery.

Of course being the season of much merriment I hadn't heard so I phoned my surgery on early morning of 3/1/2025 and pressed the internal number taking me to test results. I was then told although my results were back they were endorsed to be discussed with patient by GP only. The person in Test results told me she would send a message to GP. Heard nothing.

Phoned again on early morning of 6/1/2025 and was given the same message. As at close of business on 7/1/2025 I have still heard nothing. Meanwhile I am conducting my own Peak flow Tests and am failing to reach the desired results on an age/height/bodybuild basis. Further, no test results have yet come through on my NHS App.

Now if we accept that my regular GP has been off duty enjoying the festive season ( or even on study leave ) does anyone out there feel I am being unreasonable in expecting a phone call from my Surgery enlightening me as to my results.... and another thought, if my GP was away, off duty on some form of annual leave ... would it be unreasonable to expect another GP within the same practice to provide me with the results on my own GP's behalf. My next scheduled face to face appointment with my GP is on 14/1/2025.

Meanwhile .... back at the ranch .... just pottering around indoors the breathlessness continues with varying intensities.

Many thanks,

John

[PteW43]

I think you are being very reasonable considering!Last year I had a 24 hr heart monitor fitted & after 5 wks I was still waiting for the results.

I was so incensed by being told on ringing 'No news is good news' that I emailed my local trust. Within the same day PALS (Patient Liaison Service or something similar) they are based at all hospitals, sent me an email saying they were looking into my complaint for me.

The following day my results were up online in my Patient Access account.

Good result thank goodness but poor do this is what you have to do, sometimes, these days.

Good luck..👍🤞

[BenHall1 in reply to PteW43]

Hi PteW43,

Thanks to an very helpful insight from one of our HU Friends on here I have tracked down and downloaded to hardcopy all the test results that I wanted.

The official diagnosis is ......... Asthma/COPD Overlap. Plenty to read and prepare for my session with my GP on 14th.

John

[Ergendl]

The surgery probably thinks your appointment on 14th January is enough. They don't always realise how worrying not getting test results can be.

[BenHall1 in reply to Ergendl]

Thank you for that. I have just checked my Surgery website and they have an Admin Enquiry section which deals with outstanding Admin matters ............... I will send them an email and ask for an email copy of the test results so that I can prepare for a meeting with my GP on 14th January. That should put them on the spot !

John

[Alberta56 in reply to BenHall1]

Good thinking. It sounds as if you have some sort of respiratory condition which should be treated before it gets any worse. I sometimes wonder if the people who won't give us the answers we need are trying to induce high blood pressure, anxiety and a few other new complaints on top of the original one. Good luck.

[BenHall1 in reply to Alberta56]

Thank you. Exactly ... I have two other condition, one of which is a highly controlled heart arrythmia and the breathlessness is just adding to the problems. Y'know, the media always bangs on about ambulance service and hospitals ............. it is really time some authority went head to head with GP's and their trade body - BMA! and exposed them !!

My surgery is a private company with 12 doctors plus admin staff on the payroll. I wish I had the skills of a Forensic Accountant so that I could really investigate the way such company's are structured and operate. Patient care isn't very high on the list !.

[Alberta56 in reply to BenHall1]

Quite agree. My original surgery was taken over by a private company (Virgin) and run into the ground until it was put in special measures. I believe it's somewhat better now- Virgin sold it off- but luckily husband and I saw an opportunity to escape to another surgery, which is much better. PS I also have a heart condition-heart and lungs seem to go together.

[BenHall1 in reply to Alberta56]

Hi Alberta56,

Yep thats it, another case of a need for Forensic Accounting. Its all about finance, and tax dodging and corporate structuring..... enabling high profits and low tax contribution. Very little to do with patient care.

Yes, I think you are right about heart and lung conditions ... they hold hands. My paternal Grandfather seems to have had a combo ..... heart/stroke/asthma - so I guess genetics creeps into it to. 😱

[Dottie11 in reply to BenHall1]

I agree with genetic creeping into things. It would help patients if Doctors went back to the times when they appeared more interested in family history.

[O2Trees in reply to Alberta56]

Hi Chris, all surgeries are private - they always have been. See this from NHS England:

"GP practices are independent businesses that are contracted to provide services for the NHS. Staff working in general practice are usually employed directly by the GP practice and not by the NHS."

What is different now is that companies such a Virgin, which have no medical knowledge or expertise, have taken them over in the hope of making a profit - and frequently fail miserably. Well done making your escape to a better surgery!

[Alberta56 in reply to O2Trees]

Our present surgery was started by the senior doctor some years ago and is, I believe, still doctor run. Profiteers have not got their hands on it. Thank you for the info.

[Dottie11 in reply to O2Trees]

Profit over patient care. Not how it was meant to be.

[Difficul]

Perhaps the results have been deemed non-urgent so can wait for your routine appointment on the 14th. I just waited 3 weeks for my GP to call about some test results, though they were in my online account so I could read the report for myself. This also allowed me to prepare for the call from my GP.

[JHutton1994]

Did you check the documents section? Sometimes test results end up there. I will say though if they are marked as requiring a doctor to communicate them they will be unlikely to be in the app nor is it likely they will they be emailed to you.

[BenHall1]

Hiya JHutton,

Thank you for that information ........... all my documents relating to these Spirometry tests were indeed in "Documents". There is the opportunity to Download so should be able to print a hardcopy from my phone.

Thanks again.

[Patk1]

With peak flow, it's what's normal for you. As yr checking it,do keep a record so u know whn it fluctuates and perhaps,why eg tired, off day,infection etc

[PaperQueen]

How very frustrating! I don't think you are being at all unreasonable in expecting a response from your GP. Would it be difficult for you to go to your surgery in person and make a bit of fuss, or alternatively, tell the receptionist you wish to lodge a complaint? Good luck with getting a response. x

[BenHall1 in reply to PaperQueen]

Hiya PaperQueen,

I went into my Surgery website spending more time looking at the "detail".

I found a section and sent an email requesting full copies of the Report to be sent to my NHS App pronto as I wanted to review the Report and prepare questions for my meeting with my GP opn 14th January.

All sorted !!

Mind you the outcome of the Report presents more issues than it solves. My diagnosis has been described as Asthma/COPD Overlap.

John

[PaperQueen in reply to BenHall1]

Glad you got it sorted but the diagnosis is a bit of a bummer. But at least you know what you're dealing with and can plan a course of action/treatment. Good luck for th e14th. x

[BenHall1 in reply to PaperQueen]

Thank you PQ ........ yes now I know ........... now to take the demon head on !! 😀

[PaperQueen in reply to BenHall1]

That's the spirit! xx