Losing weight and much more.

[70michael]

Hello everyone l have been a member since 2022 but have not posted regularly.I have had a difficult year with infections and loss of appetite and weight. Lately l was in a&e twice for breathing difficulties and right-sided pain in my lungs. Each time l was told they had found something on the xray but after waiting round for hours for a proper report from one of the doctors, l discharged myself and came home....rightly or wrongly. It was chaos there and l couldn't wait around sitting on a hard chair for hours! My daughter took me to see my local g.p. who examined me and had a chat and sent a letter to my consultant. The outcome was an urgent ct scan last Thursday.

I also have had a dry mouth for about 18 months which has got a lot worse. I find it hard to eat big meals and everything needs to be moist. I have also lost my appetite which doesn't help. I am at the stage where because of weight loss and loss of muscle condition l am in a weakened state which is not helping my breathing. I am waiting for help from a Carer which l applied for last week.

I know this sounds like a real tale of woe but honestly l feel like l am at the end of my tether. No one had suggested l get tested for Sjorgens which l feel l may have even though l have told the doctors l have problems with my dry mouth.

When l walk round the house now l feel like l have a constricting band around my chest which keeps getting tighter so my walking distance now is very short. I also have pseudomonas on my lung which l use a Nebuliser for every day.

What l am asking is can anyone relate to this and what help have you received with it?

End of dissertation. Lol.

[Alberta56]

I'm sorry you feel so bad. I hope someone will be along soon who can help you. Don't blame you for leaving a & e. Why are hospital chairs so hard?

[knitter]

I can sympathise with the A and E visits , I think I have been twice this year .

First time there weren’t enough chairs , people were sitting on the floor or standing .

I sat on a side table , but the second time I was in a side room on a couch . 4.30 am , very few people .

When will they contact you with your CT result , did they let you know ?

All I can advise is ring 111 if you feel worse before Monday , then contact ALUK helpline after contacting your health professional on Monday .

Sending best wishes

[Izb1]

So sorry to hear you have not been well and having problems with the nhs. I have found that A&E is filled with people that dont have a emergency and it's not an accident but want to see a doctor, the system is crazy. Your doctor can give you gel for a dry mouth, my neighbour had it when he suffered this. The tight band around your chest when walking doesn't sound good, did you mention this to your doctor. Is it possible to chase up an appointment with your consultants secretary explaining how urgent this is. Perhaps contact the helpline on here they may be able to advise Helpline 0300 222 5800 I hope you get the help you need soon x

[PaulineHM]

Hello,

I feel for you and from what you say you feel that you have deteriorated quite a lot over a shortish period of time. Can imagine life is quite tough at the moment.

So some thoughts…

Can you chase the results of the recent CT? Do you have a regular consultant? If you do, can they see you urgently ? Do you know how to contact the consultant’s secretary? If you I would get I touch with them and explain your current plight.

Is there a local Frailty team ? If there is then they might be able to help.

Let us know how you get on won’t you? I hope you feel a bit better very soon.

Go well

Pauline

[PaperQueen]

I'm really sorry you are having such a tough time. I totally get why you left A&E, I've done it myself. You would think that they could at least provide some comfortable chairs if they are going to keep us waiting hours on end. Hopefully the CT scan will shed some light, when do you expect results? I can't really offer any advice but sending you best wishes and hoping you get the help you need very soon. xx

[anng1814]

Hi Michael,

I know exactly how you feel. Can I ask what inhalers you are on? They can cause a lot of the symptoms you are suffering from, if they are the wrong ones. I was given an alternative, after insisting, by the respiratory nurse at the hospital. It seemed amazing, as it reduced that awful tightness you are feeling around your chest. For the first time, for over two years, I felt I could breathe!