Hi, after 4 months of antibitics , trying ventolin inhalers, xrays, chest and eye infections the doctor says to me "you could have COPD...but you have never smoked...so probably not ...you need a spirometry test in the next two weeks . Take this inhaler, which contains steroids ...just in case ..but dont use it until you have had the test .FIRST BOMBSHELL
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I tried over several days of speaking to doctors receptionist to get a spirometry appointment...only to be told ...end of august/ sept ..to which I replied NO GOOD ..I am so ill and the doc said 1/2 weeks . ..spoke to doc ...over the phone ...couldnt get appt to see him...his attitude....no appt available then you will have to wait until september. SECOND BOMBSHELL
I decided on drastic action...after 25 yeas with the same surgery I changed doctors...BEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE
Wednesday I took the change of surgery forms home
wednesday night / very early thursday morning thought about it ...filled in forms
8.00 am ..took in forms and was at DROP IN SURGERY.....brilliant idea
8.45 AM ..seen doctor..waiting for bloods to be taken in 1/2 hour and spirometry test BOOKED for Friday morning
Friday morning..phone call from surgery ...bloods need repeating..appt booked immediately
Spirometry test done ...then get to see specialist nurse ..YES ..I do have COPD....3rd and final BOMBSHELL
This has taken my NEW SURGERY 2 days from start to diagnosis .....which would , after 4 1/2 months of being very ill at my old surgery....have still been on going .
I AM SO PLEASED I TOOK THE CHANCE AND CHANGED SURGERY