Puffers and allergies.

[cathynosleep]

My Mum was diagnosed about 4 years ago, but has bad allergies to antibiotics and some other drugs. As mum's condition deteriorates, there is a reluctance to give her new medication becasue of the bad reactions she has had in the past. Now the COPD specialist nurse says there is nothing she can do for my mum and is discharging her from the COPD clinic as she says she does not know what medication to provide. She is going to write to mum's GP but will not refer mum to a specialist. Mum feels isolated and scared. She is getting iller and iller but feels that no one wants to help her. I suspect this is all about managing costs and wiating lists. What can we do?

[Hidden]

Really think that your Mum needs a chat with a qualified person. As it is, she feels all on her own. How about ringing PALS. I think it stands for Patient advisory liaison service, but they should advise. If the outlook isn't good, I am sure there is someone there for her, but cant think of the appropriate body. It could be an idea if you rang BLF - sure they can help.

Meanwhile you and your Mum are in my thoughts - I had a sad time looking afterr my Mother years ago. love Annie 80 xx

[cofdrop-UK]

Hi

I can't understand why the specialist nurse has discharged your Mum because she is too complex for her to deal with and yet will not refer her to a specialist. It could be that it is not within her remit to refer and that this needs to be done by the GP (just a thought) It is unnaceptable and upsetting. You might want to see your GP and ask him/her for a referral to a respiratory consultant, especially if gp is also scratching his head re medication. That's what I would do.

Good luck and love to your Mum.

Love C xxx

[Hidden]

Cathy, it is not clear from your blog whether this nurse is at your local GP surgery or at the hospital. I have known surgery nurses call themselves respiratory nurses when they knew less than me! I think you need to see your GP and ask about a referral to a respitatory consultant for your mum. New drugs are being tested/released all the time and for the nurse to give up because she does not know which to prescribe is absolutely disgraceful in my opinion. If it was a hospital nurse she should be ashamed of herself. Good luck.

[johnwr]

Hello cathynosleep,

Several things need dealing with here. If your mum has allergies to oral antibiotics, then she may be more tolerant of other delivery methods, such as by injection, or by nebuliser. If trying out these other methods, then she should be supervised and monitored for the first few times with oxygen and anti-shock drugs to hand. The respiratory nurse probably only has the authority to alter prescription levels, and not prescribe new drugs. She should have made clear to your mum that she needed to see her GP to arrange a referral to a consultant as she again probably does not have authority. She should not have discharged her from the clinic without definite cause.

If I was you, I would ask to see your GP's practice manager on your mum's behalf, and raise your concerns there. I hope that it all boils down to a misunderstanding. Any alternative would be worrying. Do speak up for your mum on her behalf, because, being ill she will not have much energy to fight for herself.

If you need more help, then just ask on this site. Someone will have the right answer for you and your mum.

Tell her, breathe easy,

Johnwr

[cathynosleep]

A huge thank you to all 4 people who have responded to my plea for help. It's really encouraging to know that we are not being unreasonable expecting more help. I'm going to encourage my mum to join this forum herself as I think it would help her. Many thanks again.