1st Appointment at Brompton.

[Laughaminute]

I've got my first appointment at RBH next week, am very nervous!

Was wondering from all of those that already go what happens at the first appointment?

How long where you there and what tests if any did you have done?

Want to be as prepared as I can be!

Thank you xx

[Hidden]

Hello elliew,

I have been there for the first clinic appt in recent months. I found the waiting room was massive, obviously very busy with several clinics on and difficult to see where to queue and wait at first. Soon get used to it though.

I was there for several hours as running late then saw a diff cons (Prof) to who I was booked with, still easy to talk to and defo not a clockwatcher as was in there sometime.

I can't say if it is the same for everyone as I presume they would do whatever initial tests are needed at the time. I had a consultation which included asking about symptoms, triggers, going over referring cons letter, medication, work and sick leave. Tests I had were bloods, skin prick tests and spirometry (done in a corridor which was a bit strange). They do seem to admit at a later date to do further tests often altogether which you will see called the difficult asthma protocol - DAP or systemic assessment. This I found somewhat disorganised and nowhere near as soon as I was told in clinic whcih I wasn't surprised by.

I found it useful to go over events beforehand so I could easily remember relevant medical history. Think I had a peakflow diary too but wasn't asked particularly about this. Definitely think about any questions you may have and if useful to help you remember write them and have to hand at the appt.

There has been several posts on this in the past so do search and have a good read if they will be useful.

I have linked a couple here First RBH appt (not the protocol), Royal Brompton Hospital appointment tomorrow

All I can say is go in with an open mind, they will consider all options and influencing diagnoses you may not have thought of.

[Hidden]

Hi,

Sorry for slow reply! I just got home today - have to say they were very nice, though have a lot to think about with confusing (not bad) results.

With my first appt not much happened - they sent me a letter saying it might be half a day but it was just 15 mins with the consultant who basically said he needed more info but would admit me for a couple of days for tests. He needed info from previous hospitals (not sure why it wasn't requested before I went, they had 2 months!), so I'd take copies of letters, results etc if you have them or can get them.

Like I said I didn't get much of an impression the first time - not clockwatching, I think it was just a preliminary. But so far would say cautiously that they seem fairly good, and hopefully open-minded.

Look forward to seeing you there on Wed, I hope!

[Asthma-girl]

Hi,

With my first appointment I had chest x ray, bloods taken, they weighed me, ECG test then I had my appointment with my consultant who I have to say was very nice, he spent ages chatting to me about my asthma and what symptoms I have and the limitation asthma has on my every day routine, my medications, then he listened to my chest.

They did want me to do a lung function and spirometry tests but because I had pleurisy and fractured ribs these tests were not done.

He was not clock watching at all because my appointment with him was 50 minutes.