Does it always feel like this

[ANNIE_69]

So i am recently diagnosed with COPD after waiting for a year for the doc to decide what to do, started off with breathlessness, (gave up smoking 4 years ago). Last week or so, it just feels like I am suffocating, can't get my breath and ventolin is next to no help, but don't want to seem like I'm bugging my already very busy doc

[knitter]

If you suffering from increased problems with your breathing and Ventolin is no help, please contact your GP today.

Don't worry about ' bugging' your busy doctor....he/she can monitor your oxygen levels and listen to yout lungs and check for air intake and any sounds there, and see if you need further medication.

Explain to the receptionist about your breathing.....or if your practice has an ' ask your GP' system like mine has you can email and they will ring back.

Take care.

[Badbessie]

I agree with knitter if you are continuously using your ventolin then you need an urgent review by your GP. There could be an underlying problem such as an infection or you need other medications to manage your condition better. See you GP as soon as possible.

[Carnival567]

Some years ago I said to a doctor that I didn't like bothering doctors and his reply was 'we need to see people like you, not many of the others who don't really need us'. Difficult for many of us I know but you really need to see your doctor. Keep well xx

[Caspiana]

Hello ANNIE_69 . Knitter, Badbessie and Carnival have said what is on my mind. It is better to see your doctor than to have a (possible) infection and neglect to get it treated. It is far better to play it safe. And I am certain the doctor will be of the same opinion. 😊

Please do take care and let us know how you are getting on.

*HUGS*

Cas xx 🌷

[O2Trees]

Hope you are encouraged by these replies Annie. One of the things we need to learn is that we have to be proactive in seeking medical attention. You could be putting yourself seriously at risk by not going to see your GP - they would prefer to see you now than that they had to treat something more serious further down the line. Yes they are busy but that is not your fault but the rotten state of the NHS (assuming you are in the UK!). At the very least you need a medication review. Good luck

[Hacienda]

Hi Annie, Your Doc needs to refer you to a Respiratory Doctor/Nurse, GP's do NOT know about the whole COPD problems we suffer, only a specialist can do more for you..Ventolin is good for those SOB moments, you need a Steroid based Inhaler and rescue Meds. Please push harder to get the right Treatment...Go to your Pharmacy and speak to the Pharmasist who can advise you whilst waiting for a GP appointment. Best Wishes to you Annie. xxx

[ANNIE_69]

Thanks for the reply the doc has me on a steroid inhaler, Clenin Modulite and a ventolin as well.

I feel i have got worse not better, but you have to book 3 weeks in advance for an appointment and I always get interrogated by the gestapo receptionist when trying to book an emergency one

[Caspiana in reply to ANNIE_69]

😱 Oh my goodness. I'm sorry it's that way. 😧

[frose]

Tell them you'e struggling to breathe. They'll find you an appointment 😉

[MoyB]

We have the same booking system at our doctors, but they will always fit me in on the day if I say I have a problem with my chest. You really should get checked out. After my initial diagnosis, I left a bad cough as I thought it was normal for COPD patients to have one. It turned out I had an infection and antibiotics saw it off. Don't worry about bothering your GP - it's what he or she is there for. Far better to see them now than end up in hospital with pneumonia. xx Moy

[soulsaver]

If it turns out to be serious, your busy dr will say you should have come earlier ... so get there... and tell him about the receptionist, too.

[ANNIE_69]

Finally managed to call the docs in time to get one of the released appointments, so 27th Feb it is, (no emergencies avail) been a tough few days, but put that down to the weather. Get up at 3am ish to use the loo, but don't have the energy to get back to my bed... so morning time it is for me.

i've got a whole list to discuss with my doc so will be making full use of my 10 min appointment