Cll diagnosis

[R0llerblades]

I have recently been told i have cll. I am at the watch and wait stage right now. I was diagnosed 5 weeks ago. 2 weeks ago i came down with a chest infection and was given antibiotics by gp. Although the cough has somewhat subsided i still feel like i have a tight chest. Alsoi have been feeling very tired and out of breath. I spoke with my gp who has arranged for a copd test to be done but i am wondering if this could be cll related and would i have these symptoms in the watch and wait stage??

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Hi R0llerblades,

Welcome to the group that none of us wanted to join.

You have asked about some of our most common issues.

We had a interesting discussion about chest/lung infections yesterday_ see: healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

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Our doctors hate tracking down the causes of fatigue since it takes lots of testing and effort to step through the many simple to treat causes before concluding that CLL is the only remaining cause.

Here is a link to the 1857 past postings on fatigue: healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

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Len

[R0llerblades in reply to lankisterguy]

Thank you very much for your reply. The links have been very useful.

[StarTorDot]

Yes so I think you should see your onc if you have been sick for a month. Best of luck.

[Bluesinthenight]

Good physicians do in fact want to track down the causes of fatigue. It's part of our job, and it may require blood work, imaging with scans, cardiac evaluation and other investigations based on a detailed history of your symptoms, your past medical history, family history, and a complete physical exam. So don't fall for the myth that physicians are not interested in working to find the causes of your symptoms and reviewing with you treatment options. It's why we trained, why we get up in the morning, and part of the satisfaction we gain from serving others. Also know that good general physicians (GPs) will refer patients to specialists with the knowledge and experience to treat specific conditions such as CLL that require additional training. Contemporary practice requires collaboration among physicians, other staff, and patients to do the best we can. And importantly, good communication is essential ! If you believe the CLL is not being adequately addressed, contact your physician for more information on your work up and referral to a specialist.