First consultation

Hi after 9 mths of really unpleasant asthma problems I am seeing a respiratory consultant can anyone tell me what to expect from this visit thanks in advance

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I'm afraid I can't advise you on what exactly to expect as my asthma was diagnosed when I was a small child (I'm now in my fifties). However, as a general word of advice (I have seen consultants for two other conditions in the past twelve months, so I know what it's like) remember that you are the expert on what you have been going through. Asthma varies a great deal from person to person, and your consultant will know that. Don't feel intimidated - he/she is there to help you, so tell him/her everything you can about what you have been experiencing; it's very unlikely that your referral letter from your GP will have gone into details, and if you want to ask a question, or want clarification on some point, do ask.

Hope this helps, even if only in a small a way.

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Hi,

I was referred to the consultant about two years ago after about a year of quite severe asthma. My first appointment was generally used to try and get an understanding of what my asthma was like rather than making any changes. A detailed history was taken including triggers, symptoms, treatments tried etc and they did lots of tests including lung function, bloods (looking mainly at IGE and allergies in addition to ruling out other issues) and X-rays. It took quite a long time but was nothing to worry. i had a follow up appointment a few weeks later when all the results were back and this is when they really made a plan.

I would expect to talk a lot and don't assume they know anything - like MaggieHP said, the referral letter probably won't be in much detail. It may be useful to take in any symptom/peak flow diaries you might keep too (if you don't already do it and there is a bit of time before you appointment, it might be worth starting). I also found it useful to make a note of any specific questions I wanted to ask them.

I hope they are able to help you get a bit more control.

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Thanks very much both of you it has put my mind at rest I am going to write down everything I can, I don't have a peak flow meter so cant give those details