Words of reassurance if possible. I've had an ongoing chest infection. Started potentially in August (told it was viral and had no antibiotics). Never been quite right since. Went back and was put under investigation for asthma. I then got really breathless and went to docs again. Told I had a chest infection (this may or may not be a new one). This time got antibiotics. First set made me feel a bit better but sputum sample suggested another type. Had them a week. Breathlessness improved tons but still wheezy and fizzy. Went back. Got second set. Results the same so back again.
Doc says I'm still crackily and has referred me to a specialist. Can't see them.for two months. Have asked if I can get a CT scan via them quicker as I don't think I can take 2 months wait mentally as I'm worried it's something really bad.
For reference I'm 38. I've never smoked or been around chemicals etc. Still worried though as I lost my mum to cancer (breast) that had spread to her eye before detection. I know I'm not her but paranoid. Anyone got any reassuring words or stories xx
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Fuzzymooch
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Hi please don't start thinking everything is bad it's not, and like you say you are not your mom. Things usually seem a lot worse than they are, please try to be positive as this will help you feel better and won't give you anxiety but it will help. Have a word with your GP or nurse they can advise you properly, it will help ease your worries. Let us know how you are doing and rember there is always someone here willing to listen to you. Have a good night and take care of yourself 😊 Bernadette xx
Thank you Bernadette. I spoke to gp who said it sounded like infection to her (have crackles) and if she thought it was something nasty she would tell me straight up. I just can't help being nervous. I have to young daughters and I am terrified I won't be able to be there for them. I'm.not even sure what pulmonologist's really treat. I assume everything lung related but it's scary.
Hi Fuzzymooch, sorry to hear of your ongoing lung issues. I’m also a mum to two young boys and completely understand your fear. I’m also on a referral to a specialist for crackles (I’m also an asthmatic) to see if they are related. My wait is also two months so I know how you feel! I asked the receptionist to be placed on a wait list for cancellations so hopefully if you do the same an earlier spot may come up. It’s a horrible mindset to be in but know you’re not alone! Feel free to pm if you want to chat 😊 Rose
Thanks Rose, it's nice not to be alone. I don't know if I'm. asthmatic or not, I have inhalers but there's never been a confirmation. Tried ringing the hospital to go on the cancellation list be they rung off, will try again later.
Don't know about you but I'm thinking of going back to gp with follow up questions. Should I still be on antibiotics? Can I do what I normally do? Do I need anything for my referral? So confused. hugs to you, good luck xx
They are really valid questions for your gp. Hopefully you can ask them at your next visit. Fingers crossed you get answers sooner rather than later. I find ‘not knowing’ to be the hardest part. I wish you the best of luck and hope you find out what’s going on ASAP. Don’t forget to keep us posted! Big hugs xxx
Definitely dont think the worst. You simply dont know. I can reassure you that at age 38 I had similar symptoms and was on antibiotics for weeks until I was properly diagnosed with late onset asthma and given the necessary treatment. My cousin developed it at same age curiously enough.
Until they investigate and you receive a proper diagnosis try not to be worry. Good luck.
Thanks. They have been looking at asthma but the asthma nurse wasn't overly convinced. Doc is more concerned about the fact I have crackles that haven't gone away with the antibiotics. Still says it sounds like infection to her. It's so confusing and two months is sooooo long. As someone else mentioned I'm gonna call up about cancellations. GintyFurguson do you mind if I ask were you diagnosed by the GP or referral?
I saw three GPs . The fourth said he thought it was asthma. I think it's hard to separate different conditions and if you produce gunk with asthma it's going to get infected if not coughed up. That's tbe other thing....the active cycle of breathing to remove gunk. I saw a physio on NHS who taught me that. Whatever, after I was properly assessed at tbe respiratory clinic things started to improve. Also think about your environment and if you have things which might irritate or be allergic to. I guess you will have considered that.
Yep but I can't pinpoint anything. Asthma nurse wasn't sure. GP no 1 thought it was a possibility. GP 2 didn't want to say due to infection. GP 3 thought no. So confused.
Sounds familiar. I think I had 5 weeks of abs before being sent to hospital for tests. I had never had anything respiratory before so mo one expected asthma. I then discovered a cousin had the exact same thing aged 38! X
I suggest you go to the best hospital that specialises in Pulmonary diseases and check into emergency. This I have found is a quick way into seeing a specialist. There are many possibilities for your condition. I have had IPF and organising pneumonia for a long time and am managing it well. Not knowing is the worst thing for anyone. Take control of your illness and don’t be fobbed off. If you don’t get a satisfactory answer from a doctor- move on. I have been through 5 specialists in the past 2 years and now am with a large hospital respiratory department that is treating me in a wholistic way. The old knee bone is connected to the thigh bone rhythm. I’m part of clinical trials and owning my condition. It truly helps the psychological aspect of illness. Too many patients crash because of the lack of medical support. As for me, I am fighting for my life.
Like many others that have responded you need to try and relax and concentrate on breathing. There are many ways to improve your breathing and at the same time help to clear yous congestion. Diagnosis can take some time and unfortunately consultants /experts are dealing with more and more issues. its not unusual for treatments to be for 2 weeks and if as you say the infections are different then there may be better targeted antibiotics. Most of us have been in your situation and perhaps seeing a consultant in 2 months is quiet good for some areas, Keep looking at this site and you will see lots of advice etc. \take care and be positive.
Depends if theres a name to your sputum sample infection. Normally there is and they give you the correct antibiotic for it. Im asthmatic age 52 and keep getting infections. Was on a strong antibiotic for months off the hospital which killed the bug. Hope this helps Karen xxx
Thanks Karen it was heamophilius influenzae. Second sample about to go. Cough has almost gone but still have crackles. I almost hope it is an infection I need more antibiotics for. I worry it's something bad like fibrosis. Thanks for the reply.
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