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copd

Posted , 4 users are following.

ashdee
ashdee

hi ther im new to this, im baffled and any input would help,two years ago i was diagnosed with moderate copd,after a ct scan a large hole was found and when i went back to the consultant he said the hole could be due to the copd or it could be congenital? taht was it? he told me my gp would treat me from hereon out,gp threw a few inhalers my way and thats been it! two years later i havnt had so much as a breathig test done, even though my breathing has deteriorated, i have reccurent respiratory infections last one being 6 weeks ago ,4 courses of antibiotics and a course of steroids later im mo better? when i confronted my gp about the hole in the lung he had no mention of it in the report which baffles me? im going back to gp tomorrow to follow all this up,ive had other haelth issues to deal with also, anyone any idea what this hole in the lung could be?? thanks in advance Lxx

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • moira3
    moira3

    Posted

    Hi, I also have just been diagnosed with mild COPD, this was after repeated Spirometry tests at the GP's surgery, with a 14 day course of steroids between the last two and have been put on a salbutomol inhaler to take when necessary. I get very breathless when doing any activity and also just sat talking can set me off coughing.

    I am surprised that the peson you saw at the Hospital hasn't passed on the information to your GP. I always find that a call to the consultants secretary can be very helpful and they will do all they can to help you get this information to your GP and also explain to you exactly what has been found and why you were refered back to your GP. I hope this helps and if you've any advice for me I'd be very grateful.

  • Vee2
    Vee2

    Posted

    Hi lynn4

    When you visit your GP ask for a referral back to the respiratory consultant, with recurrent respiratory infections you may need closer monitoring, also ask for a container for you to provide a sputum sample for analysis, this will help the professionals prescribe you with the correct anti biotics or other medication that may be required.

    Regarding the hole, this is something only the consultant can explain since it was the consultant that first mentioned it to you. At a guess and it would only be a guess, the hole could be a large pocket in the lung where the alveoli have stretch and merged into one large alveoli sac. This occurs with emphysema. (emphysema comes under the copd banner).

    Concerning the consultant mentioning that the hole could be congenital, you will need further explanation from the consultant. If there is a history of lung problems in the family and you are say below 45 years, and are not a smoker, you may want to ask to be tested for Alpha1 Antytrisin, this is the hereditary form of copd, there is a simple blood test that can determine this. Congenital meaning present at birth (something that you may have inherited.)

    Hope this is of help, check back and let us know how you got on, but I for sure would be asking for a referral back to the consultant in your shoes.

    moira3 If you find your symptoms are getting worse you need to go back to your GP or consultant for reassessment, it could well be that Salbutamol is not enough medication to help you at this time. I for instance take 4 lung meds, salbutomol is just a reliever medicine, you may need a preventer medicine also, and a 12 or 24 hour bronchodilater. Breathlessness on activity is usual with copd but if you a breatheless when sitting talking on the phone for instance you may benefit from additional medication / inhaler. Any time symptoms worsen you should act quickly to see the doctor to be sure you are not developing a lung infection. The sooner that is treated the better and more speedy is the recovery.

    Good wishes to both of you.

  • cath49
    cath49

    Posted

    Has anyone tried a saltpipe I have been told this helps breathlessness but don't know anyone who has tried it.
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