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COPD diagnosis dispute

Posted , 6 users are following.

Dbt
Dbt

I was diagnosed approx 6weeks ago at a COPD clinic locally. I had to really push to get this assessment.  I had recently had pleurisy, bronchitis and bouts of breathing problems, trips to a&e , previously given a reliever inhaler without a assessment for asthma. my sister died from asthma, my father and son had asthma so asthma was not a surprise, but COPD was another matter as I have never smoked.  

I requested a 2nd opinion to the nurse who curtly informed me that was not necessary as she had performed all the tests necessary.  I made an appointment with the doctor and asked if it was possible I had been misdiagnosed he told me I was clutching at straws. I requested a 2nd opinion.

[u]My appointment was yesterday and I am still shock as I have been misdiagnosed and have asthma only!![/u]

i have had 6weeks of hell and would advise anyone diagnosed with this dreadful disease to push for a second opinion or even a third you have that right. Only you can do this.

I hope this is some help.

 

2 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • sandy58386
    sandy58386 Dbt

    Posted

    I had just the opposite experience Dbt.  In 2012 I was diagnosed with asthma just by a GP saying "I think you have asthma".  It wasn't until Feb 2014 that a new (and awesome) GP did an EKG, CT scan that it was truly shown in the CT that I have COPD.  I regret that I wasted 2 years taking the word of the first GP and not being medically treated properly.  Good luck with your treatments.
    • sandy58386
      sandy58386 Gary0809

      Posted

      I did have a spirometry in 2012 - I was a bit naive and I do not recall what the result was; however, I was told "oh, I think you have asthma".  At that time, I was given 2 inhalers - albuteral and dulera.  In 2014, I was extremely dizzy, my blood oxy was 72 and my breathing was labored.  When I called a NEW GP, I was told to come to the office immediately. When I told the GP that I had been diagnosed in 2012 with asthma, he said "I have worked at Jewish National Hospital for 11 years and I find it hard to believe that at age 69, you suddenly developed asthma; however, there IS something going on". They did an EKG, immediately sent me for CT scan, which was read immediately.  I was then sent to a pulmonary specialist, where I had numerous breathing tests, and I saw my CT scan, which showed that I have COPD.  I have GREAT faith and admiration for my new doctors that did not waste any time taking care of me. I am currently on Spiriva and night only oxygen and I am doing great!!  I recently went for a 5 month check up - now at age 72 I am feeling great, no water retention, no wheezing, breathing normally, my blood oxy is at 94 consistently, etc.  I REALLY encourage people to get 2nd opinions if they have to wait for weeks to get results.
    • Gary0809
      Gary0809 sandy58386

      Posted

      I'm glad you wre finally diognosed properly,some doctors really need to sort there selfs out as these are peoples lives they are messing around with.

      Iv had symtoms of COPD for 2 1/2 years now,strange thing is all 4 spirometry test iv done all seem normal but yet I was given inhalers being told it was asthma.

      I had sm

    • Gary0809
      Gary0809 sandy58386

      Posted

      I had smoked for 13 years but gave up almost 1 year ago with no improvement with my breathing.

      I feel no benefit from stopping a part from financially lol 

      Where do I go for a second opinion?

    • sandy58386
      sandy58386 Gary0809

      Posted

      Ohhhhhhhhh Gary....I encourage you to get another opinion.  See if you can arrange to have a CT scan.  Even though my spirometry was a little "out of whack" in 2012, it was the persistence of a different doctor to locate what my problem was.  I wish you the very best!!  Being only on inhalers previously, I seemed to be getting worse.  Keep in touch and let me know how thing go.
    • Gary0809
      Gary0809 sandy58386

      Posted

      I think a CT scan would reveal what's going on with my lungs.

      I thought spirometry was the best test to detect any obstruction or restriction in the lungs? 

      But going to request a scan ASAP 

      All the best sandy 😊

    • sandy58386
      sandy58386 Gary0809

      Posted

      All the best to you, also, Gary.  Let me know how things go!!
  • jay7196
    jay7196 Dbt

    Posted

    I hope this is read by a lot of people , doctors are NOT gods and its about time people started making themselves heard. 
    • anne94175
      anne94175 jay7196

      Posted

      I agree Jay, you  know your body as well as a doctor does,  use your instinct if you think they are wrong, get a second opinion.

       

  • anthony33530
    anthony33530 Dbt

    Posted

    My uncle has been diagnosed with Acute chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia the medical insurance is talking about cutting his Supply of oxygen he would surely die does anyone know any advocacy that can help him
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