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hospital appt

Posted , 2 users are following.

echo
echo

Hi

I have an appointment to see consultant in August(this is my first since diagnosis by xray) is there anything i should be asking/expecting from this appointment?

Jacee- i sent reply to your pm but not sure if you received it as \"my space\" is being a bit odd!!

Echo

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Jacee
    Jacee

    Posted

    Hi echo

    Did not get your PM at all and did not see this until today - mine can be odd at times too!

    I'm glad you have the consultant appointment. This is your chance to ask any questions you may have of the person who should have the answers. I suggest you start a list to take along with you and jot notes and queries on it as they come to you before the appointment.

    How are you getting on with the Spiriva? Hope this is working well for you.

    Just on my way to bed so may post again tomorrow.

    Jacee

    xx

  • Jacee
    Jacee

    Posted

    Hi Echo, more awake now. Some questions you may consider are:

    1. Spirometry tests/results. Get to know how this works, what your FEV1 score is. You can then keep a check on your progress by comparing your results over time. Also, if your results are not in the “normal” range you could ask what you can do to make them better (eg stopping smoking, certain medications).

    2. You can ask how you can live more comfortably with your condition. This may include home aids and adaptations or maybe a request to be considered for a pulmonary rehabilitation programme of exercises. Whether or not you get this referral (you should), can anyone teach you techniques to control your breathing?

    3. Ask about having a flu/pneumonia jab.

    4. Can they help you identify (and so avoid) triggers for exacerbations? Cigarette smoke is an obvious one but we each may have something peculiar to us.

    5. Will the weather affect your symptoms? What can you do to try and decrease any limitations on your activities?

    6. Do you need to change your diet? Many COPDers are malnourished (even the ones who pile on weight) because eating takes so much effort.

    7. What medications are recommended, what are their effects and are there any side effects you should know about?

    8. Is surgery an option for you (lung reduction or lung transplant)?

    9. How often will the consultant offer you an appointment to see them at the hospital? Is there a respiratory nurse you can see at the hospital? How often? How do you contact them if you need further specialist advice which your GP cannot provide?

    There is a web site you may find helpful. It starts with the usual three letters and then has health.gov.bc.ca/cdm/patients/copd/questions.

    Good luck.

    Jacee

    xx

  • Jacee
    Jacee

    Posted

    PS Forgot one -

    What is your SpO2 percentage reading? Will you need supplemental oxygen?

    Jacee

  • echo
    echo

    Posted

    Wow jacee that's a lot to think on thank you so much i really appreciate your advice

    Echoxx

  • Jacee
    Jacee

    Posted

    :D
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