Samples
Posted , 7 users are following.
I saw a GP in my practice recently whom I have not seen before. As I felt I might have an infection and explained why I asked if I could submit a sample. He pointed out that one had been submitted a month ago and was clear. The inference was it was too soon to send in another. After a cursory examination he completed the usual envelope. There surely cannot be a hard and fast rule as to e.g. How many samples per annum can be sent in?! Infections do not develop to order. Have others experienced this difficulty? What would be a "decent " time interval?!
1 like, 13 replies
Jockeys ann93380
Posted
Hi Ann,I have sent a sample off between a month and have come back with a infection the trouble we have today like you I see more than one doctor and they don't have the background ,reading off a computer is all well and good but it don't always give them a clue what you go through with bx .if your not feeling well in a week go back and ask again ,sometimes we have to push to get answers ,take care and keep well
Joanne
ann93380 Jockeys
Posted
Jockeys-thanks. They're not too bad. My own GP was never very popular and a bit off. Now he is nice and understanding. Somehowwish he wasn't .Look after yourself.
joviswoman ann93380
Posted
The doctor is a muppet!
Are you in the UK?
If so I can tell you with the amount of samples I've had sent in in one month was nearly one a week.
You NEED to demand to see the doctor you normally see. I do, I refuse to go unless it's my own doctor. It's a pain when others have no clue to our infectiions and how fast they come on.
In February I was off work for the entire month, three different anitbos and a sample sent in nearly every week.
Demand more help.
If you're under a consultant talk to him, tell him how you're being treated at the practice, I had to as they'd never give me antibos when I KNEW I needed them. He may write to the practice and tell them you should have a supply at home, like mine did.
Some doctors are just ignorant of BX and treat us like rubbish.
ann93380 joviswoman
Posted
Many thanks. I'm better pro tem as it happens. I won't demand anything.I will ask if necessary. Demand means stress not good for bx. But on reflection things aren't too bad. Perhaps the doctor I saw had an off moment. Generally the practice is sympathetic and helpful. All the replies I have received here are good and encouraging and really kind. Thank you very much. All the best.
tony_15641 ann93380
Posted
ann93380 tony_15641
Posted
Tony thank you for replying. You seem to be having a hard time. I can only say what helps me. If I'm bringing up glue I drink a glass-large mug-of water every two hours up to and including bedtime it helps thin. Try it for a few days. I have been taught active cycle of breathing-autogenic lung drainage to get the stuff up. You need a good respiratory physiotherapist to teach you. Ask to see one. They know an awful lot, but are a bit few and far between. Hope these help. All the best.
telescape ann93380
Posted
Hi Ann, sorry you are feeling unwell. This is a nonsense statement from your doctor. We bx patients are encouraged to send in a sputum sample as often as is required.....in fact I would be more likely to be told off if i didn't send one in. In my situation, I am told to take as many sample bottles as I wish and can leave them in to the practice nurse at any time. If I am feeling poorly, I would submit at least twice a week. Hope you get sorted!
ann93380 telescape
Posted
Telescape -thank you. I was pretty cross, went home and felt better! Perhaps a spot of adrenaline, hence my tirade. But thanks for the information -it's useful to know. But I do have a good GP ......"You're damned if you do damned if you don't...but we understand bx in this practice" Thank you again.
belabalou ann93380
Posted
ann93380 belabalou
Posted
Dear Belabalou, Many thanks for replying. If I think I have an infection I will see my GP. If he thinks I should then a sample goes in. Five samples sent in this year were clear. This means that my GP and I know where we are and Iam not taking antibiotics needlessly. I know a clear result does not necessarily mean no infection. But I will not self diagnose. We all have different views and ways of going about things. It's important to do that and do what we are comfortable with. Best of luck.
irishrob ann93380
Posted
irishrob ann93380
Posted
I have the same problem here with my GP when i ask will i give sputum samples in to the surgery He the doc gives me the impression its not required, and dosent like prescribing antibs even though we need them with having bx. I do have a chest specilist but its hard to get an appt to see him and he charges 150 euros No NHS in ireland
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ann93380 irishrob
Posted
Hi Irishrob. I am feeling better at the moment. If I feel I have an infection I go and see my GP or others-not the one I saw recently! - they will listen to my lungs, etc and can rule out an infection. That's fine by me beacause it means I do not need antibiotics. I don't by choice want to be on them. The GP may however suggest sending a sample in. If it is clear then great! If however there is an infection the sputum report will recommend an appropriate anti biotic for that infection. You don't necessarily need antibiotics just because you have bx. It rather sounds as if things aren't too bad. Somehow you need to get him to explain what the system is and particularly why.