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Wrong Diagnosis

Posted , 3 users are following.

John1129
John1129

I am now 65 and I was treated for asthma for 12 years with various inhailers etc. prior did'nt see a specialist all this time until recently and he said I did not have asthma, I couldn't believe it , he said stop taking the sprays, sent me for a CT scan and diagnosed bronchectasis, so for 12 years I was trying to fight off chest infections which I blame for my bronchiectasis. GPs are too ready to call chest problems asthma etc. I have very little faith in them. end of rant.

 

2 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • george43384
    george43384 John1129

    Posted

    John 

    undoubtedly your bronchiectasis resulted from incorrect treatment for asthma when you didn't have it. if your lung function tests recorded a variation of around 10% then that is within normal limits. I suspect  the infections you had gave them the impression that you had asthma.

    If you have an infectious condition that should be treat with Antibiotics and not steroid inhalers or  oral steroids as steroids supress the body's immune system and accordingly reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics.  

  • george43384
    george43384 John1129

    Posted

    John 

    if you were only aware of a wrong diagnosis within the last 3 years (there is a 3 year time limit on bringing a case after you find out about medical negligence ) then you have the opportunity to take these doctors to court and seek damages.  

    • John1129
      John1129 george43384

      Posted

      Thank's George yes I've thought of that, still thinking to be honest but thank's for the input.
  • ruthie2673
    ruthie2673 John1129

    Posted

    Par for the course sadly it seems. I do have asthma, but when my breathing got worse and I had infectios, my GP first just gave me one antibiotic after another and finally when I asked to be referred to a specialist she too said it was severe asthma and put me on high doses of inhaled steroids and bronchial dilators. Asked for a second opinion at a hospital out of region, but recommended consultant and met with all sort of stonewalling,not from said consultant who told me by email that it did not sound like asthma and I had arigh to see him. Eventually did and he said he thought it was bronchiectasis and I would need a CT scan to diagnose and my GP should order one. Again met with huge resistance from GP saying he could not do this....he could of course and eventually did. surprise,surprise...bronchiectasis..

    I'm having a rant too...even three years on I feel so angry. GP retired otherwise I would have confronted him...original consultant still in post. 

    I still have problems with all the partners I have seen in our practice who know nothing about bronchiectasis, it's symptoms, dangers and treatment.

    What is wrong with them? Next time I see my bronch consultant I am goin to suggest an intensive GP training day in broncectasis!

    • John1129
      John1129 ruthie2673

      Posted

      Well said Ruthie I couldn't agree more it's a specialist subject and GPs usualy only touch on it and I think it is becoming more common and not being considered.
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