Running out of positivity....beginn ing to struggle.

Katek, my asthma seems to have been worse this year. The asthma nurse seemed quite happy with my tests but when I said I felt worse, she mentioned that one of the GPs specialises in respiratory problems. I made an appointment to see her and she said my chest is clear. I am coughing frequently and cough up a clear froth (sorry, tmi) and then feel better for a while. The GP wasn't worried about me at all.

I don't feel at all well today and don't know what is causing it. Maybe there is some pollution or pollen. I don't know. I hope you feel better soon.

Have you ever tried taking Singulair tablets? [apologies if you have mentioned it before and I've forgotten].

I'm pleased to read you're feeling more positive, Katek, and couldn't agree more about you taking charge of your health in the manner you describe. Go to it!

Our lovely beach today-balm to the soul.

Sorry it's sideways-it's right way round on my phone.

Hmm. Was sideways in preview

katek your surgery should have an asthma nurse. Ask if you can have an urgent appointment as you are seriously worried about your difficulty breathing. If you get to see a GP ask if you can have a referral to a chest specialist as you don't seem to be getting any better. Make a nuisance of yourself until you get the sort of service you need. Be more pushy (I work in a GP surgery and we would not let someone like you pass through the system untreated).

I'm shocked and saddened by your trials and tribulations Katek, the lack of consistency and care is appalling.
If it's possible I'd demand an urgent referral to a Respiratory consultant and, if you feel poorly to go to your nearest A+E, as clearly you're not getting the best treatment from your surgery.

I do hope things improve quickly, you must be so fed up with it all.

Just called for routine appointment to request referral........9th September! Email to practice manager sent-I don't actually need to see doctor for referral so have asked for it to be processed anyway as they have all info they beed. Outwith their norm so will see what happens now.

*need

This is getting beyond a bloody joke!! Still have wheeze and rattle so doc decides last Fri to do sputum sample to check for infection. Sample went in on Mon. Results back today. Phoned at 12....doc hasn't looked at them, call back later. Called back 5 mins ago....doc just back from emergency and still hasn't looked at results. I suggest calling back at 5 'oh no, she says, it will be Monday now, doctor has so many emergencies to deal with' I point out that I've been waiting/suffering for a week so I'm actually at front of the queue (apart from life threatening illness) and what are they going to do about it. We are now off to see if she can chase doc up. What do I do in the face of this? Register as temp patient elsewhere? Go to private GP? At wits end.

It sounds as though your GP practice is stretched to its limits. If the results are there, it should be possible for someone to ring back with them - even if it is to ask the receptionist to say it is all clear - and if it is not, the GP should be initiating treatment today. I am afraid that you will just have to continue badgering them today. It is an impossible situation, as I am sure your realise their pressures - but the bottom line is that you need treatment for something that has been going on a long time now.

I am surprised that the GP is going out to emergencies - I thought that those were all dealt with via 111 and finished up blocking corridors in A &E!

It's appalling that someone who is unwell has to go through all this. Well done for persevering.

Yes, we understand that GPs are overstretched, but this cannot be allowed to interfere with the well being of their patients - for which service they are paid handsomely.

There is a good argument that certain routine GP duties could be passed on to experienced nurse practitioners to alleviate the pressure.

Just called again....still hasn't looked at them. My bp has gone through top of my head.

Just keep on ringing! - a pain I know, but what else can you do? Can you go round and sit there - if you fill the waiting room with steam they might notice you!!

Good idea.

Steam out of ears more like!

It was your ears I was thinking of Katek - certainly no other orifice!

Finally....results inconclusive. What does that mean?? Clearing infection? Threatening infection? It's been but gone infection? I got hold of nurse practitioner who has booked me in for appointment on Monday with new locum covering maternity leave as I'm still wheezing

Shoot me now.

Pahahaha!! Thought you meant I should take steam inhalation with me to prove a point!!
Brain is addled obviously.

Katek I do hope you can get this sorted out soon - no advice to offer, but a shoulder to lean on.

Katek; do ask about Singulair if you've never used it. I think your Dr must have been the duty doctor today and Fridays are always horrendous..the duty doctor still has to leave the surgery straight away if there is an emergency .