Feeling a bit silly and need a hand hold...

[AlohaMolly]

For about a year, I’ve been suffering with a dull ache at the back of my lungs and the occasional sawdust like feeling in my sternum. There was a cough on and off for a couple of months and I eventually called my GP who prescribed me an inhaler for a month without being seen. I used that, then asked for another one as it was helping with the sawdust/tight feeling. The pain was still there though so I called and they put me down for an asthma review.

I had it three weeks ago, and it was just a questionnaire as she said they weren’t doing flow(?) tests at that time and basically she bollocked me for not managing asthma properly and gave me more ventolin and steroids, 2 puffs of each morning and night.

Yesterday the pain changed and it’s more concentrated on my right lung and at the front. I’m more breathless and it hurts to breath deeply. Called for a callback from the doctor this morning and he called before 9, which is unheard of, made me go and see him after the school run. Now he wants me to go to the hospital to rule a blood clot out and I’m scaring myself.

Just think how you'll feel when you walk out with the confirmation that everything is ok. The worst thing is the waiting, so at least that will be over quickly. Thinking of you, op. You can do this!

You're going to get it sorted. You tried to see the doctor before, you did all you could.
Keep us posted.

You'll go to A&E and you'll have an ecg and chest x ray. they'll take bloods and if they're elevated you'll get a CT or another type of scan. It's a very common presentation to A&E. the most painful thing will be the needle jabs. Don't worry!

He’s given me a letter addressed to a ward and said I’ll have a blood test first. I’ve packed myself a little bag with a battery pack a book and a sandwich and am heading off. I feel quite scared, how silly is that? I know it’s almost certainly nothing but the only other time I’ve been told to go straight to the hospital is when poor DS broke out in a rash with a temp and it turned out he had a really aggressive ear infection. Poorliest he’s ever been.

Hi op, I was sent to A&E for a similar thing. They'll see you pretty quickly. The worst bit will be waiting for the xray. If you can take someone with you, or something to do, it will take your mind off it. Keep us posted.

They are sending you to have it ruled out - as a clot is something that needs urgent treatment. My emphasis is on the words rule out here though.

You'll have a blood test to check something called d-dimer, which indicates if there are any clots within your body. Most likely an ecg and chest X-ray too.

Its not silly at all, we're here for a handhold

Not at all silly. You have a problem and it is hopefully now going to be properly checked out.

I wish you all the best.

Ahh D-dimer! My friend is a radiologist and when I told her she messaged back ‘D-dimer?’ And I assumed it was a typo

Yep - that's right - good indicator of clots, although can also be elevated in pregnant women or for other reasons such as a minor injury or illness.

If having to be hooked up to an ECG machine isn’t a good incentive to lose weight, I don’t know what is

Just remember, @AlohaMolly to take deep, slow calming breaths and try not to worry. The worse thing is not to KNOW what's happening - knowledge is often power in most situations because you can start to deal with things. And, of course, it may just be something really minor which can easily and quickly be sorted out and put your mind at rest. In the meantime I'm sending you a hug! 🌹

Good luck. I am glad they are taking you seriously. Hope you soon have some answers.

None of what you are feeling or asking is silly. In fact, someone once said to me that the only silly question is the one you don't ask. I've considered that statement since, and I think it is true so don't be afraid to ask anything. They are used to it.

I was sent into a&e for the same thing two years ago and all was ok! Try not to worry too much.

@Thesagacontinues

I was sent into a&e for the same thing two years ago and all was ok! Try not to worry too much.

It looks as though it’s the same here! All the nurses have been so lovely but the doctor was a bit of a wanker. I think he said the X-ray was clear but he’s asked for another blood test before I go home. Possibly amylase but I may have misheard.

I’m glad everything seems to be ok but I wish I knew why I’m in pain!

Thinking of you OP keep us updated please

How are you doing op?

All results back and clear of everything, so that’s good! They suggested costochondritis and sent me home, but will book me in for an ultrasound to rule out gallstones soon.

I headed to work for a few hours but wish I hadn’t really!!

Thank you all for holding my hand, I’m still in pain but at least I know I don’t have to crack out my health cover documents!!