Hello,
I went to the GP because I was getting breathless and had a pain deep in my chest. This has been going on for some time, and I could no longer put the symptoms down to getting older or anaemia (which I experience from time to time).
The GP ran a series of tests and the chest X ray showed hyperinflation of the lungs. The blood test showed anaemia (as I expected). The GP suggested that I have emphysema (I smoked 20 a say for 25 years, although I stopped a long time ago).
Then that seemed to be it. I was a bit shocked (although not surprised, given my history) and I went away. Now, about two weeks later, I wonder if I should contact the GP again to ask about further test.
I accept that I probably do have COPD, but, from what I have found out online, this cannot be determined conclusively without a spirometry test. Such a test would also indicate the severity.
I am probably anaemic, and this is almost certainly due to my cranky eating habits (left over from an ED I had in my misspent youth), but I don't know how much this impacts on my breathing problems, because COPD and anaemia can both result in breathlessness.
I know GPs are busy, but can I sort of demand/request that a spirometry test is done on the grounds that I am constantly overthinking this situation and the symptoms have not gone away?