If my area isn't taking referrals for lung function tests, what are my options?

[KatyMac]

Apart from private, as I'm a bit broke atm

The GP has put me on a list for when they work out who to refer me to

Surely it can't be that test isn't being done in our county?

I'm waiting for spirometry is this what you mean? I've also got a referral to respiratory but the wait times are quite long.

Yes maybe, they can't put me on a waiting list as they aren't being done currently

My area stopped doing spirometry during covid and never restarted. All we get now is a peak flow check, pulse oximeter and blood pressure check.

Oh mine was for diagnosis, so hmm

What condition are they looking to exclude/confirm?

Goodness knows, asthma inhalers didn't help, I've been coughing since Easter 22, they did a chest xray and we tried the inhaler and then they gave up

I think it's because my thyroid meds aren't quite right But they won't increase it to try

Have you looked into GERD. It's a common reason for a chronic cough that is often mistaken for asthma. Worth looking into. xx

I've been thinking low stomach acid more recently but I guess gerd is possible

I have been getting food tasting sweet which is a thing apparently

I reccomend the book: The chronic cough enigma.

Thanks ill have a look

Not straight forward then!! I was going to say If asthma there are other ways to diagnose.
Reflux is a good shout, you can buy omeprazole now and others like it from pharmacies. Obviously check there’s no contraindications but it could give you an indication as to whether it’s a factor xx

Tried them both prescription and randomly from the chemist, also tried different antihistamines

I had been going down the line of low stomach acid and drinking juice (not citrus as I have an intolerance) if I have (occasional) heartburn symptoms - which made the symptoms disappear within minutes

The GP mentioned 3 times in her notes that my Dad was a heavy smoker and I was exposed- which I guess is her covering her bases

And the whole consult came about cos I want more levothyroxine as 50 isn't enough (imo)

So I have a chest xray, an unactioned lung function test, blood tests a referral to the CFS/ME Clinic and a grudging referral to endocrinology

& they didn't take enough blood so I have to go back for more

Chest xray was clear