"The treatment I eventually got was excellent"

Felt really ill middle of 2024 , with dry cough/ headaches/ nausea/ loss of appetite/ dizziness/ very tired/ breathlessness. Contacted Gp after 2 weeks as I wasn’t feeling any better. Blood tests taken ( results clear) . After another 2 weeks: contacted GP again as still feeling worse, breathlessness was  getting worse . More blood tests ( results clear)  & referred for chest X-ray which showed an abnormality. 

Referred for HRCT Scan  which I had in Sept.

 Saw GP again a few days later as still very breathless ( results of CT scan not in . Had gel nail polish on so GP unable to take a oxometer test on finger , but remarked I looked a bit purple. No further treatment given by GP until results of CT Scan & was also referred to Respiratory Clinic St John’s & was awaiting appt to see consultant.

Next week: Had felt really ill , extremely tired , very breathless on exertion. Had purchased home oxometer & had nail polish removed that day. Took a reading which said 80% oxygen , immediately went to pharmacist who confirmed my reading, he sent me straight to GP surgery who again confirmed my oxygen level was dangerously low. Advised to go straight to A& E St John’s . Was seen pretty quickly by triage as I was struggling to get breath. Was put in cubicle & put straight onto oxygen . Lots of tests , X-ray, various Drs asking medical history . Had to wait for bed in respiratory & was admitted to ward 21 .

Remained in hospital for 8 days with lots of tests done with diagnosis of Pulmonary Fibrosis caused by possible fibrotic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis NSIP. 

Prescribed home therapy oxygen through portable ambulatory machine, & Oxygen Concentrator at home , tapering steroids. Still on steroids  awaiting appt with Consultant , who had ordered more tests before deciding on treatment going forward. 

Have been to Oxygen Clinic twice, had Lung Function tests twice.

All the staff I have seen have been extremely professional & very kind to me . Have the utmost respect for all they are doing to help. 

Only criticism I have is the length of time I had to wait to have tests done & results back, I feel the delay resulted in me getting really very ill in the weeks I had to wait (July-Sept). I also feel that my home oxometer saved my life in Sept as my oxygen levels were dangerously low resulting in an emergency admittance to Hospital.

But the treatment I eventually got within hospital was excellent .