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(COPD) and it is possible this is what is causing your symptoms.
However, it is also possible your symptoms could be due to lung damage from covid infection.This is a very new disease and there’s still a lot we don’t know about it, but it does appear that some people who have had it are left with some scarring in the lungs.
It may be helpful for you to have further tests done by a respiratory specialist, which your GP can arrange for you (though expect a long wait to be seen).
Some major teaching hospitals are setting up clinics especially for people with ongoing symptoms following covid infection, so it may be worth asking your doctor whether this is a suitable option for you.
QMY REQUEST for a repeat prescription of my regular medications has just been declined, apparently because I need to have blood tests and also to have my blood pressure measured.
I have Type 2 diabetes, and am also on pills for high blood pressure and cholesterol, but as I feel perfectly well, surely now is not the time for me (or anyone else) to have a check-up at a surgery where I might get infected with coronavirus?
AIT IS good practice for everyone with a long-term medical problem to have at least an annual check-up. Unfortunately, many conditions, such as high blood pressure or a rise in blood sugar levels in diabetes do not cause any obvious symptoms, but if left untreated can cause permanent damage, such as hardening of the arteries, which can increase the risk of a heart attack or a stroke.
In addition, the medications used for treatment can occasionally affect kidney function, changing the levels of sodium and potassium in the blood. During the height of covid pandemic, doctors did feel it was reasonable for medical reviews to be delayed, but this has meant that many patients are long overdue for annual checks, including blood tests.
Now the general risk of covid infection is so low that shielding has been put on hold and it is in your best interests to have tests done to check your diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure are well controlled and that your kidneys are functioning properly.
All GP surgeries have extremely rigorous infection control procedures, which mean the risk to any patient coming into their premises is incredibly low.You may be asked to wash you hands when you arrive and apply hand sanitiser.
The doctor or nurse who sees you will have done the same and will also be wearing PPE, including a masks and gloves.
I know some patients of mine have been worried about possible infection from the cuff of my blood pressure machine, but like all doctors I make sure this does not touch any other patient’s hands (just their arm) so again the risk is extremely low.
Please do not be concerned – your doctor is acting in your own best interests.
If you have a health question for Dr Leonard, email her in confidence at yourhealth@express.co.uk. Dr Leonard regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence or reply to everyone.
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