Breathless.

[Theland]

Not really a question, just feel like talking a bit.
My COPD is really bad at the moment. Been terrible for last three days. A few times I have panicked and almost rang for an ambulance.
Tonight it is so stressful. Using the nebuliser every half hour. Just walking to the kitchen or bathroom is enough to almost cripple me.
Again, tonight, I feel panicked as I fight for breath. Don't want to ring for the ambulance, out of fear, embarrassment, being a burden, something like that, but feeling all mixed up and confused. Son is still out and missus sleeping.
There, I have let off steam and shared a problem.

[1ozzy]

Well, you have battled a few rounds with Nailit.

Speed dating also takes its toll.

No wonder you're out of puff.

If it gets any worse ring an Ambo for assistance.

Hang in there old mate.

[Theland]

"In and out of ozzy again!" Puddles!
Thank you.

[-SharonA-]

Don't be embarrassed, if you feel you need an ambulance then call for one.
You are not being a burden and this sounds serious.

[Theland]

Thanks Sharon. It costs over £500 every time an ambulance is called.
I always think somebody worse than me needs that service.
I am fine just sitting here using the nebby every now and again. It's when I stand up to walk to the kitchen, or the stairs to the bathroom.
Have to stop on the stairs every three or four steps.
Actually, Answerbank is useful at times like these.
Bit of chat helps, in between YouTube lectures.
Thank you.

[1ozzy]

You posh people with two story houses.

Install a chairlift and zoom up the stairs in seconds flat;-/

At least you still have bladder control, if it took me that long to get to the dunny who knows what little accidents may happen.

[Theland]

Looking to move house. If successful, stair lift will be on the shopping list. Or a commode plonked right in front of the telly!

[1ozzy]

Too much info Theland.

Is your aim that good?

[1ozzy]

Like, my telly is at least 15' from where I sit.

[Old_Geezer]

And I thought that the jet stream was to do with air currents.

[rowanwitch]

Theland, from what you described you should have been in hospital, worked with chest patients for a while and you and I know so well how quickly a life threatening deterioration can happen. I don't think you are ready to find out the truth about life after death just yet. Be sensible , difficulty breathing is always an acceptable reason.

[Theland]

Thanks Rowan. I'm just one of those people who hates fuss, and dislike the feeling of being a burden.
Last year I was in hospital twice. The staff are truly amazing. They never stop. I just don't want to add to their burden if I can possibly avoid it.
I will be sensible.

[rowanwitch]

What about Mrs T she would be devastated if you left it too late. Promise you will stop being an idiot. We have lost too many regulars just recently.

[Rockrose]

You mentioned on another thread that drinking irritates your condition- have you been drinking?

[Theland]

No drink for a while. I know how ill it makes me when I am going through a bad episode. To be honest, I don't find the thought of drinking at all appealing . Happier without it.

[Cloverjo]

Hope you're feeling better, theland. If I'd been with you last night in that state, I'd have called an ambulance for you. The person on the end of the phone would have decided whether you need the full blue light thing, or if you could have been helped by a paramedic in a car.
Anyway. Hope you're better. Take care.

[hc4361]

I want to know how it costs the ambulance service/NHS £500 for every call out

[bhg481]

Bean-counters work out the cost per call by taking the total amount the service costs each year and dividing by the number of calls. Total costs include building new call-centres and maintaining them, buying ambulances, servicing them, repairing them as well as staff pay. It soon adds up.

[hc4361]

So the more often the ambulance is called out, the less it costs for each call.
If there were only one call in the year it would be hugely expensive, don't you think?

[bhg481]

It's a bit like running your car, hc. If you only drive 1 mile per year you still have to buy a RFL and insure it. Servicing is annual because the oil deteriorates and tyres need replacing after a number of years, even though there is still plenty of tread and the car depreciates, although not as much as a more-used vehicle. The cost per mile for 1 mile per annum would be eye-watering.

[hc4361]

Exactly. The cost to the ambulance service should not be quantified by cost per call out - the staff are paid the same whether they are called out or not. The equipment and running costs are much the same. The real cost is the diesel to get to the call out and the disposables used to treat the patient which is negligible.