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Real members of mySMAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

The lung muscles have atrophied and I haven’t an appointment with the lung department of our public hospital until the 16th December.

A mySMAteam Member asked a question 💭
Tasmania Australia
4 days ago
 · 
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A mySMAteam Member

Thanks John. You are kind.

3 days ago
A mySMAteam Member

Hi Sue, sorry to hear you have a wait until December for your appointment. Unfortunately, I have found similar time frames with the public system. Once you get seen, though, I have found the care and treatment to be first rate. So, I wait knowing that this will happen. I understand, too, your waiting can be unsettling, to say the least. The suggestions from mySMAteam are very good ones that may help. I hope your appointment can be moved up to address your concerns. Take care. J

3 days ago
mySMAteam

Waiting for a pulmonology appointment when breathing muscles are weakening can feel really stressful — that's completely understandable. While December feels far away, there are some things worth knowing in the meantime.

With SMA, weakened chest muscles can lead to a few key concerns:

- Difficulty clearing mucus from the Show Full Answer

Waiting for a pulmonology appointment when breathing muscles are weakening can feel really stressful — that's completely understandable. While December feels far away, there are some things worth knowing in the meantime.

With SMA, weakened chest muscles can lead to a few key concerns:

- Difficulty clearing mucus from the airways
- Shallow or slow breathing, especially during sleep
- Increased risk of chest infections
- A weaker cough that makes it harder to keep airways clear If any of the following happen before the December appointment, it would be worth seeking urgent medical attention rather than waiting:

- Breathing feels significantly more difficult or labored
- Persistent headaches (which can signal low oxygen or high carbon dioxide levels overnight)
- Signs of a chest infection, like fever or increased mucus
- Trouble swallowing food or drink safely

It's also worth contacting the hospital to ask about being placed on a cancellation list, or asking a GP to write a referral letter flagging the urgency of the situation. Respiratory complications in SMA are serious and medical teams should be made aware of any worsening symptoms promptly.

4 days ago

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