HI, deegran
Have you had your breathing tests? if not I would ask doc to scedule you one. it can tell you what stage you are in. One question I forgot to ask my pulm doc was about flying. I don't know if you travel but if you do its worth asking.
I have moderate copd. I know it can be so overwhelming when you hear your dx.
do you use oxygen? I would ask about the medications, if your not on any, if you have copd you need to be on them. They also have rehab at most hospitals. I would definitly ask about that, it will help you a lot.

I wish you the best :) I hope your new doc is a great one !
Rhonda

I, personally, would want to know what Stage I am in. I would want to know if there is Pulmonary Rehab in the area (we have none where I live). If you get a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT breathing test); I would ask them to explain the results to you. Good luck. I wish you the best.

Howdy Dee
Try the list at:
http://www.copd-international.com/Library/questions.htm
It covers a lot of the bases.
Whatever you do, don't let them leave you feeling like you got tossed under the bus and don't know which where is up when you are done. Answers are important - at least enough so you can research more. If you don't like the doc or he doesn't have time to answer your questions - find another one that will. We usually end up in a long term relationship with these doctors and it's important that we let them know where we stand and what we will not stand for...
Dennis

I have not had my breathing tests. I am hoping they will do those today. I am not using oxygen. I am on meds, taking a list and want to know about those.
Dennis thanks for the link! Good resource.
Thanks for the well-wishes. I think it will be somewhat of a relief just to know what is going on with me.

Folks, check out the www.copd-international site DennyGene recommended...it's awesome. Thanks, DG!!!!

I SECOND Imarighter about the website DG suggested. Y'all should print it out. I did, and a copy will go with me to my next pulmo visit!

I just read the sight that DG posted.....a keeper....Good luck on your visit ...better being more informed.....

That list of questions is excellent, my doctor would have a fit if I were to go through it with him. With our health system being the way it is here they are keener to avoid expense than to ensure adequate all round treatment, different if you have insurance of course but that is another story.

We have a shortage of Pulmonary Specialists (doctors) within the area I live. I have to drive a ways ---- then my Pulmonary Doctor has 10 minutes for each patient. That is how over-booked he is. He is in a clinic (the only one in area) with other Pulmonary Doctors. The place is always packed; more patients than providers. It can be hard to get my questions answered in my ten minute allotment.
All testing is done by other technicians; forwarded to my Pulm. Doctor; so part of my "10 minutes" is doctor going over my latest tests. ARGH!