COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
One hour ago I tried to make an appt. to see my pulmonary dr. who I have seen 2 times in the past 3 months for exacerbation--it took me 10 minutes of press this and press that..before I got a live person and then was told he is booked up till the 25 th ---I told them to forget it ..that I would call my medical dr.Welllllllllllllll she is away on vacation........Sooooo now I will go to the ER if my condition worsens which I really dont want to do.....Now I know why the ER is crowded,because most people cant get cared for ahead of time before it becomes an emergency,,,,so what would be a $80 visit now becomes a $1200 dollar or more visit Argh sorry folks for being so angry
Hugs,
Dennis
I always have prednisone & zithromax on hand for emergency - doesn't everyone?
ps. i'm sure you don't feel up to it now, but on your next regular visit with your dr you might bring up this problem & get a supply of medications to keep on hand like caitsmom (& i do).
also, if this is your 3rd exacerbation in 3 months you might need different game plan on medications to take..
prayers are with you
((((HUGS))))
the drugstore option like Debi suggested, or you can see if one of the chain Urgent Care's take your ins. Couple options before ER.
Do try not to stress out, only make yourself worse.
Here's to a good solution that's not a fortune.
Take care.
I am sorry for your ordeal, but you have to do what you have to do. I am surprised the doctor could not work you in, but then on the other hand, an exacerbation could be considered an emergency if bad enough.
As other members mentioned, an urgent care , or clinic may be able to help, but if it is really bad, please go to er. If you can control it other ways, without it getting worse, do so.
Also, another member mentioned something about changing your game plan? I would agree that 2 exacerbation's within 3 months is a cause for worry that something is not working. Make an appointment for consult only after you are better, with your pulmy, and discuss this with him. He may need to change things around.
Please let us know how this goes