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...
I went to the Dr today and asked him about the A1 test for young people with Emphysema and he said "No way!" He explained to me that test is for people with unexplained Emphysema but mine is explained since I am a smoker! He gave me a steroid inhaler for daily use to strengthen my lungs and I requested a nebulizer treatment since rescue inhaler's rarely work for me but he refused stating that he doesn't give nebulizer treatments to smokers.... So he ordered a regular rescue inhaler. I just hope I don't get so bad that it doesn't work and I end up in the ER! He also made a comment that he is completely impartial regarding whether I quit smoking or not but when I said he's impartial to a point since he asks me every month if I have quit smoking yet? Then he said once i tell him "No" he said "The channel changes" What do you think he meant by that?
I wouldn't have any confidence in this doctor. I don't know of any doctor who would not order an alpha 1 test for a 32 year old with emphysema.
But he's right about one thing: You need to quit smoking now.
The alpha 1 test is a simple blood test that is very cheap, if not free. I got mine free at the mall! (They were doing a free screening for alpha -1).
You do not have to be treated in such a rude manner, some doctors think you work for them, not so, they work for you, and can be replaced !! Get another doctor and also see about getting to a lung specialist.
This doc is not going to benefit you or your disease at all, and his ideas on emphysema are stupid.
A1 test is for anyone that might have a genetic link to copd. He is also with holding medication from you, as a nebulizer would be such a great help to you.
Not giving a nebulizer treatment to smokers? That is shameful..
.
Yes, it will benefit you and anyone with this disease to quit smoking. It slows down the progression of this disease and is the first step to good pulmonary therapy.
But to be denied a treatment because you are a smoker is in my opinion, a crime.
I think what he meant by "the channel changes" is , when you quit smoking he will then treat you like a human patient.
Kick the jerk to the curb, get another doctor and you will be much happier and healthier..
BJ
Pls try to see a Pulmonary Doctor & you will find that the Alpha 1 test is free. Perhaps you may be genetically pre-disposed for Emphysema /or maybe a carrier. However, the 1st thing any doc will tell you is "Stop Smoking". I ignored good advise for many yrs, not because I had incompetent docs but I was in denial too long.
Pls pay attention to the postings on the board. Their info is valuable and carries all good/happy thoughts for your future. Keep in touch w/DS.
this guy can do more harm than good with his attitude towards you.
i i remember your 1st post; you are mild i beleive now, but that can change with one illness/exacerbation.
at your age alpha-1 should be tested & treatments (if you have the gene) for it should start BEFORE you advance any further.
yes, you should stop smoking, but for a dr not to treat you seems prejudicial to me & goes against the "hyporatic oath".
i can't do steroids, so maybe i'm "dense", but how do steroids "strengthen" your lungs?
i thought steroids just help inflamation....if your dr said that, it's another reason you may want a 2nd opinion if not a new dr.
i went from mild/moderate COPD (emphysema) to severe COPD with severe pulmonary fibrosis in 1 exacerbation that a dr didn't treat properly. this dx can move slow when taken care of properly, but it can move FAST if not taken care of!!---i learned the hard way how important a dr & a specialist is to have, please get another opinion!