Terry -
Here are some questions that should be asked to get a better idea of what is going on: http://www.healthcommunities.com/evaluating-lung-problems/questions-to-ask-doctor.shtml
Plus here are some resources for getting more information:
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/COPD_Emphysema/forum/15547550-copd-resources
http://www.copdfoundation.org/
http://www.thoracic.org/clinical/copd-guidelines/for-patients/what-are-the-signs-and-symptoms-of-copd.php
http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/copd/
http://www.emphysema.net/default.asp


Hugs,
Dennis

Dennis pretty well covered it with the web sites. My first visit he talked to me, asked questions, looked at my medical records, then laid out his plans for therapy which included the breathing tests about every 3 months, the 6 minute walk, xrays if needed, ect. He will probably prescribe you an inhaler or two. His real diagnosis will come after all the first round of breathing tests are done, to give him a basis of how far your disease is advanced and how best to work with it. Make sure you take the list of questions and add your own if you think if any. I am glad you are going...
Brenda

Dennis,

Thank you very much for your reply and information. That's some good stuff there bud.

Terry

Thanks Brenda for your reply. I answered Dennis before I saw your post. I'm sorry.

I do have inhalers that really aren't working that well. Hopefully he will have something that does.

Terry

That's great news! Here's hoping you're quite comfortable with the pulmo. That's a critical step. The pulmonologist is where you receive your best medical COPD support.

DennyG is right on with all those resources - he wasn't here when I first started so I started with quite a few missteps. As has been said, write down your questions; and also jot down the responses. Recently a member mentioned having some sort of recording device that she used with her appointments - especially useful if there are a whole bunch of issues needing to be addressed. Sometimes there's a lot to remember, particularly with the initial appointment. Some of us (me included) require much more practice with DR appts. My attitude is generally that I'm fine so I skip over some questions; or not ask for more clarity. "So why am I there?"

Take care - I hope I've been able to suggest to you what NOT to do.

i can't add much more so i will just keep you in my prayers and hope that you have found a pulm that you like & that works well with you on finding what works the best for you.
i'm the one with the recorder because i can never remember all when i get home.
i always take a notebook with written questions i want to ask when i go or i forget everything i want to ask.
and i have found that i can't take notes & listen to all being said so fast that my son got me a little digital recorder that i record my whole visit so later at home i can go over all that was said at my leisure.
let us know how it goes :)

Terry,

Good luck hon!! Yes, just write down NOW, any questions, and I mean ANY questions you may have. I always forget one or 2, when I don't write them down, and take them with me.

Also, don't be afraid. This Dr is there to help you , and as the others have said, to SUPPORT you, in feeling the best you can!

I will say a special prayer for you my friend, and just know that you can come home, and log on, and tell us, and we will support and help you in any way we can!

Hugs,

Boo

Thanks to everyone who responded and gave me some great info and suggestions. I don't have a recorder but I do have the next best thing. My wife was a top notch secretary and accountant for many years and she takes GREAT notes. Actually she talks better than she writes but that's another story. *lol*

Well Terry, that sounds like a plan! Take your wife,and she can take notes. Dennis always has the best websites also. And like the others said, the pulmologist is there to help you, so answer his questions best you can, but also ask your own. Your lungs are going to be in this man;s hands so to speak, so you need to develop a trusting relationship. I hope he will be a good one and able to help you. He will give you different inhalers probably, give them time, and if they do not work for you, do not hesitate to tell him. But i am sure you, your wife and the pulmy can work out a therapy that just fits!! Good luck and God bless. Please let us know how it goes...
BJ

I agree start to write down questions you have now, it`s amazing how you forget once you walk through that door!!!!
Good luck x x

Hi Terry, My first visit to the pulmonologist was pretty easy. Breathing tests (they don't hurt) and talking. I took my x-rays of my lungs in with me and we discussed those. He also gave me the test for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. A simple finger stick and some drops of blood onto the test medium. My husband came with me but waited in the waiting room. Now he goes into the checkup room with me, mostly to help make sure everything gets asked that we have talked about. I write my questions down, but then I forget to take the paper with me. Good luck. I really like my pulmonologist. And that is nice.

Thank you deegran and everyone. I'm on my way in an hour.

Oh yeah. I had my appt. with the Urologist to discuss severity and option for the Prostate Cancer recently diagnosed. I'm not sure I'm going to like this week but at least I'll be more informed and know what I have to deal with.

Take care all,
Terry

Rats. I wish there was an edit feature.

I meant that I had my appt. with the Urologist moved up to Thursday instead of next week.

Ok I'm back. What a great guy. I am not in great shape. He gave me 5 years more or less. He wasn't much on guessing mortality of this disease. He did prescribe Prednisone and has ordered a Nebulizer which will be delivered to the house.

I did not get all the numbers but they will be mailed. Dennis, you probably know that if I say a couple of numbers were supposed to be in the 80's but mine were in the 20's, what I am talking about. If not I'll let you know when I get the paperwork. He also wants me to do a stress test to rule out any heart conditions. That should be interesting.

I think that's it for now.

Terry

Wait, one other thing. I also got a disabled parking permit. WooHoo.