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...
Hello everyone,
This is my first day on this website. As I read though some of the stuff here it looks as if you folks are pretty grounded.
I was just diagnosed with copd stage 3 on 1-13-10 following gall bladder surgery.
My first appointment with the pulmonary doctor was yesterday. He did see me in the hospital and I did not really like him then either. I don't know if all doctors are like this and I would just have to get used to him but, here is a snippet of his personality and please tell me what you think.
1. Meeting him in the hospital he said, hi, just saw your ct scan, your lungs look like Swiss cheese. You are in bad shape.
2. Yesterday when he came into the exam room I said hello how are you and he says "well ok I guess, after 8 years of bla bla school, 4 years of bla bla school,3 years of bla bla residency, 2 years fellowship, this is what I get...........
I did not know how to respond. Are all these doctors like this? Helloooooo I have a problem here doc and it is far worse that the motif of your office walls.
Anyone have any thoughts please share with me.
Thank you
Linda
This is my first day on this website. As I read though some of the stuff here it looks as if you folks are pretty grounded.
I was just diagnosed with copd stage 3 on 1-13-10 following gall bladder surgery.
My first appointment with the pulmonary doctor was yesterday. He did see me in the hospital and I did not really like him then either. I don't know if all doctors are like this and I would just have to get used to him but, here is a snippet of his personality and please tell me what you think.
1. Meeting him in the hospital he said, hi, just saw your ct scan, your lungs look like Swiss cheese. You are in bad shape.
2. Yesterday when he came into the exam room I said hello how are you and he says "well ok I guess, after 8 years of bla bla school, 4 years of bla bla school,3 years of bla bla residency, 2 years fellowship, this is what I get...........
I did not know how to respond. Are all these doctors like this? Helloooooo I have a problem here doc and it is far worse that the motif of your office walls.
Anyone have any thoughts please share with me.
Thank you
Linda
Is there more than one pulmonology group that has privileges at the hospital of your choice? If so, change docs. If not, consider that you may need someone familiar with you to treat you in an emergency or exacerbation and learn to get along with him.
I know it feels like your world has turned upside down. And you may be very emotional about it right now. Your docs attitude could be a result of him being uncomfortable with your emotions. Or it may be he is trying to encourage you to view your COPD in the same way you might think of a less serious illness. If you are like me & you start thinking of it as unmanageable, you will go nuts.
On the plus side, if you cannot change docs, once you are stable on meds, etc. you should not have to see him often. Your internist can do much of the day-to-day management of your COPD.
Keep us posted on how its going.
Hugs,
CaitsMom
Just Teasing!
Change doctors.
I did that to my doctor, what a mistake, he started calling me at home and sending flowers and stuff, I had no idea...do I need a lawyer now?
It is not unusual to have to shop around for a good specialty doctor,
many of us have had similar experiences, let's hope there are a few to choose from in your area.
The depression is so common with also and quite treatable.
Hang in there with us and you will find many friends.
Hugs,
Leenie
Linda
:)
Linda
I'm sorry to hear of your COPD, and the lack of compassion that your doctor has showed you. It appears to me that his people skills needs some working on. My Pulmonary Doctor has issues with his people skills as well, when I got feed up with this, I started taking my daughter with me on my visits to see him, having someone there with me made a difference in his attitude and I got better treatment. If this dost not work for you than you may want to change Pulmonary doctors, this is your life and I'm sure you want the best treatment medically and emotionally. I look at it this way, I'm paying him , he's not paying me! Good luck and welcome to the group, I'm sure you will find the people here are very caring and have a lot of imformation to offer.
Hugs to you!
Marian
Jona01 is one of three resident comedians here on DS!
Do you know any nurses at your hospital? They are the ones who will give you the Best referral to doctors as they work with them everyday.
Doctors oftentimes are not allowed to practice medicine in the specialty that they want. When they complete med school, entry into the residency for their specialty is a lottery--they dont always get their choice and it doesnt make them happy. You should NOT have to have a relationship with this guy--do your research and look for a doctor that you are comfortable with.
Caitsmom has a great point. Learn to get along with him in the event you need him during an exerbation. Good luck!
Welcome to DS. I hope you will be able to find a different doctor, it's so important to have a lot of trust in your doctor. This is a scary illness, you will get a lot of support here, and also a lot of laughs, stick with us, they are a great bunch of people here and I have learned so much.
Hugs Joanne xx
Thank you everyone.
L
Hugs, Arlynda
just a couple of bum's what need constant disciplining
I don't think I've met a person that wasn't scared when they were first diagnosed with COPD. For me, when I first hear it mentioned I didn't hardly had a clue, really, what it was. However, I have since found it manageable and not so all encompassing.
I live in a small town, with one hospital, so my choices of a pulmonologist is somewhat limited. Mine does not have much of a bedside manner either, but he is very knowledgeable and good at what he does. I find that more important in the long run. My primary care doctor is the one I am more comfortable with and find he can answer so many questions I might have.
I suggest giving it a bit of time and if you find if you still feel uncomfortable consider changing doctors, if that's possible.
Good luck to you ! I'm sure you'll find all sorts of good information and support here!
Best,
Joni