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
Sorry you had to find this site under the circumstances but you will find it very rewarding. Many, many friendly, caring and informative people here too.
Wes
I will retain you and Digi will pay for it !! Just as soon as he finds his way to the West Coast !! Hope the Greyhound stays intact.
Hugs to all, Joanne xx
I may even sleep tonight!
Please get a new doc, you don't deserve to be treated that way. Hang in there, k?
Jona it sounds like you need to keep a lawyer on retainer, you know they have legal plans you pay for monthly ;)
I'm fairly new here, also. I did my 'homework' when diagnosed a few yrs ago. The support groups I found just didn't have the 'family' feel that exists here. I'm still waiting on WebMD to start a group. Then, I hope to know enough to help others & will be directing them to this site for more knowledge/support. :)
I have Epilepsy & am VERY familiar w/ what I now call the DR/MED MERRYGOROUND. It hasn't changed in 30 yrs. Still gotta try a 'new' ride every time I move or change insurance. :(
I ain't happy w/ my pulmonary DR either. But, from what ya said, I THINK your DR was just trying to be jocular/joking. Ya know how some ppl just can't 'tell a joke'? Or the 'joke' part goes over our head?
Remember the movie 'Patch Adams'? Seems a LOT of DRS think 'humor' will break the ice w/ new patients.
As a previous poster said, you won't see much of this DR, anyway. Mine sees me on a yrly basis. (4-5 yrs?) Asks 3 questions & goodbye. :( My new PC did my last tests & told me he could/would take care of me.
Then I joined this group & found my Pulmonary Doc is/has been VERY neglectful. :(
SOOOO, Suggestion: Write a list of questions you want answered. Ask the ppl here for suggestions & then see what kinda answers you get from that DR. If any. :( If he takes time to answer them & has the RITE answers, then, MAYBE ya got a DR worth keeping. Maybe, Just a DR w/ a personality flaw. :)
Lots of LOVE & HUGS! () () Candi
We got cookies and milk up here Dig
They did have hospitals here in Naples/Ft. Meyers area but sold them and changed names. That might be good idea and I would send you a hug in agreement if I could figure out how?
ps. Jona, I'm betting your in for a good whoopin when Marge reads your post!
Linda, there has been some really good advice flying around here today, maybe your doc was having an off day, no one said you have to tell him you are getting a second opinion, as a matter of fact, it may cause trouble, do what you feel best at, my doc was seeing me every three months until I kicked his behind over x-mas, now it's every month...hope you got your flu shots and knee- ammonia shot, yes Dig, we all know you got your Rabbi and distempers taken care of, now, stick your tongue back in your mouth, it ain't that kind of party
You mentioned your doctor said there was nothing he could do. I am wondering how he meant that? If it was in the context that COPD is not something he can cure, then that would be correct. Perhaps he finds this frustrating with all his medical knowledge and training. However, if he's saying there's nothing to be done period, that is incorrect - there is much that can be done regarding medications, etc., to slow its progression and to help you live a fulfilling life, though it may be different. You mention oxygen...are you now on oxygen?
COPD is the pits, no doubt about it, and you will have tons of questions and things that will come up. As to seeing another doctor or specialist, I would say do what you are comfortable with. Unless your present doctor has a big ego, he should have no objections. Lots of people get second opinions and you may find you are more compatible with the new doctor.
Hugs,
Joni
Sorry, this is about Linda, how are you Linda, I'm hoping that you are getting some good advice here as I did, sounds like it anyway...
Hugs Joanne xx
Yes, Jamsn I am on oxygen 24/7. I have been home from the hospital one week from yesterday and the doctor had me in his office for the lung test. the Dr said I may be on oxygen for months. that is all he said about it. I am so tired I am going to hit the sack for awhile. I will Talk to everyone tomorrow, thank you.