Diagnosis of copd
Hello,
I'm not sure if it's ok for me to post this here. Honestly I'm at a loss and I am hoping to find some answers.
I have a boyfriend, he's 29 and he thinks he has copd.
About 2 years ago he heard a crackling sound when he exhaled and as the months passed he heard it more and he felt a movement on the left side of his lung.
Hes gone to several specialist and they all say he's fine. Nothing on an x-ray, nothing on a ct scan, lung function is fine. They gave him trelegy and it worked for a while but he says it's not working as well anymore.
My boyfriend says he can't breath well, that it's like breathing through a straw. He can't sleep and it's bothering him constantly.
Is it possible the doctors missed something? Has this happened to anyone before?
I don't know how to help him. It's affecting him mentally more and more each day. The doctors said he's fine. I'm just not sure anymore.
Hi Jasmine, and thanks for your post. Clearly, your boyfriend is fortunate to have you looking out for him and helping to find a solution for his concerns.
There is actually a methodical approach to a definitive diagnosis for COPD. I would guess since he has been to several specialists, and they all ruled out COPD, he may not have it at all.
However, you may be aware there are other medical conditions that can result in the breathing issues he is experiencing. As well if, as he says, he continues to have difficulty breathing, perhaps he is becoming more anxious over this breathing challenge than one would expect.
It may be of benefit for both of you to go to another appointment with a different specialist, and voice all of these concerns, which you have shared here. By articulating all of the details surrounding his breathing concerns, as well as whatever other concerns YOU may have, the new doctor may be able to provide more of a comprehensive analysis.
What do you think?
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)Thank you for your suggestion. I have been trying to get him to make an appointment but he refuses, convinced the doctors are going to dismiss his concerns again.
Hi Jasmine and thanks for the update. I am glad to hear you are trying (on his behalf), but, it can be challenging when the patient himself is showing some level of resistance. Sometimes, it's necessary for the patient (or a compassionate and understanding girlfriend!), to be their own best advocate - whichever works! The idea is to insist the doctor provide an assessment and definitive diagnosis. Once that is accomplished, treatment, if necessary, can be started.
Good luck!
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
