Newly Diagnosed with COPDp
I have COPD I'm not sure when my diagnosis was made but it's on my medical portfolio. I had pneumonia twice in 2020. I had 2 admissions to 2 different hospitals in July of this year again with pneumonia. I have an appointment with Lung Doctor in December.
I will be 70 in June. I'm anxious about the appointment in December. If some people in this group could share with me what questions that appointment might address. I would like to thank you in advance for any help you could provide.
If, by Lung Doctor, you mean Pulmonologist, then most likely he/she will give you a checkup, possibly take x-rays, check your heart, and generally assess your condition considering your recent medical history, and then do lung testing to see what level your lungs are performing at. This will mostly involve simply having you exhale into a tube which will ascertain your lung function. Not to worry, it's easy, and your current meds will then be assessed to see if you need changes or additional meds and treatments/services. I had pneumonia from January to April this year, then spent a week in the hospital followed by 3 weeks in rehab, where they helped get me up and around again and able to function at home. They all took very good care of me and were very supportive. Now, 6 months later, I have since had a few issues but am plowing along day to day and doing things to get better, like changing my diet, doing mild exercise, etc. I take blood pressure meds now, which work fine, and I use a nebulizer several times daily, and I'm on oxygen 24/7. I'm also 70. I'd say relax and don't get all anxious about it. It's a step-by-step process that will help you to feel better and function better, while doing all they can to improve your health. There is a little work involved, but they will help, and the whole thing will make you better. To prepare, make a list of questions to ask. I had pages of them! There are no bad questions. Then write down the answers as you get them - it's a lot to learn and remember. Be calm and look forward to them helping you get better. My experience of all this has been great - very supportive, and helpful in literally every possible way. Keep us posted on how it goes. And welcome! We're glad you're here! , going to the doctor can be really overwhelming! Here is an article you may find helpful for helping prepare for that appointment: https://copd.net/living/health-tracking-journal I always try to write down all of my questions before heading to the doctor, so I don't forget one and then I take notes while I'm there! Do you have someone that can go with you to take notes for you so you can listen to the doctor and they can write everything down? All the best, Sam S. (Team Member).
