What questions should I ask at my doctor's appointment?
I have been short of breath since my early 50s for no reason. After a terrible summer and early fall due to extreme shortness of breath I quit work as I could not take it anymore. My doctor sent me for a breathing test and methocoline which surprise, I failed. At the time it was all I could do to catch my breath, was light headed, breaking out in sweat. If there is good news to this it is I have mild COPD. My fear is if this is what mild feels like what does the future hold. I go mall walking from 1-5 km 4 times a week length depending on if I can catch my breath. It is winter here in Canada -5 to -12 and I am running around in tank top without my coat because if i get the least bit warm I can't breath and break out in sweat. My doctor does not seem to be at all concerned so I am thrilled to find this forum as I have learned more here in half hour than 10 visits to doctor. I know I am asking him a lot of questions next week and getting direction. Any assistance would be appreciated with questions to ask.
Hi dreamer and thanks for your excellent question. It's important that you be prepared when you have an appointment with your physician. You do want to make the most of your visit to the office. I thought this article might give you some ideas and help you in your preparation: https://copd.net/living/questions-for-pulmonologist/. Remember, these are suggestion and you may find them to your liking. Feel free to add whatever strikes you as well.
Good luck!
Leon (site moderator)I appreciate this info. I am seeing a new pulmonary special in a few weeks and I want to express exactly how my health seems to have deteriorated. I am 78 yrs, diagnosed 9 yrears ago. Good luck dreamer
I hope it goes well with your new pulmonologist. With a little preparation you'll be able to tell him/her exactly how you're feeling and what you want them to know. I highly recommend sitting down before you go and writing as much down as possible. You might do it first for yourself - just write anything that comes to mind. It may be over a few days that you do it as you think of things. Once you feel you have everything down on paper, transpose it to a new page for the doctor. It's sometimes helpful to bullet point each item. It's easier to explain and puts everything in short, concise sentences.
Let us know how it goes.
Best,
Lyn (COPD site moderator)
