When the Doctor Leaves Questions

By Steven Workman

2 min read

Based on the feedback on my last article, which was fantastic by the way; I am left with a growing number of questions for my doctor. I’ve been told to go ahead and have any scans and tests completed so my doctor can come up with the best treatment plan to help me. I am eager to find out what comes next, but I have run into a bit of a snag when it comes to this part.

Possible Doctor Issues

My doctor has not ordered any additional tests for me. She also has not given me any advice beyond the two medications she prescribed, which we had to remind her office to call in to my pharmacy. My once daily inhaler is one in a family of I believe five. However, the one she prescribed me is for asthma, called Breo, even though there is one in that family of medications made specifically for COPD. When I asked about the other medication, she simply that said she thought this one would work better for me.

I do not yet know enough to have an opinion one way or the other so for now, I will go with her answer. I am just surprised that she has not mentioned any other type of testing. It makes me wonder if she diagnosed me with COPD simply because I am a smoker who happened to have a cough when I saw her.

During my initial appointment with her, I had pneumonia, which she barely treated. She was more worried about a previous sleep study I had done. With that in mind, I don’t believe a cough would have been all that outrageous of a symptom. Since that time, she has not requested any follow up appointments either.

The once daily Breo inhaler along with the albuterol rescue inhaler she prescribed me have helped minimize some of the coughing that I may have for now. I am content with that part of things because when I had pneumonia, I was coughing so often enough that my body hurt all over any time I that I coughed. But, at the same time, I would like to know what other tests she plans on running (if any) so that she can give me a better or more accurate diagnosis.

Wife's Short Tolerance

At this point my wife is looking for other pulmonary doctors on our insurance and looking at making me an appointment. She does not like when a doctor provides subpar treatment to their patients and she has honestly used this doctor as well. Needless to say for a doctor who swore to be so committed to her patients at the beginning she allowed my wife to end up with extreme pneumonia, where another doctor had to direct admit her to a hospital. So my wife wants more answers for me concerning what pulmonary issues I may have going on and how we need to treat those issues in a way that is best for my health because she wants and needs me healthy.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi Steven Workman and thanks for providing an update to your medical situation and progress, such as it is. Reading over your story, it is very clear (to me) the well warranted disappointment that both you and your wife have in this practitioner. You have far too many valid concerns that a qualified, capable, and compassionate physician should be able to address. Your wife seems to be doing just the right thing in terms of seeking out a pulmonologist who is more suited to the type of care you are looking for and also deserve! Good luck to you and please, continue to keep us apprised of your anticipated progress. As always, if there is anything we can do to assist you, just let us know. Warmly, Leon (site moderator)
1949kathleen Member
Good for you and your wife! I was just recently diagnosed, and had some similar concerns, and am getting a second opinion very soon. Your post helps validate that I am on track, and as a 'newbie', that is a huge help. Thank you so much for sharing your story. It makes a huge difference!
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi 1949kathleen and thanks for your post. You will find the more time you spend in our community, the more you learn about COPD. You will see that you are not alone. Welcome aboard! Leon (site moderator)
tomboyer46 Member
 Steven, I don't believe that any of us realize how many of us leave the Dr.'s office with a lot less information than we want or need. I, as I have stated on this site before am treated by the VA and am in the same situation even as they have every resource available to them. My last visit I was seen by a resident that I had never even met before. The Dr.'s I guess don't like being questioned especially when I do a little research and get some results by showing the results to other department heads they in turn ask the pulmonary Dr.'s why I had to go to them. I might not get any more satisfaction in the future but I got it off my chest. Who knows, maybe it helped. I realize in the regular "world" what I did is not an option, so all I can do is wish you luck. You are not alone.