Geibman's Story

Over the past several years I developed a nighttime hacking cough but was able to calm it with Delsym. Last summer I developed a phlegmy smokers cough but said "Oh Well". I later developed a post nasal drip with nighttime cough which the Delsym didn't seem to help. I quickly referred to Dr Google and prescribed myself Flonase and Claritin DS for relief. I began coughing a lot more and after two weeks went to my PCP. She was out that day so I saw a Nurse Practitioner who diagnosed me with acute bronchitis and gave ma a prednisone shot, RXs for Prednisone medpak, antibiotics and Proair HFA for wheezing. She also gave me benzotate (pearls) for the cough. The cough never abated and I developed a hematoma from my back to my stomach. I went back to my PCP and got another prednisone shot, more and stronger RX for antibiotics and prednisone, a narcotic cough medicine, a breathing treatment and chest xray. The xray showed fluid in my lungs and a partial collapse. A f/u xray two weeks later was clear. The cough continued and I was feeling hard to breath. When the cough syrup was gone I went back to the PCP who refilled the RX and ordered a CT for my chest and neck. I also started Chantix to quit smoking. She also ordered a PFT. The CT Showed pneumonia and the neck CT showed a 50 to 60% blockage of my r carotid artery ( another story altogether). The chest CT report recommend referral to a Pulmonologist. My PCP cancelled the PFT due to the fluid in my lungs and referred my to the Pulmonologist.

I went to the referred Pulmonologist and after a five minute chat and review of the CT scan he scheduled me for a Thoracentesis. As I was leaving his office he said I could probably use a inhaler and he gave me a 14 day sample of Stiolto and told me to take two puffs a day.. After 2 days on the inhaler I started to feel better.

In the middle of the next week I had heard nothing about the procedure. I called the Pulmonologist and the assistants told me oh yes well get back to you. The next day the local hospital called and scheduled the procedure. The radiologist looked at the ultrasound and determined there was not enough fluid to merit the procedure and ordered another Chest xray which confirmed that my lung was pretty clear.

After another week I got tired of waiting for a call from the Pulmonologist and called to make an appointment. I also sent a followmyhealth email to the Doctor. I was on hold for the appointment desk for thirty minutes before I hung up and called my PCP who told me to come right in. She listened to my chest and said I sounded good. She gave me three Stiolto samples and scheduled another PFT. I took the test and was diagnosed with COPD. They told me to continue the Stiolto and use the Proair as needed. I have another CT scheduled for next week and a f/u in two weeks with my PCP.

Since then the pulmonologists office called and they told me the Dr was happy my lungs cleared up and to make an appointment after my F/U CT scan. Later that day my pharmacy called me to tell me my Dr had sent a 3 month supply of Stiolto.

It has been a very interesting last four months. The good news is I haven't smoked for over a month and have a good PCP. The other good news is finding all of you? Let's see whats up next.