thanks dear...I think I will Exercise..more...lol..Each day I do walk a little I need to get out, I do drive to the shops but walk some... I feel it help me be more happier ..I like to swim so thats good too..but its getting harder to walk around now the water just runs down my face...I go back to my doctor on Monday..hope she will be happy with me..I do try to walk .. We must enjoy what time we have left on this Earth right...

If he's not had a breathing test, that's probably the first thing that will be done. After that he should see the pulmo and have the results of the tests explained to him. He needs to ask questions and be sure he understands what the test results show. Some questions he should ask: What is my diagnosis and what in the test results showed that and why. What meds will you prescribe and what is each one for and how do I take them (he should be shown how to use the inhalers). What other treatments are appropriate? And the most important question is "what can I do to help myself?"

If he doesn't hear about exercise, take your meds, exercise, get your flu shot and pneumonia shots, exercise, stay away from people with bugs, exercise....you get the idea. If no one talks about it, he should ask about pulmonary rehab. That's a good way to start an exercise program that he can continue at home when he doesn't go. He needs to be exercising every day, both aerobic exercise and strengthening/resistance work for the upper, lower and core muscle groups. Exercise will do more to help him than any of the meds.

Josie56,

Also, remember, you are the customer, if it doesn't feel like a good fit you have the right to interview and investigate several options.

Been there.

You want one who will listen to you both and hear what is going and communicate.

My first one did not. Poor experience and frustrating.

@A MyCOPDTeam Member

Well said Jean.

Josie, I agree with Jean, your spouse's friends and your family are aware he's not well. A specialist is good here. You can shop around for the best patient/doc fit.

My first one wouldn't listen and had no bedside manner.

A good pulmonologist will do a good physical assessment, vital signs, oxygen saturation levels. Take a good medical history.

They may order chest xrays/CT, CBC, chemical profile and other labs perhaps. They usually schedule breathing tests to assess the breathing status and lung capacity with and/or without breathing medication to see if it changes test results.

Depending on how hubby's breathing, they may try respiratory inhalers, and may have samples of in their facility from drug reps, unless they work with a medical center that doesn't allow sample distribution, like I happened upon.

When hubby is stabilized at the level they see best, he may be on several inhalers. Some of them have no generics. They can be pricey , I found part d did not cover much and I couldn't afford the ones I'm on. Because of my income I qualify for assistance and if you need the info I can give you the phone number. It has been a lifesaver for me.

If assistance is needed, make sure your pulmonologist will complete the preprepared paperwork from the assistance program.

If not, perhaps the internal med doc or primary doc will be able to help.

I hope this is helpful

May hubby breathe easy.

Prayers and blessings and hugs for all

Mentioned Users

A MyCOPDT...

@A MyCOPDTeam Member

A good pulmonologist will do a good physical assessment, vital signs, oxygen saturation levels. Take a good medical history.

They may order chest xrays/CT, CBC, chemical profile and other labs perhaps. They usually schedule breathing tests to assess the breathing status and lung capacity with and/or without breathing medication to see if it changes test results.

Depending on how dad's breathing, they may try respiratory inhalers, and may have samples of in their facility from drug reps, unless they work with a medical center that doesn't allow sample distribution, like I happened upon.

When dad is stabilized at the level they see best, he may be on several inhalers. Some of them have no generics. They can be pricey , I found part d did not cover much and I couldn't afford the ones I'm on. Because of my income I qualify for assistance and if you need the info I can give you the phone number. It has been a lifesaver for me.

If assistance is needed, make sure your pulmonologist will complete the preprepared paperwork from the assistance program.

If not, perhaps the internal med doc or primary doc will be able to help.

I hope this is helpful

May dad breathe easy.

Prayers and blessings and hugs for all.

Mentioned Users

A MyCOPDT...