What to do???

[swilson2]

Does anyone take medication or do therapy for emphysema ? my dr only sees me once a year and the visit is short I don't feel he is very aggressive please let me know your thoughts on what I should be doing thank you very muchwhat 

[Thomas3.20.2010]

Do you have access to other doctors? If so, shop around! You should not feel rushed since you rarely see your physician. I see mine every 3 Months. Come to each appointment prepared with any questions and concerns. Ask for pulmonary rehab. No matter what stage of emphysema you can benefit today. I take Advair inhaler, Spiriva respimat, Singulair, Guaifenesin, Flonase, and NAC. But each of us is different. That's why it's important to understand your particular illness. A good Doctor recognizes that you are the Captain of your medical team. You make informed decisions. the Doctor is the expert to inform you but (s)he doesn't live your daily life - you do! Set goals to find out your level of emphysema called FEV1%, the recommended treatment options and exercise. Don't give up! Every breath you take depends on you!

[YoungAtHeart]

I second Thomas' advice to find another doctor!  A pulmonary specialist can give you the best plan to slow down disease progression. 

You need to be your own advocate here.  Search online for one close to you and read their reviews. 

If you smoke, quitting is the second single best thing you can do for yourself.  Let us know if we can help.

Nancy

[Giulia]

I'm in agreement with my two compadres above:  find another doctor, Sharon.   Sorry to hear you have emphysema.   Pulmonary rehab may be of great help to you.   "Pulmonary rehabilitation enhances standard therapy for patients with emphysema by helping to control and alleviate symptoms, optimize functional capacity...  by helping patients become more physically active  "    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2645330/   Here's some info:  https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/pulmonary-rehab.pdf 

Good to see you here.

[elvan]

I have a primary care physician but I have a pulmonologist for my lung issues.  I have two inhalers that I use daily, a nebulizer and a rescue inhaler for when I need them and I bought an oximeter to monitor my own oxygen saturations.  I am on oxygen at night.  PLEASE pay attention to Thomas3.20.2010‌ and do all of the suggested reading from Giulia‌ as well.  You need to get on top of this and get a more attentive and concerned doctor, be your own advocate.  This is flu season, if you are not sick...get a flu shot, get the pneumonia shot...protect yourself as much as possible.  I see my pulmonologist every three months unless I need to be seen sooner. The feeling of not being able to breathe is sheer torture.

Hugs,

Ellen