Pulmonologist Visit

           

Yesterday I saw the pulmonologist for this new diagnosis of asthma.  It actually went quite well.  As noted in the last post I have probably had asthma for a long time but yet have also been in denial regarding it for a long time.  The appointment started with pulmonary function tests.  Those are always interesting as you blow into this crazy looking machine!!

Next on to see the doctor.  He and I have had a wonderful working relationship for nearly 9 years now.  He can be difficult to work with but we have always gotten along and had mutual respect for each other.  He was quite thorough in his history starting with any sinus issues and working his way down to my lungs.  I had chronic sinus infections starting when I was a teen.  He says this is probably when my asthma started.  Next we moved on to anything I’m allergic to.  I already know that is dust and dust mites.  Then onto household and environmental exposures.  Smoking history (no!)  Etc, etc.  Like I said very thorough.  (But the nice thing is I’m not allowed to vacuum anymore due to the dust allergy and it’s negative effects on my airway!!!)

The next component that he said was a major issue is reflux.  I used to have MAJOR reflux and had anti-reflux surgery in 2002 called a Nissen fundoplication.  Since then I have not had to take any antacid medications.  But he said that people like me get used to the way a TINY amount of reflux feels since it used to be so bad and that I could still have small amounts that are further irritating my airways.  And that I may still have nighttime reflux when I lay flat that doesn’t awaken me.  For this reason I have to now take antacid medication twice daily along with maalox 30 min before bedtime and not eat for 30 min before bed.  Also NO carbonation or caffeine.  (What the heck kind of way is that to live?????)

Then we talked about my actual lungs and how I’m not feeling any better since starting the advair and albuterol inhalers.  I had a nastly cold recently that ended several weeks ago but yet my lungs are still quite congested.  This is not usual for me.  He listened to them and said they still sound quite junky.  He said this was concerning as I should be better by now with both the congestion and how I’m feeling with what he put me on.  So off I go for a chest xray and some bloodwork.  I’ll find out about those on Friday.

All in all it was a great appointment.