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Pulmonologist versus Infectious Disease Dr

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Mar 12 10:15am | Replies (65)

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@sueinmn

The lack of extensive knowledge of lungs by the ID doc is why we need a team - pulmonologist, ID doc, PCP, radiologist (for scans), specialty lab, pharmacist, maybe a counsellor - each works best in their own "playpen" - then communicates their knowledge back to the team.

To expect otherwise is like expecting one person to have the expertise to build a whole house from foundation to wallpaper - there is the rare craftsman who can do it all well, but most rely on a team to bring it all together.
Sue

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Replies to "The lack of extensive knowledge of lungs by the ID doc is why we need a..."

Thanks to you Sue and this site I just had my first visit with an ID doctor locally. I was diagnosed with BE in August 2022. Found Mayo Clinic Connect just a few months ago and after reading the posts I have learned a great deal and then asked my PCP for a referral.... He referred me to an ID doctor with years, and years of experience with MAC etc. He has suggested, his opinion, after reading the test results from October at NJH, that I go on Biaxin and Myambutol due to the bacteria results that were found and diagnosed in October while I was at NJH for the week long testing. NJH read the MAC was minimal and the head doctor in charge of my visit said it wasn't time to start anti biotics because the amount was minimal. Local pulmonologists and Tyler pulmonologist had all the same information from NJH and did not suggest my going on anti biotics. So, this shows you how different thoughts are. The ID feels that it is worth taking the chance with the anti biotics (the side affects and what we would do if side effects began was discussed and who to see also, .my eye doctor etc. ) to see if it will clear the bacteria or at least help by subsiding my need to constantly clear what is nearly constantly in my throat. He mentioned what he sees with me (NJH tests and pictures on my cell phone of what I bring up and out) to be the same symptoms as the Lady Windermere Syndrome. I had read about the syndrome a while ago when trying to understand the constant clearing of the throat and the foamy white bubbly "sputum"/"mucus" that comes up much of the time. He also did agree to Mucinex and NAC.
He asked me to give it all more thought and let him know what I came to as a decision after my doing my due diligence, thought/research etc. I am also waiting for the mid February sputum test results sent to Tyler. Thoughts Sue..... and others who have been expereincing this chronic disease called BE for a while etc.