What questions would you ask your Dr about stage 4 COPD?

Posted by lesleys56 @lesleys56, Jan 12 12:26pm

I've asked my Dr questions about prognosis and he seems reluctant to answer questions. I get the feeling it's because he doesn't want me to worry but instead, stay positive. How can I stay positive if my questions aren't answered? That only makes me get into my head.

What questions would you ask your Dr?

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crystalena | @crystalena | Jan 12 3:25pm

I asked him about lung pain and about the best way to regulate my air . Discuss sputum . He is kind of just holding my hand here . I am stage 4 and 79 . I don’t know, just like most of us what my exact prognosis is . I don’t know how long I will survive with this . I do know that I am going to do the best I can to feel the best I can . I am going to live the rest of my life . There are a lot of younger people that will pass before I do . It depends on the card one drew . Then there is always the bus! So no worries . Live every day !
Blessed Be, Crystalena

lesleys56 | @lesleys56 | Jan 12 6:30pm

In reply to @crystalena "I asked him about lung pain and about the best way to regulate my air ...." + (show)

Thank you. I needed to hear your response. Thank you so very much.

jamecline | @jamecline | Jan 25 7:20am

I rarely cough or produce mucus anymore I am stage lV anyone know why

crystalena | @crystalena | Jan 26 10:28am

Did you ask your pulmonologist? I am stage 4 . Actually, I was diagnosed with stage 4. Anyway, I didn't have any mucus before that . I take Musinex 1200 every twelve hours to help me clear it now. That is important that mucus comes up and out . And I do drink lots of water . You might try this method.( . I am not a Doctor. )Talk to your Doctor . Blessed Be , Crystalina

hicopd | @hicopd | Jan 26 1:45pm

My docs told me in 2000 to get my affairs in order as my FEV1 (how much air you can blow out in 1st second after full breath) was about 30% of predicted. I’m still about 30% now, 25 years later so no sense getting worked up about dire predictions.

I’d ask whether you can get referred to a pulmonary rehab program to learn more and get a customized exercise program to help you best condition your muscles safely because conditioned muscles use O2 much more efficiently than deconditioned muscles. They cover lots of education as well and can review your meds and be sure you’re taking them optimally.

If you’re on supplemental O2, they can help you adjust it to your needs & activity level (I have to turn mine up to exercise safely and use it for elevation & travel as well).

kllevinson | @kllevinson | Jan 27 12:22pm

I am in stage four also emphysema COPD. I saw my doctor today and my FEV one is 24%. He said if I get more infections, I would probably go to Hospice but right now I am OK. I haven’t been sick since last Summer. I know prognosis is hard when you have copd. I guess I would just ask him about the best way to relieve the symptoms that you’re having for me. It’s extreme shortness of breath or SOB. I’m on Oxygen 4 L down from 5 L 24 seven
Hope you have a good appointment. Thank you for posting. Hugs. K.

maggie40 | @maggie40 | Jan 31 4:36pm

In reply to @hicopd "My docs told me in 2000 to get my affairs in order as my FEV1 (how..." + (show)

What do you account for your fev1 not changing after all those years ?

hicopd | @hicopd | Jan 31 7:08pm

My FEV1 has decreased as I aged but has managed to stay about 30% of predicted. I’ve never smoked and not been exposed to lung irritants so no one even knows why I have emphysema in the 1st place. I’m glad I’ve stayed pretty stable and do my best to exercise and stay healthy.