sounder27 I would do it as quickly as possible. I was in bad shape when I decided I had to do something or I was going to die. I'm down on the Ks/Okla state line -- a 10-hour drive but I just called up there one day and they took me right in in 4 days. I didn't know what I had at that time. Had been misdiagnosed locally for 5-6 years. So, I actually asked for gastroenterologists because my regular care doctor thought it was reflux. It took 3 gastro guys on 2 hours to tell me it certainly wasn't reflux and that it was bronchiectasis. They said we want to get you with one of our best pulmonologists and his name is Teng Moua. It took maybe a month to see him but oh my...… such a nice, kind and compassionate man. Took all the time I needed explaining the diagnosis. I had never heart the word bronchiectasis and I asked him if I were going to die from it. He smiled..... said you will die with it..... but hopefully not from it. I think we can manage the disease. It is chronic and there is no cure. They ran sputum tests at that time and of course had results in a couple of hours. I was sent home with meds that did immediately start to help. When I would have episodes again with coughing and phlegm, I could have sputum test run locally (he would fax a prescription for it if your doctor won't write it). Then I would fax the results to him the following day and he would prescribe from that. It's an ongoing situation but I've never dreamed there would be a place like Mayo's. Truly the best. His med Secretary's number is 507 284 5398. You might simply contact her and perhaps could get you in earlier than if you go through channels. Or..... maybe there is another pulmonologist who could see you quicker. But this number is only for Dr. Moua. They have a portal to which you can keep contact with him and he responds to the notes you write on that portal if you have questions. I do not know anyone who has not been ecstatic about the doctors there and the facility. If you do decide to do this, write me again and perhaps I can help you with hotel, etc.

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