Hello Yvonne - I'll repeat an old joke here - my Dad used to use it when us kids were nervous about how to behave about the "important" people in our church hierarchy were going to be at dinner with our dear pastor. "He's a man, just like the rest of them - still puts his pants on one leg at a time - even under his cassock." So relax, the pulmonologist is a doctor, just like your primary - he still is there to help patients - he just concentrates on lungs.

As for questions, what I have found helpful when dealing with a complex situation:
Take a pad of post-it notes (or small strips of paper) and write one question on each as I think of them.
When I run out of ideas, I sit down with the pile and organize them, most to least important, and combine questions where I can.
Next, write them in order of importance, neatly & succinctly on a pad of paper, leaving room for notes about the answers.
At the appointment, try to focus first on what the doc is saying - many questions might be answered as he talks with you. Then, at the end say "I have a few more questions..."

If the doctor orders tests, and you sense there is time, ask what each is for, if not, write them down & look them up.

Finally, ask if you may have a written after-visit summary that will often contain notes about what the doctor observed, what he is trying to rule out, and maybe even a tentative diagnosis.

Does this help?
Sue

When I went to the pulmonologist first time, it’s mostly for history. They will order tests but you most likely won’t have them that day. They will be scheduled for a future date. For me, They ordered a CT of the chest, a PFT (pulmonary function test) that they do clip your nose, an overnight oximeter test ( you just wear a monitor), bloodwork, and eventually I had a bronchoscopy. They did a finger stick to test for hereditary emphysema. They also wanted to do a sleep study, which I opted not to do. I had an X-ray of chest prior to my visit. I hope this helps. Good luck! P. S. These are all done spread out over time I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed.