Doctor near Madison WI

Posted by ann0616 @ann0616, Sep 23 7:17am

Good morning. I have lurked here for a long time. When I found out I had bronchiectasis about 6 years ago I had no clue what it was. My pulmonary doctor has not helped me in any way. He's done sputum tests. Negative, but not much sputum produced. He's never explained my CTs and when I asked questions he seemed to act like I was making a big deal over nothing. I had severe pneumonia in February with chronic cough since. I was recently fed up and was going to ask my primary doctor for a new specialist. But then I developed pneumonia last week and in ER on Saturday. I am looking for a new specialists in my area. I need to stay in network unfortunately. I have had this for 6 years and feel I know nothing about it. I am attaching my scan results from ER below. I could really use help and support. Thanks for any advice, knowledge you can give me.
Scan results:
CT ANGIO CHEST PE PROTOCOL W/CAD

Do you have questions about your results?
Results
Impression
Impression:

No pulmonary embolism.

Multifocal consolidation and tree-in-bud nodularity, worst in the left lower lobe, likely infection.

Persistent, waxing and waning groundglass tree-in-bud nodules concerning for chronic aspiration.

Narrative
Additional relevant history: None

Technique:
Helical CT angiographic acquisition through the chest
Contrast: IV
Reconstructions: Multiplanar reformations and 3-D MIPs
Computer-aided detection (CAD): Yes

Comparison: 5/16/2024

Findings:

Cardiovascular: No acute abnormality. Normal heart size. No pericardial effusion.

Lungs and airways: Peribronchovascular and subpleural consolidation in the left lower lobe. Minimal nodular opacities in the dependent left upper lobe, with additional clustered tree-in-bud nodularity in the dependent portions of the right lung. Persistent, waxing and waning groundglass tree-in-bud nodules predominantly in dependent lung segments. Scattered mucus plugging.

Pleura: Normal.

Diaphragm: Normal.

Lymph nodes: Normal, unchanged to prior.

Chest wall: Normal.

Other: Upper abdomen is unremarkable.

As the teaching physician, I personally examined the radiologic study, reviewed the findings with Cory S Pierson and arrived at this interpretation.

Electronically signed by: Dr. Thekla Oechtering, University of Wisconsin - Madison

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

cwal | @cwal | Sep 24 5:52am

Since you have "lurked here" with this group for a while, hopefully you have noticed that airway clearance is an important topic. From the sound of your CT report you definitely need it. From your story it also sounds like (as you said) you need another physician. Many of us have struggled to find that physician that has the knowledge needed to take care of our conditions. You can find lots of helpful info and suggestions here but you also need to arm your self with knowledge and read and learn about your condition. I'm sure other people here will add to this thread with topics and links to helpful info. Glad you found this site to help with your struggle.

churlgurl | @churlgurl | Sep 24 10:29am

I was diagnosed in the Milwaukee area but took more than four years and having right lung resection surgery. I then went to National Jewish Health for 10 days because I did not trust any of doctors I had been working with in Milwaukee. NJH did many tests, further diagnosed me as bronchiectasis, mycobacteria avium complex, GERD. Sent me home with treatment plan of airway clearance and task of finding suitable pulmonary physician. The resiratory therapist who delivered all my equipment for aurway clearance told me the absolute best pulmonary doctor in the area is Dr. Steven Leh at St. Lukes south of Milwaukee. I had to leave the area in 2020, but am now planning to move back mostly to get my care in control. He is amazing. Explains everything, goes over your CT scans and test results in detail explaining all. His manner is like you are talking to a good friend. Tells you to call him Steve. I call him the savant of bronchiectasis and mycobacteria. My care has suffered greatly without him. If you don’t mind the 1 1/2-2 hr drive to St. Lukes his office number is 414-649-6572. Location, 2900 W. Oklahoma Ave., Pulmonary 2nd floor, Milwaukee

churlgurl | @churlgurl | Sep 24 10:34am

In reply to @churlgurl "I was diagnosed in the Milwaukee area but took more than four years and having right..." + (show)

I would add one comment. If I had been referred to Dr. Leh when all the illnes started I am certain I never would have taken four years to get diagnosis and probably would not have had to have lung surgery, nor would it have been necessary to go to Denver to National Jewish Health. Not dissing NJH, they are wonderful but expensive to go there for 10 days. Wish I had known about Dr. Leh. Certain he could have diagnosed me easily.

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