The Follow -Up or 2nd Visit With Your Dr

The following points are merely intended as aids to help you ask the questions you need to know.  They're NOT all inclusive but it's a start. It's also wise to have someone with you to jot down answers or to simply help you to remember. This is also assuming you've had a breathing test and  do in fact have COPD.

Please explain the test results and what they mean

What exactly do I have and what stage am I?

What treatments are there?  What do they include, and do? Are they the latest medicines or treatments?

(If you're on Disability)....ask if the medicines are covered.  If no; ask how you/he or she/ can get them covered

How often and how should they be taken?

What can I expect from these medicines or treatment? When will I notice a change?

Are there any side effects?

What can I do to slow things down ?  (This might include lifestyle changes, type of exercises, meds etc)

Is there anything I should avoid or need to change while taking these meds or treatments? (This may include your current meds for an unrelated illness.)

Can someone teach or show me how to use my medicines properly?

Under what circumstances do I need to call you?

When can I get a flu and pneumonia vaccine?

When should I see you again?

If I can't reach you, what do I do in an emergency?

Will you prescribe antibiotics for me to have on hand at home?  Under what circumstances do I begin them; better still.....Would you fill out an  Action Plan for me? (You can print off a copy at the Canadian Thoracic Society's Website  at http://www.lung.ca/pdf/1408_THOR_ActionPlan_v3.pdf

Do I need, or would I benefit from  a rehab clinic? If yes; will you be recommending it? When can I expect to get in?

              Now; when you get home.....

•  Read the letters written to  you  again...."Just Between Us"

and    REMEMBER....You ARE NOT alone !!!