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Your Dr. Visits
Having trouble breathing a bit? Maybe when you're walking or exercising? Do you Cough? Do you wheeze? Is it waking you up at night? Are you, or were you a smoker? Think you have, or has it been suggested, that you might have asthma? For any of the above you're doing the right thing; seeing your Dr.
So; before you go....
Initial Visit
Make
a list of symptoms and how long it's been going on
Jot
down your medical history and that of your family's
Make a list of current
medicines, remedies you might be taking and vitamins
Ask
any questions you can think of
If it's not suggested, ASK for a
spirometry test. You may not want to know the results, even if your Dr says
it sounds like asthma, just DO IT for even with asthma you should have this
simple, non-intrusive breathing test.
Request copies from the technician of your breathing tests when you've finished testing. If that's not possible, ask your Dr for a copy.
O.K.......the results are in and now you've been called for a follow Up visit. The bombshell gets laid. You have COPD!!! Chances are you may not hear or remember a whole lot more. There are those who say you should ask questions at this point but it might be wiser to give yourself a few days to get over the initial shock before you sit down again.
Either way, chances are you're going to be put on meds to help you breathe better. On the next page is a list of things you may want to ask about during that consultation.
This way to the
And, don't forget to read this if you haven't already (See the open letters written to you)
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