Last December we talked about what you look for in a doctor. You said that you want a doctor who really listens to you, has a helpful, dependable office staff, shows respect for you, and works in partnership with other members of your health care team.
Today we’re going to talk about questions you might consider asking your health care provider – questions related to what you, as a patient, can do to avoid an exacerbation, or if one has already started, to at least keep it from getting more serious.
It’s important to note that these methods of COPD self-management may not work for everybody. Some people have limited vision, some folks have trouble remembering things, and some may have other challenges. And that’s okay. Each of us is different, one from another. However, if you feel up to it, it may be a good time to start a conversation, letting your health care provider know that you want to work in partnership with them and maybe take an extra step in managing your COPD safely at home.
1. Is it appropriate for me to have medications on hand at home to take when I first see signs of an exacerbation?
Doing this can help you get started on medications sooner than you might otherwise if you have to call for an appointment, be seen in the doctor’s office, and go to the pharmacy.
2. When should I call you?
You can be pretty sure that your health care provider, if given the choice, would rather not get a call from the emergency room doctor in the middle of the night! So, after going through your My COPD Action Plan together, ask your health care provider “at what point” (in the yellow zone) should I call you?
3. Can I be a “priority” patient?
Let’s say that in a normal, non-pandemic time, there is an outbreak of the flu or an upper respiratory infection in your town. If you, unfortunately, pick up that bacteria or virus, you would probably call your doctor’s office reporting your symptoms. But when you do, you might be the hundredth call they’ve received that day from a person with those same symptoms. The office staff/nurse would advise to stay home drink fluids, get rest, etc., which would probably be enough to help most of their patients. But for you…now that’s a different story. You may not be able to do as well as most people. Think about asking your health care provider if, when you have to make that call, you may say something like, “I have COPD and Dr. Smith has a special management plan set up for me when I have these kinds of symptoms.” This can get you the special help you may need to avoid a serious exacerbation of COPD.
4. Is it okay for me to increase my oxygen flow rate on my own?
There are bound to be times when an activity or event causes your oxygen saturations – “O2 sats” as reported on a pulse oximeter – to drop. Hopefully, this resolves quickly, and the lower oxygen level goes back up within minutes. But you might consider talking with your health care provider about giving you guidelines to follow at home to keep your oxygen at a safe level if your O2 sats are low.
Those are four big questions, and a lot to think about.
Let’s talk. What questions have been helpful for you to ask your doctor?
I look forward to hearing from you!