I had my second appt with my pulmo doctor. I feel more comfortable with him now, calmer, took time for my questions. He takes good notes apparently, knew my concerns from last time. A reviewer wrote he is the doctor others go to for complex cases.
My pulmonary function test is better, but not much. I was below 50 the first time (after 45 minutes in a waiting room soaked with perfume). This time I was several points better at 51. I read that is moderate. He waivers and says it is severe. He wants to see me in a month after the Trelegy has more time to work and another function test. He did order an x-ray, also appt with a voice larynx specialist to test how eating, etc, happens with regard to my larynx and frequent cough, clearing of throat. Matter may be catching in folds and be an issue. And may be part of my "lung" issue. My ENT with a camera down my nose yesterday said no issues, felt not gerd, but something more complex may be going on per the pulmo doctor. Should be interesting. He is talking about other testing depending on where I am in a month. He recommended keeping the steroid, so continue Trelegy. He is looking for me to stabilize, don't recall all he said. The steroid would help both copd stuff and asthma. He quoted studies to support why I should not be concerned with side effects I've read about, too little for issues like osteoporosis, immune system, etc. Glaucoma is the one he brings up, but a specific kind and I think if you already have it. I can have my eyes and bones checked regularly. He really brings home the focus on smoking - 10-15 years, 2packs, is smoking for 30 years. And also that I have no tests before now to compare to - no doctor screens for copd or lung problems. You can't fault the patient if they have no idea about this silent disease. Well, quitting smoking is well publicized, but not the function testing while you can still do something about it meaningfully.