Hi, I’m a 64 year old woman with multiple chronic health issues.
Just got a diagnosis of emphysema a couple of weeks ago. Never a smoker, but have been an artist with chemical and dust exposures. I have been reading up on COPD, as it has never been on my radar as everything always said it was due to smoking. Lots to learn!
Early September I came down with what my doctors called a viral flu. It was 5 days after receiving my first injection of a new biological targeting chronic migraine. They now think the new medication may have triggered a hypersensitivity reaction, making me susceptible to the virus.
To make matters worse, I live in northern CA, and by October the fires brought terrible smoke. I was using an Atrovent inhaler I had for occasional asthma use, and was given two rounds of oral steroids to try to calm the coughing. Finally my doctor tried nebulized albuterol, even though I told her other doctors had avoided it due to other health issues.
Sure enough, next day I was in the ER with chest pain, jaw, and head pain, increased coughing. Cleared of heart issues, but a chest CT showed lung issues.
My first appointment with pulmonologist wasn’t until mid November. I was still coughing, with chest pain and severe fatigue. He ordered a repeat CT and a PFT, and started me on Flovent.
I used the Flovent for about two weeks and completely lost my voice. Doctor told me to stop, but never told me what else to do.
Return appointment, I was told I have emphysema, with CT showing air trapping and PFT showing mild obstructive disease.
I was told to restart Flovent and use daily for the foreseeable future. I asked about the loss of voice, and he said just try it and see, and come back in six months.
I asked him about what to do if things got worse, such as high pollen or pollution days, or when there is another fire, all of which I already know I react to. He said he couldn’t possibly know, because he doesn’t know me, and I am so reactive to medication. I asked if I should come back in to see him if something happened, and he said no, he doesn’t have time as he is only in the office part time.
Not very helpful! My internist has now referred me to another pulmonologist, who I will see in another six weeks.
Meanwhile, things are blooming in CA, rain is pouring down, and my lungs are tight, mucousy, with a cough and sometimes chest pain, and my heart rate is high, frequently running 100-125 at rest. O2 sats at rest are consistently 97-98%.
Can I just use the Flovent for short periods? I am concerned about using long term steroids for many reasons in addition to the loss of voice.
Should I use the Atrovent more instead? I am hopeful the new doctor will be more helpful, but what do I do till then? Any thoughts much appreciated.