What is written below is a patient's memory of a doctor appt. So forgive anything that is a little confusing. Just me trying to tell you ….
Today I had a follow-up with a new pulmonary doctor at a high ranking medical center for pulmonary. My prior state NJ had no high ranking facility. My new state PA has 4 plus John Hopkins near as well.
He is in agreement with Lung Guy here that my prior test numbers don't seem to jive, the function test showing I'm pretty normal (moderate) and the DLCO is so low - and there is missing data like lung volume. He also focuses on my history and no symptoms other than at the throat. My x-ray was fine, heart is fine, and my lungs are clear as he listens. I am now getting a complete PFT and FENO. He is also doing a high resolution CT Scan. Also 3 blood tests, for inflammation and 2 are dealing with allergies and sensitivies and my chronic cough. A focus is on my throat and reactive airway, and the scan to see if my exposure to cement dust in my past caused damage further down. He's not convinced I have COPD, but is moving to be more specific of what I do have, or mix.
I'm off Trelegy / drugs for 2 weeks preparing for the function testing. We will decide later what drugs, if any, I need. With 1 drug in Trelegy causing lack of sleep - I wake at 2 a.m. or so - it is good he is also head of the sleep center here, so "sleep" is his wheelhouse.
This is all great. I feel we are looking at the broader picture of what my problems really are. Having been here for a few months, I've learned so much from all of you here so it does help to make me an educated and helpful patient. SO THANK YOU.