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What should I expect at my initial pulmonologist visit? Return to previous page 1/9/2021 1571 Views 3 Answers Last Activity: 1 year ago, Jean IA State Captain Tags: Diagnosis pulmonologist testing Treatment Question: 0 Flora0104 1 year ago I Care Report Comment Unlike I Care Report Comment Add an Answer Answers: Edit Remove Accept Unaccept Unlike I Care Report Comment Add an Answer Save Cancel What should I expect at my initial pulmonologist visit? Flora0104 1 year ago Add an Answer Answers Answer View More Save Cancel Tags: Subscribe: Subscribe: Your question has been submitted and is awaiting moderation. It is low-quality It is spam It does not belong here Other (enter below) Thank you for reporting this content, moderators have been notified of your submission. Close Anonymous Unfriend Friend Requested Friend Load More Close Destination Page Area Group Destination Content Title Title Article Type Copy comments I am 45 years old and have not been officially diagnosed with COPD but I have a very strong suspicion that I do have it. I first started experiencing SOB about 5 years ago while I was taking my daily jog. Since then, the SOB has gotten progressively worse and it is now to the point where I can barely get through a shower or walk into the next room without running out of breath. I have chest pain and have been to the hospital multiple times thinking I was having a heart attack but my heart is still apparently very strong and healthy. I'm just absolutely miserable. I've always had depression issues but it is getting worse as I feel like I have no life because I'm exhausted all the time and can not be as active as I once was. I have yet to set up an appointment with my family doctor to address these issues and get a referral to a pulmonologist. I'm terrified of the official diagnosis though, so I have been putting it off. What can I expect at an initial appointment with a pulmonologist? Any suggestions for how to ease my symptoms in the meantime? I have not stopped smoking yet (smoked since I was 14) for a few reasons but mainly I think I am in denial over the possibility of having COPD or worse, cancer. If anyone has any advice for me in this phase I would greatly appreciate it. But don't tell me to stop smoking because I already know I need to do it. I am very scared and anxious.
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Medical Advice It is not our intention to serve as a substitute for medical advice and any content posted should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. While we encourage individuals to share their personal experiences with COPD, please consult a physician before making changes to your own COPD management plan.