Posted by Chris M. on 9/5/2009, 9:44 pm, in reply to "Patients With COPD May Benefit From Earlier Tiotropium Treatment"
72.251.79.85
Thanks for the reinforcement of this article, also brought up earlier.
We frequently encourage newly diagnosed COPD'ers to get to a Pulmonologist, and I have to admit I feel they often see their general Docs and are too often started on an Advair type of product rather than considering the entire aspect of their lungs and heart, etc.
This isn't just a disease of "use an inhaler and everything is fine". It truly reflects how well we trust our Primary Docs, but few have the time to stay totally current in all fields-and there is a definite pattern in prescribing.
When I first started my Primary Doc had me on nebulising 4 times a day and Advair. The Pulmo put me on Combivent and suggested Spiriva in the future when available- 4 yrs later he proved right on the money.
The suggestion to see the specialist for lungs, the Pulmonologist, can settle where your disease is, and a lot about directions for your future in terms of meds and Rehab and other care or interventions.
The Pulmonologist is the go to Doc for any other Docs I might need or tests etc. Anesthesia is part of his concern for patients in his critical care- so consider keeping a good specialist, the Pulmonologist, in your speed dial.
Responses: