COPD Information Forum

COPD Information Forum
[ COPD Information Forum ]

Larry's Advice

Posted by linda md on 9/4/2009, 4:51 pm
98.140.246.15

You know, larryGA was a dear friend on this and many forums. He was a sage for advice and information. I do remember one thing he told me and that was not to let the docs blame everything on the lungs. Well, he was right. I have been going to my pulmo and internist with complaints of increased sob and a blood pressure that is just too high. I was told it was from the COPD and put on diltiazem to reduce the BP. I went to my internist yesterday and basically asked for the scan, just to rule out a cardiac problem.

I had a heart scan done today and it showed extensive atherosclerosis. I am seeing an interventional cardiologist on Tuesday. Gee, and my pulmo said it might be time to talk about a lung transplant.

I am upset and scared. I am thankful for Larry's advice as I had a feeling things were just not what they were saying. I'll let you know how things are going. Thanks for letting me vent and I am so thankful for finding this forum and listening to Larry.
God Bless you all.
Linda

Post a Response

Re: Larry's Advice

Posted by Chris M. on 9/7/2009, 1:00 am, in reply to "Larry's Advice"
72.251.79.18

I'm so glad for you...Can't wait to hear how this turns out for good news. Smarts always help.

Post a Response

Re: Larry's Advice

Posted by Luke on 9/4/2009, 8:14 pm, in reply to "Larry's Advice"
63.131.224.150

Good going Linda. Many of us have multiple things going on, which may or may not be related to COPD. For me, I have always thought that pulmonary hypertension was a very large part of my problem, since my FEV1 and O2 needs have stayed pretty stable for about 10 years now. Do all you can. Good luck.

Post a Response

Re: Larry's Advice

Posted by PennyPA on 9/4/2009, 6:17 pm, in reply to "Larry's Advice"
74.44.154.199

Good for you, Linda, for taking charge in finding the possible cause of your sob and high BP. And, you're way ahead of a lot of people by knowing what you have. There's a good chance millions of people in the US have heart problems but never find out until it's too late. You are on your way to saving your heart which, in turn, will help your lungs.

Post a Response

Re: Larry's Advice

Posted by John O. on 9/4/2009, 5:50 pm, in reply to "Larry's Advice"
69.129.197.8

Linda, I'm so sorry to hear of this latest development; yet encouraged that you've at least had it diagnosed and are moving in the right direction, treatment-wise. Larry always said to check out the cardiac end of things and I'm glad that his advice even now has put you on what I hope is the right path, even or perhaps especially if it means a transplant. Maybe some of the folks here who have had transplants will have helpful advice for you; I hope so. Hang in there....

Post a Response

John

Posted by linda md on 9/4/2009, 6:19 pm, in reply to "Re: Larry's Advice"
98.140.246.15

Thanks, John. I think I might have been confusing in my last post. My pulmo said we needed to talk about a lung transplant at my last visit due to increasing symptoms and a BP that was too high. All the time ignoring the fact that I was asking about possible cardiac involvment.

After the test today, I am sure I do not need a transplant. The increased symptoms are due to blocked arteries. I spoke to my son, a gastroenterologist/internist, who was instrumental in getting me in to see the cardiologist so quickly. He said my symptoms should improve with stenting and rehab. No wonder I have been getting worse and so sob that I cannot even walk any distance without having to stop and being totally out of breath. That is on supplemental o2. I have been increasing the o2, per my pulmo, due to the increased sob. I saw my internist yesterday and requested an cardiogram and a heart scan. I will let you all know what the cardio doc has to say.
Linda

Post a Response

Linda, your pulmo and SOB

Posted by Marie on 9/4/2009, 11:55 pm, in reply to "John"
205.188.117.20

Linda, I am relly amazed that your Pulmo told you to increase your O2 because you are SOB. It has been said over and over, by many different people that live with the disease, that SOB is not cured by more 02. I have a Pulse ox reading of 97 without 02 and I am constangly SOB. I could set the 02 tank at any setting and I would still be SOB

Post a Response

Re: Linda, your pulmo and SOB

Posted by Marie 3 on 9/5/2009, 6:46 pm, in reply to "Linda, your pulmo and SOB"
205.188.117.20

Thanks for the response. I do understand being so upset that you can't think straight, I ramble even when I have no reason to

Post a Response

Marie

Posted by linda md on 9/5/2009, 4:15 pm, in reply to "Linda, your pulmo and SOB"
98.140.246.15

My pulse ox was dropping with exertion and activity and that is why he told me to increase it. Sorry if I was not clear about that. I should have stated the stats were also dropping. I, too, get very sob at time and my pulse ox is 97 or 98, so I will not increase the o2 as that is not the problem. I agree with you, if the pulse ox is good, no amount of increased o2 is going to make the sob go away. Thanks for the input. I think I was just so upset yesterday, I tended to ramble.
Linda

Post a Response

Re: John

Posted by CarolCA on 9/4/2009, 11:51 pm, in reply to "John"
98.248.53.53

Larry always felt that everyone should have the Thallium stress test which will show any blockage. It is not 100% but pretty close. Of course, anyone with COPd should have an echo to test for pulmonary hypertension. An EKG is not very helpful for what you are looking for. I am sure the cardiologist will check you out completely.

Post a Response

Re: John

Posted by John O. on 9/4/2009, 8:36 pm, in reply to "John"
69.129.197.8

Thanks for the correction/revision, Linda. Great that you havw family members who are docs that you can bounce things off of! Good luck on whatever happens and yes, keep us posted.

Post a Response

«Back to thread

[ COPD Information Forum ]