Asthma dx today! what to expect at pulmonologist appt?

[tmarie]

My internist thinks I have asthma. I'm still trying to wrap my head around how I could just be getting this diagnosis at 35?! She is treating me like I have asthma but is referring me to a pulmonologist for an official diagnosis/confirmation. This has been a chronic thing for me for the last five years...we kept saying that I had chronic sinus infections/allergies but it always goes to my lungs, culminating in chest pain and wheezing, and only seems to clear up with steroids. As much as it is a relief that we might finally know the cause, I'm a little nervous about seeing a pulmonogist...can you tell me what to expect?

TIA!!

tmarie

[bubbaray]

I was diagnosed this past August -- and 35 is a verrrry distant memory.

First I went for a pre-appt with the asthma educator to go over my current meds regime and make sure I was doing everything right until my appt.

Then, I had a methycholine challenge which SUCKED. That same day, I saw the respirologist (same thing as a pulminologist). I was actually late to see him b/c they couldn't get my numbers back to normal after the methycholine challenge.

I'm glad they did the asthma education separately from the methycholine challenge. I was completely wacked out after that and don't remember much, except that my specialist is super cute, LOL. I would have had the appointments about a week apart if it weren't for my insane work schedule. THey were about 2 m apart b/c *I* had conflicts.

I too have ongoing sinus issues, so my respirologist put me on Nasonex year round and Alvesco year round (asthma preventative/steroid). It does seem to be working.

I was also referred recently to an ENT for the sinus stuff. Turns out I have a severely deviated/deranged septum (likely from sports injuries as a teen) that is the cause of the problem. Its non-urgent surgery, so I'm a long waitlist. The doc is pretty sure that I'm turning the corner and my system is able to deal wtih these infections better, in part b/c of the Nasonex year round. Eventually, I'll get a nose job out of the deal, though. LOL.

[bubbaray]

Oh, and if they do the asthma education after the methycholine challenge, I would strongly recommend bringing someone else with you to take notes or ask them for instructions in writing. I could barely remember my name after my challenge. Then again, I had a pretty severe reaction and they had a hard time bringing me back to my baseline. Still, though, it was pretty unpleasant. They promised I didn't have to redo it in March.

[tmarie]

Oh, and if they do the asthma education after the methycholine challenge, I would strongly recommend bringing someone else with you to take notes or ask them for instructions in writing. I could barely remember my name after my challenge. Then again, I had a pretty severe reaction and they had a hard time bringing me back to my baseline. Still, though, it was pretty unpleasant. They promised I didn't have to redo it in March.

Melissa, thank you so much for sharing your experience! I'm so glad the treatment is working for you. Were you physically able to drive after teh methycholine challenge? It will be tough for me to get a driver...just wanted to prepare. Thanks again!!

tmarie

[bubbaray]

Yeah, though not immediately after. I took the train downtown, so about a 10 minute walk to the station (fresh air!) and 15 minute train ride. Then I drove back to work.

I didn't get much work done after that. It was pretty late in the day anyway, but still.