Bad Pulmonologist? - Asthma Message Board

kellysmum · 01-09-2008, 06:21 PM

Well, I finally had my first visit to a pulmonologist today. I won't say where, but it was at a major medical facility in a town some distance away. I guess I goofed, because I used my nebulizer meds before we left the house for the trip up to the clinic. Consequently, when I had my spirometry testing done, I came out perfectly normal. No sign of any asthma problem. In fact, the doctor I saw actually asked me if I have ever even been tested for asthma, because I showed no sign of it now.

I have had asthma since I was 10. I have had this diagnosis confirmed by at least 10 doctors who have seen me in full-blown asthma attacks. The pulmonologist suggested I stop using the nebulizer (!!) and "see how it goes." Guys, I use Duoneb three times a day, and albuterol as needed, and believe me, that nebulizer has been a lifesaver for me. Before my family doc prescribed it for me, I was a wheezing, coughing, short of breath mess who wound up in the hospital. If I appeared well today, it was because of my nebulizer and my Advair.

Anyway, I am still seeing an allergist/immunologist/asthma specialist locally, and I guess for now I'll stick with my family doc. BTW, I had a blood test for the IgE antigen, the allergy antigen, and it came back negative. Allergist says it shows my asthma is possibly not related to allergies. Not to change the subject, but maybe I should look for another pulmonologist?

Vanessa74 · 01-09-2008, 07:10 PM

WOW - you poor thing - yes I would get a second opinion form another pulmonoligist. I am so sorrry that you were not taken seriously

At least you have some good meds to get you through until you can find a better Dr.

Best of luck to you!

Gabby2007 · 01-09-2008, 11:17 PM

I'm curious - why the Duoneb? I looked it up - looks like it's a drug combination that is only available in the nebulized form. Seems like 3 times a day with the nebulizer would be a hassle - has your current doc (the allergy/asthma doc) tried anything else? Seems like there are so many newer meds that come in inhaler (MDI or powder) form...I have a nebulizer that I use sometimes for my rescue med - I can't imagine doing neb treatments 3 x a day...besides - isn't Duoneb a combination of albuterol and something else? Albuterol 3 times a day????

Yes - go to a different pulmonologist....

gcsjr · 01-10-2008, 04:28 AM

You definitely need to find another pulmonologist (and don't use the nebulizer right before you go). Gabby is right on about the nebulizer, they're typically not used as the primary treatment for anything but the most extreme cases of asthma (or as a short-term solution for someone with an acute flare up).

If you're having to use it 3x a day, every day but your spirometry was normal at the doctor's office, there's got to be a better way for you to manage your asthma (I've never had to use a nebulizer in 15 years but even my spirometry results are slightly below normal when I'm on my meds).

Titchou · 01-10-2008, 06:00 AM

I agree with the others. You need to get another opinion. The duoneb is not what you need.

And, BTW, you mention in a previous thread where you were going!