Guest guest Posted December 12, 2007 Report Share Posted December 12, 2007 Whoa whoa whoa....slow down doctor. " will compare all the results and then will schedule a lung biopsy " He's jumped from not knowing whats wrong and wanting more tests to talking about a lung biopsy. First, a lung biopsy is your decision, not his and don't ever feel otherwise. If in doubt get a second opinion. But, don't let any doctor blindly start saying this is what we're going to do or how you're going to be treated or anything else with this. There is a decision for you to make regarding a lung biopsy just as there will be decisions regarding medications and other aspects of life. It is his job to test and to inform you so you can make the right decision for yourself. I did choose to have a VATS (lung biopsy) but only after very careful consideration and knowing what the negatives were and what I could learn of benefit. Others here have just as wisely chosen not to. I have posted the considerations I think are important in deciding whether or not to do so and can find that if you wish. But, thats not a decision you have enough information to make yet, nor frankly does he have enough to even recommend. Meanwhile before your next appointment with him you need to prepare 1000 questions and things you want to discuss (more or less), but you and only you can manage your medical treatment and life and you can do that only by getting all the knowledge and information possible. Do not let him leave until you're satisfied your list has been covered. Take notes. Right now he is all over the place...sinuses, pf, autoimmune diseases, and thats good that he intends to consider and test for all. However, he needs to have all that completed before even discussing the next step. Then you......note the word YOU.....decide what next step based on information he provides and you gather from other reliable sources, maybe even other doctors. None of the tests scheduled so far is invasive, although with the ABG you'll think you've been invaded, but VATS (laparoscopic form of lung biopsy, so not as bad as older Open Lung Biopsy) is invasive. I know that now to 12/31 now seems like forever, waiting. However, thats when you get the results and can start to make informed decisions. Also, don't pressure yourself or allow him to pressure you to do so on that date. He's had a chance to review the results. That will be your first time seeing or hearing them. You need time to digest, come up with more questions, and decide. Again, I did choose VATS, but not before all the other things you have scheduled and not before lots and lots of consideration and talking to the surgeon and second opinion. One thing I don't see on the list is echocardiogram and stress echo of any type? Maybe you've recently had them but I would expect them at this stage as well. > > Hi all, > > I don't get to post very often, but I read each and every post > everyday. Yesterday was a heck of a day for me and I was hoping to > get a few more answers from some of you experts out there!! > > I went to the pulmonary doctor and did not get a very good report. > He said my sinuses are horrible which is one reason I cough so much > from the drainage. Gave me some Rhinocort nasal spray and Histex > SR. He refilled my Singulair and Advair Diskus 250/50 (for now, he > said). He said he heard crackles in my right lung and decreased > breath sounds. He looked at my previous chest CT and said I was way > too young to be that sick. (I am 46.) He said it showed lung > scarring, but they need to find out what is causing the scarring. He > wants to do another chest CT on 12-18. Also that same day, I have to > get PFTs and ABGs. Then he wants me to come back on 12-31 and he > will compare all the results and then will schedule a lung biopsy. > He did tons of blood work today, ANA, ACE level, sed rate, rheumatoid > factor, ESR, anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies. He said he wants to > rule out lupus. He wrote on the CT prescription, pulmonary fibrosis, > f/u sarcoid, and something that looks like SVB?? I tried to look it > up, but couldn't find anything that fit. Any ideas? I also got a > flu shot and a Pneumovax. > > Today, my arms are really sore from the shots. I used the nasal > spray this morning and YUK!!!, but I have to say it seems to be > helping with the nasal drainage. Looks like I am going to have a > busy end of year/first of year. He asked me also when I went to the > ER if they had put me on a respirator, and I told him, no, just > oxygen and a couple of breathing treatments via nebulizer. > > Guess I will know more in a couple of weeks. Just hate the wait!! > > Hope you are all having a very Merry Christmas season!!! > > Caro > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 12, 2007 Report Share Posted December 12, 2007 Caro...lots of test and stuff huh. I don't know this "SVB" but I bet Bruce will let us know! Take care and enjoy the holidays. Sher; ipf 3-06; OR.Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 12, 2007 Report Share Posted December 12, 2007 Sher/Caro: I have no idea....thinking doctor's writing not legible. But, also makes me think anything he wrote on prescription he should have discussed with her. Caro, this is a common problem we all encounter, then need to force our doctors to give us the time and discussion we need. > > Caro...lots of test and stuff huh. > I don't know this " SVB " but I bet Bruce will let us know! > Take care and enjoy the holidays. > Sher; ipf 3-06; OR. > Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 12, 2007 Report Share Posted December 12, 2007 Hi Caro, That sounds very familiar to me...I've just come the OTHER side from all the explorations. ( & not all that much wiser as far as official diagnosis goes - I'm down to 2/200 possibilities or maybe 2 conncurrent disease processes!!!) My mantra seems to be "Medicine is NOT an exact Science"....so I'm just watching & waiting. In the meantime LIFE is to be LIVED, as fully, with as much fun & frivolity thrown in, as possible!!!! If I get more than one life I won't get to remember it, so, I'd better live as though THIS is IT! Looking forward to getting to know you... Regards, in Oz IPF: Fibroic NSIP/UIP????? Reynauds' May 2007 >> Hi all,> > I don't get to post very often, but I read each and every post > everyday. Yesterday was a heck of a day for me and I was hoping to > get a few more answers from some of you experts out there!!> > I went to the pulmonary doctor and did not get a very good report. > He said my sinuses are horrible which is one reason I cough so much > from the drainage. Gave me some Rhinocort nasal spray and Histex > SR. He refilled my Singulair and Advair Diskus 250/50 (for now, he > said). He said he heard crackles in my right lung and decreased > breath sounds. He looked at my previous chest CT and said I was way > too young to be that sick. (I am 46.) He said it showed lung > scarring, but they need to find out what is causing the scarring. He > wants to do another chest CT on 12-18. Also that same day, I have to > get PFTs and ABGs. Then he wants me to come back on 12-31 and he > will compare all the results and then will schedule a lung biopsy. > He did tons of blood work today, ANA, ACE level, sed rate, rheumatoid > factor, ESR, anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies. He said he wants to > rule out lupus. He wrote on the CT prescription, pulmonary fibrosis, > f/u sarcoid, and something that looks like SVB?? I tried to look it > up, but couldn't find anything that fit. Any ideas? I also got a > flu shot and a Pneumovax. > > Today, my arms are really sore from the shots. I used the nasal > spray this morning and YUK!!!, but I have to say it seems to be > helping with the nasal drainage. Looks like I am going to have a > busy end of year/first of year. He asked me also when I went to the > ER if they had put me on a respirator, and I told him, no, just > oxygen and a couple of breathing treatments via nebulizer. > > Guess I will know more in a couple of weeks. Just hate the wait!! > > Hope you are all having a very Merry Christmas season!!!> > Caro> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 12, 2007 Report Share Posted December 12, 2007 Also, if you do decide to go for a biopsy, there are many of us who will be glad to share our experiences. Its very invasive, but in my case, the recovery was quick. Or maybe just felt quick because of the vicodin....lol > > > > Hi all, > > > > I don't get to post very often, but I read each and every post > > everyday. Yesterday was a heck of a day for me and I was hoping to > > get a few more answers from some of you experts out there!! > > > > I went to the pulmonary doctor and did not get a very good report. > > He said my sinuses are horrible which is one reason I cough so much > > from the drainage. Gave me some Rhinocort nasal spray and Histex > > SR. He refilled my Singulair and Advair Diskus 250/50 (for now, he > > said). He said he heard crackles in my right lung and decreased > > breath sounds. He looked at my previous chest CT and said I was way > > too young to be that sick. (I am 46.) He said it showed lung > > scarring, but they need to find out what is causing the scarring. He > > wants to do another chest CT on 12-18. Also that same day, I have to > > get PFTs and ABGs. Then he wants me to come back on 12-31 and he > > will compare all the results and then will schedule a lung biopsy. > > He did tons of blood work today, ANA, ACE level, sed rate, rheumatoid > > factor, ESR, anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies. He said he wants to > > rule out lupus. He wrote on the CT prescription, pulmonary fibrosis, > > f/u sarcoid, and something that looks like SVB?? I tried to look it > > up, but couldn't find anything that fit. Any ideas? I also got a > > flu shot and a Pneumovax. > > > > Today, my arms are really sore from the shots. I used the nasal > > spray this morning and YUK!!!, but I have to say it seems to be > > helping with the nasal drainage. Looks like I am going to have a > > busy end of year/first of year. He asked me also when I went to the > > ER if they had put me on a respirator, and I told him, no, just > > oxygen and a couple of breathing treatments via nebulizer. > > > > Guess I will know more in a couple of weeks. Just hate the wait!! > > > > Hope you are all having a very Merry Christmas season!!! > > > > Caro > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2007 Report Share Posted December 13, 2007 See thats where I am confused. The radiologist ruled my ct has having minimal honeycombing. I didnt think there was any way around that. Isnt honeycombing, honeycombing??? Period? Sandie > > > > Hi all, > > > > I don't get to post very often, but I read each and every post > > everyday. Yesterday was a heck of a day for me and I was hoping to > > get a few more answers from some of you experts out there!! > > > > I went to the pulmonary doctor and did not get a very good report. > > He said my sinuses are horrible which is one reason I cough so much > > from the drainage. Gave me some Rhinocort nasal spray and Histex > > SR. He refilled my Singulair and Advair Diskus 250/50 (for now, he > > said). He said he heard crackles in my right lung and decreased > > breath sounds. He looked at my previous chest CT and said I was way > > too young to be that sick. (I am 46.) He said it showed lung > > scarring, but they need to find out what is causing the scarring. He > > wants to do another chest CT on 12-18. Also that same day, I have to > > get PFTs and ABGs. Then he wants me to come back on 12-31 and he > > will compare all the results and then will schedule a lung biopsy. > > He did tons of blood work today, ANA, ACE level, sed rate, rheumatoid > > factor, ESR, anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies. He said he wants to > > rule out lupus. He wrote on the CT prescription, pulmonary fibrosis, > > f/u sarcoid, and something that looks like SVB?? I tried to look it > > up, but couldn't find anything that fit. Any ideas? I also got a > > flu shot and a Pneumovax. > > > > Today, my arms are really sore from the shots. I used the nasal > > spray this morning and YUK!!!, but I have to say it seems to be > > helping with the nasal drainage. Looks like I am going to have a > > busy end of year/first of year. He asked me also when I went to the > > ER if they had put me on a respirator, and I told him, no, just > > oxygen and a couple of breathing treatments via nebulizer. > > > > Guess I will know more in a couple of weeks. Just hate the wait!! > > > > Hope you are all having a very Merry Christmas season!!! > > > > Caro > > > > > > > > > > > > ______________________________________________________________________ ______________ > Be a better friend, newshound, and > know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2007 Report Share Posted December 13, 2007 You would think, but I've had CT's as well as every other form of x- ray interpreted differently by multiple people reading it. I sort of had the opposite in that I had two CT's of my chest taken in which the PF was not even noted, because they got sidetracked I guess looking at the swollen lymph nodes and were also looking for things affecting my swallowing, which they didn't find. It was only after discovering the lung issues that they went back and took a good look at the lungs. I don't know anyone else's experiences but, frankly, I've found more confidence in the years of my doctors reading the X-rays, CT's and MRI's than the radiologists. Does minimal honeycombing translate to " i see a small amount of honeycombing " or " I was looking for honeycombing and if there is any it is minimal? " Unfortunately, its just one more issue to try to get clarified by your doctor. > > > > > > Hi all, > > > > > > I don't get to post very often, but I read each and every post > > > everyday. Yesterday was a heck of a day for me and I was hoping > to > > > get a few more answers from some of you experts out there!! > > > > > > I went to the pulmonary doctor and did not get a very good > report. > > > He said my sinuses are horrible which is one reason I cough so > much > > > from the drainage. Gave me some Rhinocort nasal spray and Histex > > > SR. He refilled my Singulair and Advair Diskus 250/50 (for now, > he > > > said). He said he heard crackles in my right lung and decreased > > > breath sounds. He looked at my previous chest CT and said I was > way > > > too young to be that sick. (I am 46.) He said it showed lung > > > scarring, but they need to find out what is causing the > scarring. He > > > wants to do another chest CT on 12-18. Also that same day, I > have to > > > get PFTs and ABGs. Then he wants me to come back on 12-31 and he > > > will compare all the results and then will schedule a lung > biopsy. > > > He did tons of blood work today, ANA, ACE level, sed rate, > rheumatoid > > > factor, ESR, anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies. He said he wants > to > > > rule out lupus. He wrote on the CT prescription, pulmonary > fibrosis, > > > f/u sarcoid, and something that looks like SVB?? I tried to look > it > > > up, but couldn't find anything that fit. Any ideas? I also got a > > > flu shot and a Pneumovax. > > > > > > Today, my arms are really sore from the shots. I used the nasal > > > spray this morning and YUK!!!, but I have to say it seems to be > > > helping with the nasal drainage. Looks like I am going to have a > > > busy end of year/first of year. He asked me also when I went to > the > > > ER if they had put me on a respirator, and I told him, no, just > > > oxygen and a couple of breathing treatments via nebulizer. > > > > > > Guess I will know more in a couple of weeks. Just hate the wait!! > > > > > > Hope you are all having a very Merry Christmas season!!! > > > > > > Caro > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ______________________________________________________________________ > ______________ > > Be a better friend, newshound, and > > know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. > http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2007 Report Share Posted December 13, 2007 Sandie, Yes, it is! Hugs, Joyce D.PULMONARY FIBROSIS/LUPUS 1997 BRONCHIECTASIS 2004 INDIANA 2 COR. 12:10 ....when I am weak, then I am strong.> > >> > > Hi all,> > >> > > I don't get to post very often, but I read each and every post> > > everyday. Yesterday was a heck of a day for me and I was hoping > to> > > get a few more answers from some of you experts out there!!> > >> > > I went to the pulmonary doctor and did not get a very good > report.> > > He said my sinuses are horrible which is one reason I cough so > much> > > from the drainage. Gave me some Rhinocort nasal spray and Histex> > > SR. He refilled my Singulair and Advair Diskus 250/50 (for now, > he> > > said). He said he heard crackles in my right lung and decreased> > > breath sounds. He looked at my previous chest CT and said I was > way> > > too young to be that sick. (I am 46.) He said it showed lung> > > scarring, but they need to find out what is causing the > scarring. He> > > wants to do another chest CT on 12-18. Also that same day, I > have to> > > get PFTs and ABGs. Then he wants me to come back on 12-31 and he> > > will compare all the results and then will schedule a lung > biopsy.> > > He did tons of blood work today, ANA, ACE level, sed rate, > rheumatoid> > > factor, ESR, anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies. He said he wants > to> > > rule out lupus. He wrote on the CT prescription, pulmonary > fibrosis,> > > f/u sarcoid, and something that looks like SVB?? I tried to look > it> > > up, but couldn't find anything that fit. Any ideas? I also got a> > > flu shot and a Pneumovax.> > >> > > Today, my arms are really sore from the shots. I used the nasal> > > spray this morning and YUK!!!, but I have to say it seems to be> > > helping with the nasal drainage. Looks like I am going to have a> > > busy end of year/first of year. He asked me also when I went to > the> > > ER if they had put me on a respirator, and I told him, no, just> > > oxygen and a couple of breathing treatments via nebulizer.> > >> > > Guess I will know more in a couple of weeks. Just hate the wait!!> > >> > > Hope you are all having a very Merry Christmas season!!!> > >> > > Caro> > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ______________________________________________________________________> ______________> > Be a better friend, newshound, and > > know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. > http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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