Pneumonia and Asthma

By april100

1 min read

Six years ago, I ended up in the hospital with pneumonia. I was sick for at least a month with what I thought was just a bad cold. Right after I got over the pneumonia, I had my first asthma attack.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
Hi <inline-mention username="april100" user-id="3027879"/>, and thanks for sharing your story here with the community. In my experience, many patients can actually point back to a precipitating event as to when they had their first episode of asthma. The experience you've recounted for us here, seems to be the one for you. Now that you have been diagnosed with the condition for the last six years, how do you manage it? Are you being followed by a physician? Is there anything further you can share with the community at this time? If there is anything we can do to assist you, please let me or any other moderator / team member know. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
april100 Member
Leon, yes, I go every three months. I am on advair and singulair. I just got a PFT last week. I don't have the results yet. I haven't had any attacks in the last 4 months but I have been wheezing. I think that is why he ordered the pft.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="kgflibby" user-id="4149137"/> Hi kgflibby - thanks so much for your kind words. I am always happy to help in any way that I can. I enjoy this community and our members so much! Have a great weekend! Warmly, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
2. april100 Member
 <inline-mention username="april100" user-id="3027879"/> How long does it take to get the results of a PFT? I had it on September 30th. I talked to the Drs office last Friday they didn't have it yet. I called this past Friday and haven't heard back.
Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
Hi April, and thanks for your post - this is a good question! The answer to your question can depend on many factors. Some physician's offices are quicker than others and the turn-around times for pulmonary function test (PFT) results can vary considerably from practitioner to practitioner. However, I have been responsible for overseeing Pulmonary Function Labs for many, many years. Our practice was to have the PFT report results completed on the following day and available for the physician to read and interpret. Our expectation is that the doctor will have the interpretation finished by the third day. Then it is up to the doctor to contact the patient for a consult and explanation. From my perspective, a PFT administered on September 30, should certainly be completed by now (it's October 17!). Sometimes, one has to be their own best self advocate. What do you think? Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
april100 Member
I'm trying to be an advocate for myself. I talked to the office last week and called again this week. But this time I didn't get a call back. I will try again tomorrow. Thank you for your response. 
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="april100" user-id="3027879"/> Hi April, and thanks for your reply. I think you are making all the right efforts to secure a final result for the PFT exam you were given back on September 30. Perhaps it's just a bit of delay on the part of the physician's office or even the PFT lab which administered the test for you. Either way, I like the idea of being persistent for yourself until you get a response. I think that is just the way to be your own advocate - keep trying and trying!! Good luck!! Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
2. Melissa.Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="april100" user-id="3027879"/> I can only hope that this means you did very well on your test, after all this time waiting. Sigh. Let us know! -Melissa, <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a> team
april100 Member
Finally got my results today. Besides asthma I have mild emphysema and copd. 
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="april100" user-id="3027879"/> Hi again, April, and thanks for checking back here and providing the update. Finally, the results are in. Have you had an opportunity to discuss the results with your physician? How do you feel about what you've shared here with the community? Warm regards, Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
april100 Member
No, I haven't talked to my doctor about it. I called again today and the receptionist called me back and told me. I'm worried and,I really don't know how I feel about it yet.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="april100" user-id="3027879"/> Hi April - thanks for you reply. Please know if there is anything we can do to assist you, just let me or any other moderator / team member know. We are always here to lend support. Warmly, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
april100 Member
Thank you, I appreciate it!
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="april100" user-id="3027879"/> It's our pleasure, April. Glad to have you as a member of our online community. All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
2. Melissa.Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="april100" user-id="3027879"/> Try not to worry. There is so much available today that can help you enjoy a good life even with COPD. If you're not already aware, we have a sister site for people with COPD, and many of the friendly team members here also help out over there. I know they would be glad to support you as you start this new process of learning. If you want to visit, the address is <a href='https://www.copd.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>www.copd.net</a>. Your <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>Asthma.net</a> community is all here for you, too! There are many people that live with asthma and COPD. You are not alone. Take it one day at a time. Sending hugs your way. -Melissa, <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a> team
april100 Member
Melissa, thank you very much. I'm trying not to worry. I haven't even talked to my doctor yet. Thank you for the website. I will wait until I really know whats going on.