Well I showed off the goods to the Pulmanary Doctor

[sammeedog]

I had my 2 month followup with the pulmanary doc today. He asked if I stopped smoking or cut down. I pulled out my 510. I didn't want to show him the EGO, lol. He asked if it worked for me and I said of course. He said to use it if it really is doing the trick and nothing else is doing it for me.

I asked him how he really felt about them. He said they were too new for him to judge. But he didn't say no.

On the crap side, I have to go back in 3 months. And I have to have another cat scan, and xrays every 3 months for the next year. When I was in the hospital, they found a node in my lung, I think that's what it's called. When I was at the doctors, it went over my head, probably cause I didn't want to think about it. They are going to monitor it. It's only 3mm size right now, but if it grows, that means biopsy. He asked if I had any prior xrays to check with. The nearest I can think is a good 5 years ago. If something was found than, they would have said something. I wasn't nervous at the doctor, but now I am. I think I'm going to make my hubby go with me on my next visit. He will listen when I get nervous and shut down.

 

[TexasT]

Being old I've managed to learn a few things over the years sammeedog, but I'm not an exspurt at nuthin.

I'd have to guess that the doctor is establishing a base line to track any growth of whatever is in your lung, especially since he was looking for older x-rays. But I think that's why he is having you come back every three months.

And before you scare yourself half silly, remember that all kinds of things can form in the body and in many, if not most, cases, the body will try to encapsulate the object to allow the body a chance to eliminate it through natural processes. What that means is that this should be a concern to you but not something you need to scare yourself over.

Definitely take your husband with you on your next doctors appointment and get all your questions and concerns written in advance. He, the doctor, can explain everything to you so that you will be more comfortable and can move on with your life.

And you know we love our sammeedog around here.

 

[Redneck500]

Don't you worry, your gonna be just fine

 

[div]

Same what TT said, and then some. Keeping the good thoughts going sammeedog.
hugs

 

[Stifle]

I will be throwing good vibes your way sammeedog!

Medical uncertainty can drive you nuts if you let it, so taking your husband with you to make sure you get all of your questions answered is a great idea. But, like you said, if it was something they knew was a problem you would have been told explicitly, this is just observations and monitoring. Be happy you have a doctor that is so concerned!

But, important to note that you have already begun to relieve the stress on your body internally by switching from analogs to vaping. Though the uncertainty is difficult, you can be certain that you have already taken the first step in improving your health situation by getting off those nasty, stinky analogs!

Salud!

 

[salemgold]

That is a great idea to have your husband go with you on the next visit. That way between the 2 of you may be able to pick up different things that are said. Whatever you do please don't get yourself too worked up about it until you know that there is something to be worked up about. Stress can really effect our health in negative ways. It will not do any good to worry yourself too much. And if you find yourself getting really concerned, call the docs office and speak with a nurse. Make a list of all your questions first and then try and write down the answers when you call. I find that nurses can be much easier to understand then doctors alot of times. That phone call may help to relieve your anxiety between now and your next visit. I will keep you in my thoughts!

 

[sammeedog]

Thanks guys, I'm sure it will be alright too, you just never know. If anything it gave me another good kick in the behind about cheating again. With my son leaving this weekend for bootcamp, that leaves only one smoker in the house, and she does it in her room away from me. But, since she's out of work and I'm not going to foot the bill for her smokes, I think she'll use your ecig more. I'll guess i'll be footing the juice bill, lol.

 

[Norry]

Sammeedog....positive thoughts coming your way!!!!!! Like TT said they are probably wanting to establish a baseline....And ditto about taking your hubby with you to all your appointments. I speak from experience when I say that not only will you feel better having him at your side but he will feel better being there with you!!!!!

 

[Free2BMe]

Hugs Sammeedog! Look at the positive side...

1. Your doc didn't degrade you for using an e-cig.
2. Besides another 2 month checkup, it's 3.
3. Doc didn't seem overly worried, so neither should you.
4. 3mm is pretty small and a node could very well be nothing serious.

Try to relax and not let it stress you out too much 'til if and when a time comes you need to worry.

Oh...and more hugs for the heck of it!

 

[Redneck500]

I think you should tell her that the house is now a NON-smoking house, and if she wants to smoke, you would prefer her to do so outside

Thanks guys, I'm sure it will be alright too, you just never know. If anything it gave me another good kick in the behind about cheating again. With my son leaving this weekend for bootcamp, that leaves only one smoker in the house, and she does it in her room away from me. But, since she's out of work and I'm not going to foot the bill for her smokes, I think she'll use your ecig more. I'll guess i'll be footing the juice bill, lol.

 

[Sewnmachine]

Sammeedog,

I don't know how old you are, or your medical history -but it could very well be that the node or nodule is a benign type of nodule called a granuloma. When it was discovered that I had 3 of these I was scared wit-less. But my doctor explained that if you live long enough, (read old) and have had a few rounds of respiratory infections that may have resulted in bronchitis or pneumonia that it is not at all unusual for a person to have these. And they do resolve over time all by themselves.

I had to have ct scans every 6 months for 2 years - until finally at my last regular chest xray they were entirely gone.

A radiologist will be able to tell if the nodule falls into this benign catagory as soon as the ct scan is evaluated. If there is any question in the radiologists mind then either a biopsy or a wait and watch approach can best be determined.

As smokers the first thing that we fear the most is lung cancer - and while it is optimal to have NOTHING showing up on our lungs, I want you to at least know that not everything has to be cancer.

Keep us updated.

 

[sammeedog]

I spent the week in the hospital for Christmas, having pnemonia for the first time. The catscan and xrays showed it. This 2nd xray was a couple weeks ago. I need to schedule the catscan in the next couple weeks. He did ask if I had any prior xrays to compare with. The last one I can remember has to be maybe 1995 if not earlier than that. I've always had a cough for as far back as I can remember, smoking and sinus problems.

I didn't realize just how common this is, you guys are right about being smokers and our fears. I guess that's the result of it being pounded into our heads. That's all we hear now adays.

Sammeedog,

I don't know how old you are, or your medical history -but it could very well be that the node or nodule is a benign type of nodule called a granuloma. When it was discovered that I had 3 of these I was scared wit-less. But my doctor explained that if you live long enough, (read old) and have had a few rounds of respiratory infections that may have resulted in bronchitis or pneumonia that it is not at all unusual for a person to have these. And they do resolve over time all by themselves.

I had to have ct scans every 6 months for 2 years - until finally at my last regular chest xray they were entirely gone.

A radiologist will be able to tell if the nodule falls into this benign catagory as soon as the ct scan is evaluated. If there is any question in the radiologists mind then either a biopsy or a wait and watch approach can best be determined.

As smokers the first thing that we fear the most is lung cancer - and while it is optimal to have NOTHING showing up on our lungs, I want you to at least know that not everything has to be cancer.

Keep us updated.