Experiential Topics: Lauris And Ex-Smoker

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Thank you for referring Lauris Dniprowskij, a 67 year-old retired private investigator. Lauris is and ex-smoker of approximately 50 pack years and he ceased this habit eight years ago. She currently has four chickens at home and is looking at acquiring other animals having recently moved to another farm. As you are aware, Lauris has been aware of exertional dyspnoea for at least seven years and this has progressed over time. She is now reaching a point that walking any more than 20-30m will induce symptoms. She is also limited by back and left hip pain relating to arthritis. Lauris reports no chest pain, chronic cough or wheeze, but does report occasional orthopnoea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea. Aside from pneumonia at the age of 21, she has not experienced any significant chest infections and I note is up to date with both the Fluvax and Pneumovax. Lauris reports being assessed by thoracic surgeon, Julian Gooi, and respiratory physician, Barton Jennings, a number of years ago with regards to endobronchial valves, but was not deemed to be a candidate at the time. She was commenced on Ultibro and has had some benefit with this. She spent a brief period using a combination of Spiriva and Symbicort and found that this led to increased symptoms. Other regular medications are Crestor and …show more content…

At this stage, I have suggested that Lauris continue with Ultibro but I may look and adding on an inhaled corticosteroid if there is any evidence of bronchodilator reversibility. Her oxygen levels are borderline, and although he is limited by back pain, I have suggested that it would be worthwhile to have an oxygen assessment and I have referred her on The Northern Hospital accordingly. I have also referred her to enrolling her in their pulmonary rehabilitation

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