Hello all Ive had this weird cold like thing for almost two weeks now and it hasnt improved ive tried all the homepathic remedies (many that ive seen on this forum)Im going to see a doctor as soon as I can and see if they can figure out what it is. So like I really want to know what to expect at the doctors office, like when they examine me im sure they will listen to my chest, but will I have to take my shirt off for this?? IM abit nervous since its been so long since ive seen a doc so umm.... thanks in advance for any responses

-- Gina (mamba50213@aol.com), September 21, 2001

Answers

if its just a plain cold,they probably won't do anything,unless you are coughing up mucus,and your snots are green or brownish.Then they might give you some decogestant and maybe a antibiotic. It could be a allergy,its that time of year. Some doctors want your shirt off others will just go inside from the top or have you pull your shirt up a little and go in from the bottom.

-- TomK(mich) (tjk@cac.net), September 21, 2001.

expect some blood tests also. If you've had the symptoms for so long, without changeing,, it could be something different

-- stan (sopal@net-port.com), September 22, 2001.

Gonna depend on whether he hears any wheezing going on in your lungs as to whether they do a chest x-ray or not. Do you have pain along the sinus area? He may shine a light up your nose to check on that. He'll feel your glands in your neck, check your throat and take a look at your ears. They'll want to know what you have been taking all along and whether or not you've been running a fever with this. Just be aware of any tests they may do - you may want to ask why or even if it's necessary. Remember - you can deny an x-ray or anything else that isn't necessary if you do not have insurance to help pay for it.

-- Pat (mikulptrc@aol.com), September 22, 2001.

Gina: I am a PA-C (Physician Assistant) and here is what I would do. Vitals signs 1st.(blood pressure, temp, respiration, pulse). Since I don't know you (been forever since your last visit...)I would get a medical history-past similar symptoms, asthma, tobacco use, work/home environment, allergies, etc. Physical exam, starting in the ears, down through the head/neck/throat, lungs, heart. I for one insist upon a skin-to- stethoscope connection. If modesty or other issue arises, can often work down/up shirts. (Some patients may have to lift breasts out of the way for me). If you are not running a fever, are not a smoker, no major other areas of concern-would treat symptomatically, i.e. decongestant/expectorant/analgesic.

MOST LIKELY WOULD NOT GIVE ANTIBIOTIC!!!

However, all this aside, your doctor will base his plan on the objective info (facts) that he finds. X-ray/laboratory/blood work might all be reasonable based on what he finds. Good luck, and TALK to your doc. Hope I relieved some anxiety.

-- Jim Deweese (Jedeweese@earthlink.net), September 22, 2001.

My sister is a freak about going to the doctor. She simply will not go because they want you to take your clothes off for an ear ache. So I went with her and told the nurse, she does not want to put on a gown, and she simply said "That's o.k." Now if you are going in for a papsmear or the like than yes you do need to, if you are on the heavy side, bring your own queensize gown (even our little town can get you them in the medical supply store)in, that is exactly what I did when my sister went into the hospital. You do not HAVE to do anything the doctor or nurse recommends or asks you to do, remember you are paying him. At the very least wear a button in the front shirt so you could eaisly just unbutton it, still covering your bra.

I have already started my echinaciea for the winter, it keeps me from having sinus, cold and with my asthma it stops me from most bronchitis that so many folks get this time of year. You may want to start up on it. But even with a 10$ copay, you sit for 2 hours, the doc sends you home with nothing, you take zinc, C, fluids, rest (are you taking it easy and letting your body heal? Probably not?) you will probably pick up more germs in his office than if you would have just stayed home and taken a nap! Take care of yourself! Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), September 22, 2001.

I have a killer cold and would gladly undress to get rid of it ! LOL .I guess after having 4 kids who cares who sees ya naked .I just worry the stretch marks may blind them.

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@slic.com), September 23, 2001.

I have heard of docs that get you to take off clothes for head problems..wierd. but that has never happened to me. I had a cold in August. it felt like the time I had pneumonia but I thought I was just being a nervous Nelly. Guess what? It was pneumonia and I am still recovering even after 3 antibiotics. Hubby had it too but recovered faster. Our doc was great about it all and fit us all in even though he was leaving early on a holiday weekend Friday. If you feel a congestion in your chest that no amount of hacking will ease and it sort of whistles and crackles(and makes a wierd "poink" noise with deep breaths) get your ass to the doc.

-- Alison in NS (aproteau@istar.ca), September 24, 2001.