COPD

[jewelsee]

I've recently become involved with a guy in Las Vegas who was diagnosed with COPD about 2-1/2 years ago. He has been going to the VA clinic there for treatment.
I think he's one of those "the doctor knows best so I don't have to" kind of people.
I'm one of those "I have to know everything and choose my own path" kind of person.
He's mentioned something about 48%, which the doctor said was OK, but it doesn't sound okay to me! He takes some kind of meds in pill form & some kind of inhaler treatment. He had hip replacement surgery about a year ago, and gained 50 pounds (he was overweight before he gained this weight. The doctor says he's doing fine, and just tells him to continue what he's doing, see you next year.

This sounds really NOT OK to me!

He has so much trouble breathing, not to the point where he's gasping for air, but to the point where he has to stop in his tracks! He hasn't been motivated enough to lose weight or moderatly exercise. I think it's a matter of life & death, but no threats from the doctor. I know it's overwhelming for him. His mother died 3 years ago of emphysema!!!!!!

Before I tell him what he MUST do (for my sake as well as his), I need some direction.
I want to find him a COPD specialist as close to Las Vegas as possible.
I know he must IMMEDIATELY change some behaviors, or I'll lose him sooner than later!

HEEEEELP!

[Davy9]

Look in your local telephone book in the yellow pages under physicians. There hsould be a subcategory for "pulmonologists or lung doctors". There will be more than a few choices in the Las Vegas area now doubt.

[jewelsee]

But how do I know who's good or not?
I've looked in the LV yellow pages, but there's no info on any of the doctors!