With Expert Asthma Care, Rob Feels 30 Years Younger

With expert care at Temple Lung Center, Rob went from struggling to breathe to living an active, adventurous life.

Uncontrolled asthma limited Rob’s activities. That changed when he came to Temple Lung Center.

Rob M. has always had asthma. But by the time he was nearing 40, it had become unmanageable and he could no longer do everything he used to do. Experts at the Temple Lung Center quickly changed that — and changed his life.

Chronic asthma symptoms that didn’t respond to treatment

A cough and tightness in the chest are never pleasant. Rob was dealing with these symptoms every day, and he couldn’t fully inhale or exhale. It exhausted him.

“I was very sick for about three years, and had a lot of trouble breathing,” he says. “My activities definitely were limited. Even going to work was a challenge.”

Rob saw a pulmonologist near his suburban home. When those treatments didn’t garner the intended results, his specialist made a recommendation.

“Once my pulmonologist said, ‘You have to go to Temple Lung,’ I went,” Rob says. “Within two visits, they gave me my life back.”

Expert asthma care at Temple Health

From his first step inside, the Temple Lung Center exceeded Rob’s expectations.

The beauty of Temple Lung is that it’s like walking into a private practice, but it’s at a big university hospital. They’re very organized, and I felt comfortable.

Rob

Rob met with Gerard J. Criner, MD, who is the director of the Temple Lung Center.

“I had a consultation, and right away the doctor hit the nail on the head with what was going on,” Rob says. “He prescribed a medication regimen, and I instantly started feeling better.”

This was 10 years ago. Now, Rob sticks with his medications and only needs to return to Temple Lung Center if he gets sick.

“This year, I got sick a couple of times,” he says. “I hadn’t been back in years because I’ve been so healthy, but being sick, I got worried, so I went back. They saw me right away, took care of me, and got me feeling better. They gave me the confidence that I would be be OK. I stick with my regular prescription regimen, and there’s no need for anything else.”

Living a full life with managed asthma

Now, it’s difficult to catch up with Rob because he’s so active. Hiking, rock climbing, wakeboarding, kayaking, running, and CrossFit are all part of his life.

“That’s why my treatment was such a big deal. I’m an active guy, and all that was taken away from me,” he says. “Now, I feel better at almost 50 than I did when I was 20.”

Rob encourages other people who are living with uncontrolled asthma to see the specialists at Temple Lung Center.

“It’s well worth any time you spend,” he says. “Not only are they super-knowledgeable; they saw me for five minutes and knew how to help me. Plus, they’re kind and compassionate. They’re concerned about my well-being and have spent plenty of time with me.”

Rob is happy to have the time and energy to follow his passions.

“Temple gave me my life back,” he says. “I’m so appreciative for them making me feel like a new person and allowing me to do the things I like to do.”

Learn how to manage your asthma

If you’re concerned about asthma, experts with the asthma program at Temple Lung Center can help. Call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) or request an appointment online.

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