PATIENT AND CAREGIVER VIDEO STORIES

Coccidioidomycosis

Experience of Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) After Travel to Arizona

Larry’s Story

After returning to Colorado from a vacation in the Arizona desert, Larry became very sick with an unknown illness. Watch his story unfold as he discusses his experience—the pre-diagnostic illness, the challenging process of diagnosis, and the roller coaster ride during treatment for coccidioidomycosis. This video series features discussion from Larry’s wife, Kippi, and her perspective as a patient advocate and caregiver; Larry’s primary care provider, Ronda Orndoff, DNP, who illustrates the educational needs for PCPs caring for a patient with coccidioidomycosis, as well as members of the CDC and MSGERC discussing the diagnostic process and unmet educational needs for both patients and providers dealing with this challenging infection.

 

Introduction

 

Early Illness

 

Diagnosis

 

Visit to the Primary Care Provider

 

Starting Antifungal Therapy

 

Drilling Down on Testing

 

Discussing Testing and Test Results

 

Role of Caregiver

 

Turning the Corner

 

Resources & Support

 

Common Questions

 

Roller-Coaster Ride

 

Primary-Care—Directed Resources

 

When to Initiate Treatment

 

Recognizing the Need to Switch Therapy

 

Pearls of Wisdom

 

Accessing Experts