Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Ju Ju on November 03, 2016, 05:37:04 PM
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After a couple of weeks of an annoying cough that's being doing the rounds, asthma joined in. After coughing up dark phelgm and a small blood cough, I got an appointment with a doctor and a prescription for a short course of prednisolone (steroids) and ABs. Usual treatment. I'm to go back if I'm no better. I've not got a fever. I'm not getting worse or better., except it's tiring not breathing easily and not sleeping very well, so it's wearing me down. And I'm bored. How much TV or reading can one do? I'm not prone to health anxiety, thank goodness, but 3 years ago, it started like this and deteriorated over a few weeks and I ended up in hospital. That time I refused ABs as I didn't have a fever, then I got a chest infection within hours of seeing the doctor and rapidly deteriorated. All got a little dramatic. Which is why I agreed to ABs this time. When I voiced my fears to DH I was told I was being pessimistic. Thanks. Just wanted reassurance, but that kind of response shuts you down. At least he's cooking dinner!
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Hello Ju Ju.
Not being able to breathe properly and feeling weak are enough to make anyone worry, especially if emergencies have occured before so being pessimistic is easy under those circumstances!
Hope you feel better soon and wishing you well.
K.
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I really feel for you Ju Ju, it's a horrible thing to experience and I'm not surprised you're anxious about it. Hopefully the ABs will work their magic and all will improve quickly. I don't like taking them either, but you're absolutely right, asthma is not to be messed with.
Your hubby sounds like mine though mine would have added, 'what's for dinner?' >:(
I wish you better soon x
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Are you improving though? I thought of you in the night …….
I can watch day-time TV all day ::) - beginning with House under the Hammer, into mid-morning until we get to Bargain Hunt, BBC1 News: a break : then Escape to the Country - what's not to like ;D and if I'm still awake, any buying house programmes on Channel4 ……..
It's for a short while Ju Ju - enjoy the rest! Not sleeping properly will use up energy and ABs can cause discomfort ;-). Enjoy being waited on, your husband needs to learn - little steps ?!?
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How R U today?
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Woke up in the night with lots of coughing, but now have something to cough on, which seems to have eased the tight band round my lungs, so I think that's progress. It's a relief as before I seem to go down the slippery slope over time, then it becomes dangerous. DH says he needs to know when to step in, as last time he was relying on me. But when you are not getting enough oxygen, you're not able to think sensibly. As you say, now I have to have patience. I seem to have that viral lethargy, where even having a shower today is an uphill struggle. I can't be bothered to watch tv, even all the episodes of Poldark I have recorded.
My GS was here today. Grandad was fully in charge! Including toileting! Progress indeed! He had to take him to his dental appointment, with the instructions to make sure grandad opened his mouth properly. I was assured that grandad was a good boy.
What worries me is that asthma is playing such a part in what are minor viruses. How will l cope if I'm dealing with any other health issue? I'm fortunate that I don't catch everything going around. My immune system is doing a good job. Normally, my asthma is well controlled. I don't think about it, unless I'm singing as sometimes I find I don't have enough puff which can take me by surprise or if I actually run! I don't want to get paranoid if someone is coughing and sneezing round me.
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I sympathise Ju Ju. I remember when I ended up in hospital with pneumonia. Oxygen levels were low. I'd tried to carry on thinking it was just a cold. Only then did I discover I had asthma. I'd been ignoring my cough for a very long time.
Future DIL has same thing, she was given ABs & steroids. She's starting to feel a bit better but says she still feels as though she has tight band round her chest. Daughter has similar virus
Hubby recovering from same virus, just hope I don't come down with it. Healthy bunch! ;D
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Ju Ju - rest! :foryou: when you feel better you can discuss with DH what may be required in future. What does the Chest Physician suggest for remaining well?
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Cubagirl, the nature of my asthma has changed through the years, so I really don't know what to expect. As a child, I had classic wheezing attacks, which could be acute and were triggered by just about everything, allergies, infection, stress and exercise. I suspect modern day medication would have controlled it, but back then it was uncontrolled. Every PE teacher thought they knew best and would make me run, but only once! They learnt! Now my symptoms are less obvious to the observer. The tight chest or feeling of weight, coughing. Peak flow meters are invaluable for you to see how bad things are or sometimes not as bad as it feels. Just listening to your chest is not enough, though I did have crackles apparently. When I ended up in hospital I could hardly walk or talk without worsening the symptoms, yet I, my DH or my paramedic son didn't realise how ill I was.
Clkd, I did see a consultant after the last time I ended up in hospital, but he was very unhelpful. Just told me that I was managing my asthma very well and to carry on as I was. I don't think there is much understanding of how you lose your confidence after a health crisis. I have been called in for a medication review, even if I don't need to go back for this episode. I shall try and arrange an appointment with the lovely GP I see if I can. I might have to wait, but it will be worth it. She was the one doctor who listened to me when I said I got no relief from salbutamol inhalers and arranged for a spiral meter test which proved that. They didn't listen in hospital.
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Little steps. Get those feet up this weekend, as little gentle exercise. You know your body the best!
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Ju Ju, my asthma didn't get diagnosed until my early 40's. I'd probably had it mildly for about 8 years prior to that. Used to work in an office, continually on the phone & would cough myself silly every time. I ignored it, which in hindsight wasn't clever! Always flares up March-July time, but can bother me off & on all year for whatever reason. My hubby didn't realise how ill I was either. When I came out of hospital he was like a headless chicken, running about after me, making sure I was OK.
Over the years my inhalers have changed. My preventer is now a combination one, which works best for me. Brown on it's own wasn't enough. Salbutamol can take a while to work when I'm really bad as inhaling can cause coughing to get worse, even with a spacer.
Oh the joys. Hope you feel better soon!
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I developed asthma a year or so before peri started.
It was sudden and quite powerful. I'd wake in the night unable to catch my breath, a visit to the nurse resulted in me walking out with the blue and brown inhalers. It was hard to stabilise at first but now I've got a great inhaler, it's combined and I have to use a spacer which is a pain for carrying around but this one gives immediate relief. I use it each morning and night as a preventative and as and when for the breathing issues. I usually have attacks on a daily basis still but notice I'm worse in the evenings and mornings
X
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Yes the aero chamber takes up room, but not as big as the alternative one I used to have. I have to rinse my mouth afterwards with mine, to avoid oral thrush. Sadly, my alternative relieved inhaler (atrovent) does not give instant relieve like salbutamol used to. And the preventer inhaler worsens the symptoms before working. I tried several. Probably need an overall look at medication, so it's just as well I've been told to book an appointment for a review. There might be new alternatives out there. Normally, I rarely need to use my reliever inhaler, but I do carry it around. I've had asthma since I was a baby and it was a part of me. No big deal. I got on with it and have rejoiced in the fact that allergens are no longer a big trigger. But this is different. Unknown territory.
It's interesting that a lot of women are diagnosed with asthma when they are peri menopausal. There must be a hormonal element here. Asthma is passed on from generation to generation and can occur alongside hay fever, eczema and migraines. Both my children have had periods of asthma, but do not need medication. My daughters seems to be triggered by all dairy products and eggs, but she's find if avoids them and she now gets violent diarrhoea immediately if she inadvertently ingests some. Her body protecting her?
I think I'm getting better. Certainly less wheezy and more energy and my peak flow readings, though still low are rising. Yeh I washed my hair today and feel more human. It's the last day of the short course of steroid tablets. If I'm still needing my reliever inhaler several times a day, plus doubled up preventer medication, I'll see a doctor on Monday. Otherwise I'll book a routine appointment.
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The difference a hair wash can make is enormous, I would like to see hairdressers available on the NHS for long-term patients ;).
Because you are beginning to improve, do remember to continue resting!
My Dad was diagnosed with late-onset asthma in his early 60s :-\. I remember getting short of breath pre-bleed, like my body filled up with fluids which seemed to cause me to be aware of not getting a proper breath ……..once the period began, those symptoms went and I would forget until they recurred the next month.
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Hello JuJu.
Glad to read that you are feeling better.
I also know someone that developed asthma during the menopause so it makes you wonder how common it is.
Talking of not being listened to, back in the seventies my friend was prescribed a new inhaler but complained that using it gave her heart palpitations which her GP dismissed, telling her not to be such a silly young girl. Needless to say she stopped using it but when it was mentioned again about six months later he said he wouldn't be prescribing it anymore because ‘ it causes palpitations you know'. Medicine moves on but some things never change!
Wishing you well.
K.
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Hello JuJu.
Glad to read that you are feeling better.
I also know someone that developed asthma during the menopause so it makes you wonder how common it is.
Talking of not being listened to, back in the seventies my friend was prescribed a new inhaler but complained that using it gave her heart palpitations which her GP dismissed, telling her not to be such a silly young girl. Needless to say she stopped using it but when it was mentioned again about six months later he said he wouldn't be prescribing it anymore because ‘ it causes palpitations you know'. Medicine moves on but some things never change!
Wishing you well.
K.
Kathleen I have a pink inhaler (mixed for preventative and reliever) and was given the spacer thing to use with it. Because it doesn't fit in smaller handbags I took the inhaler off it and put in my bag, I used it and it gave me hours of palpitations. I told my asthma nurse and she said it would as it's so concentrated, that's why I must use the spacer
X
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Doubling up my preventative inhaler (re asthma plan) gives me mild palpitations, but as I know what's going on, I don't worry about it.
As a child, I was prescribed an inhaler that was later withdrawn. It caused some deaths and it was suspected that it made my sister very ill. It was very frightening, but she recovered.
I didn't get much sleep last night as my chest was so tight and coughing, so I got up and watched Strictly, which I had recorded. Not a good idea! I felt as if I had been dancing too fast!
I've managed to do a few chores today, which was necessary as my digestive system has gone on strike. It has helped. I'm trying to do a few bits everyday. I couldn't look at the loos any longer! This is all very wearying. But I'm not getting worse, just not getting better.
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I am 'in charge' of bathrooms, laundry and dishwasher ;D - Himself does the cooking and is quite friendly with the 'hoover'.
:foryou:
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Hi Ju Ju
Sorry to hear you are unwell with asthma - I don't manage to read all the threads but just now caught this one. My youngest son had bad asthma as a child so I know how awful it can be - he seems to only get it now and again now - but mainly when he has a cold and also when he comes home (to our dusty house with cat!).
Do take care and hope you feel better soon :).
Hurdity x
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Thank you! I think the course of ABs has knocked infection on its head, but the asthma is not letting go of its grip. I've got another emergency appointment this morning. I suspect another course of oral steroids will be the result. My peak flow readings are dipping again. I missed my flu jab and have another one booked for Saturday, so I will take advice for that.
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Avoid the 'flu jab for as long as possible whilst you are 'ripe' with what ever is causing the asthma.
How do you feel generally?
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I missed my flu jab (had it now) because I had a fever, if you're not hot you should still go for your jab
X
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Got another short course of prednisolone as predicted. I asked about the flu jab and it's OK if I haven't got a fever, but it was more whether I feel up to it. Judgement call.
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I would be inclined to let this asthma upheaval blow over B4 subjecting the body to added stress.
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This is a bit of an up and down journey. I felt better yesterday, despite choking over my breakfast. Once all calmed down, I pottered around making the kitchen a more hygienic area ::) and felt a sense of achievement. My peak flow readings were going up. But I had very little sleep last night, chuffing away. So I'm very tired and my peak flow readings are back down again. I suspect another trip to the doctors is on the cards tomorrow. Not sure how that's going to work as DH has an appointment 20 miles away and I think it would be irresponsible to drive. The surgery is 4 miles away. We had planned to take our GS out after accompanying DH. This is getting tiresome.
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How did you get on?
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I had a really rough day yesterday, peak flow down, 2 hours sleep and dreaded going to bed last night. However, I managed 7 reasonable hours of sleep and only one coughing session, which seemed to have cleared my airways. My peak flow readings have jumped this up morning and I felt correspondingly better, though I feel like a wet blanket. I didn't go to the doctors. I suspect I would not have been prescribed another short course of prednisolone as things appear to be on the up. I can feel tightness back again this evening, but I'm due for my preventative inhalers in an hour. I cancelled my flu jab. Gut feeling is that I'm not well enough, even if I don't have a fever. Will have to wait till the 1st December now. I shall make a routine appointment with the doctor I like and who saw me through the aftermath of my hospital stay 3 years ago.
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Sorry you had a rough time with your asthma. Mine was bothering me the other day & I'm looking at changing toothpaste as apparently some are irritants. Have you found this at all?
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No, allergens no longer seem a threat like they were when I was younger, thank goodness. As a child, I tested for so many allergens and I had a reaction to nearly everything. I carry a preventer inhaler just in case though. I don't like using toothpaste with SLS in and use sensodine toothpaste, which doesn't have this ingredient and helps with sensitive teeth.
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This is getting rather boring isn't it? I'm no better and no worse, so had to go back to see a doctor again. I saw the same locum GP I saw last week. He was a lot more thorough this time. Expressed concern at my highish pulse rate, which is still within the realms of normal, but there is no record of what it is when I am OK, so I've got go back for a reading when I'm better. But as I can feel palpitations all the time at the moment, I suspect it's high for me. Anyway, another short course of prednisolone and see how it goes. He had a look back at 3 years ago and made a note that a normal dose doesn't do the job. At least I'm ok in other respects, just very tired and my lungs ache.
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Very exhausted today. Woke up struggling with breathing, so was more comfortable up. My peak flow was lower in the night, but rose in the day time. DH has decided to take me back to the doctors on Friday, even though I won't have finished this current steroid course. He wants to insist on more aggressive treatment or least know what our options are. Also he can tell it how it is, rather than how I present myself when I see the doctor. The treatment so far is stopping things becoming dangerous, but I'm not getting better. My lungs are tired.
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Thank you! Feeling rather sorry for myself. Talking to my paramedic son who is not satisfied with my treatment. But I think I been treated conservatively, which probably usually works. I wish I could see a doctor who knows my history, rather than a locum. At least he started delving back and listening this last time.
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Ju Ju, I'm really sorry you still feel so poorly, asthma is the pits!
I think it's a really good idea to take hubby with you on Friday: when we are low we sometimes don't have the energy to fight and to be as assertive as we need to be. Let him take over for you!
I send you my very best wishes and hope you start to mend soon x
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Thank you! DH is a good resource! He seems to command respect without demanding it or even thinking about it. I have exploited this a lot in the past. ( eg parent evenings for child with dyslexia. I told him what we wanted beforehand and sat back and let him do his thing!)
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DH took me to drs today, who sent me to hospital to be assessed. As they were so busy I had to wait 31/2 hrs in the A&E waiting room. DH told them he was taking me home if they didn't find me somewhere more comfortable. I was too poorly. They found a cubicle then after tests and X-ray I'm staying overnight. They're not convinced it's asthma. Going to check for clots. All good fun ....not.
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I've got pneumonia
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They didn't say. But I'm being dosed up with ABs. I have to stay in here at least until Monday. The young registrars didn't seem to really know, but I saw the consultant this morning. I was actually more ill when I had a chest infection 3 years ago. They've put me in the ward for respiratory problems. Two bed room with own loo, which is just as well as my IBS is playing up. Sharing with nice lady, same age and retired teacher like me.
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Oh Dear. Hopefully you will have lots to chat about with the ex-teacher sharing! Put the World to rights! ?
Pneumonia can be difficult to diagnose so one can't be too careful, in case!
:foryou:
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Thank you! Actually feel worse today despite managing to sleep. Doctor came in to say blood work showed O2 levels have dipped. Lost my appetite too. Still room mate and I have made a date to watch strictly. If you have to be in hospital not bad place to be and good company.
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Oh dear - Ju Ju - I am so sorry to hear you are in hospital with pneumonia but at least you now have a diagnosis and will be getting proper treatment. Wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery and enjoy your private room with your room-mate :)
Take care.
:foryou:
Hurdity x
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Hi all, still here and not likely to be going hope yet. My blood work shows slight improvement in some areas, but worse in others. Just had a chest xray which showed slight improvement. My IBS is playing up too, so I'm a bit the wars. Still fingers crossed so things start progressing quicker. I will see the consultant tomorrow.
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:bighug: is your room mate still there?
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Hi Ju Ju,
Glad there is some improvement albeit slow. I hope your ward isn't too nosiy and you are managing to get some rest, do you have earplugs? I started using meditation apps when I was in hospital and still use them to this day. How many people in your room? Do you have company ?
Thinking Of you and glad you are getting Good care and hopefully lots of rest xx
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My room mate goes home tomorrow hopefully for her. I will miss her. It can be noisy, but not as bad as the ward I was in last time. I slept about 5 hours last night and dosed most of the day, but feel a bit livelier now. It will be great if I feel like this tomorrow. Just had a nose bleed.... messy. I'm having injections to prevent blood clots and O2 plus weak blood vessels in the nostrils that only trouble me when I'm ill since starting hrt. Goodnight all.
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Aw bless you I hope you continue on your recovery
I had pneumonia in both lungs in 2008 plus pleurisy, our hospital was Jam packed that winter and I had to keep going for X-rays to check the ABs were working. It took about 10 weeks before I was back to normal so take your recovery slowly and when you start to feel better don't rush around x
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I dread a nose bleed :-\
How R U this morning? Did U sleep?
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Hi Ju Ju,
Just caught up with this thread, I'm sorry all deteriorated so badly. However, you are in the right place, at least you know you are being cared for and on 'compulsory rest' which gives you a much better chance to repair. When we are at home, irrespective of the circumstance, we always do too much!
Rest up and make the most of being 'fussed' after.
I wish you better soon x
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Have new room mate. Smoked like a chimney until forced to stop, now has asthma, copd and is obese very. In my vulnerable state, I'm being very judgemental. I have visions of smothering her as she is coughing constantly. It's torture I'm so tired and despataely need some sleep even a couple of hours would help. I've decided I'm going home tomorrow whatever. Sorry for the rant. I've been as calm as I could up to now but now lying here crying
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Oh menomale thank you for being there! Feeling very lonely. I was lucky with the other lady. We have become friends. I am worried for her as she had cancer for 2 years before doctors took a biospy. Now 3 years on she had fluid on her lungs. Biopsys have been taken and of course drained. But my sister had this once she had secondary cancer.
My new room mate has stopped coughing and is now snoring very loudly! The doctors were considering discharge today Tuesday or tomorrow depending on blood work etc. I have felt better since midday and woul have slept if I was allowed to.
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I asked and they had none. However I had aN MP3 story tape and ear plugs. I tried listening to the story and fell asleep. The voice though not masking the sound it distracted me. I've no idea what the story was about but who cares! I was so distressed, and found myself feeling my awful thoughts. Not kind ones at all. Half past 5 now and nursing staff are active, so I can cope. I shall persuade them to let me go if safe to do so. I don't feel scared now.
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Oh blimey Ju Ju, what a night! If you have to stay in, can they not move you? Oh that's the trouble with hospitals, you're at the mercy of surrounding patients and heavy footed passers-by. I'm an exceptionally light sleeper so find it intolerable.
If you're up to it I hope you're able to escape! I wish you well x
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Have asked DH plus batteries for the MP3 player. Feel less distressed now it's daytime. Had a shower, bloods taken, just waiting for the doctors to come round. Fingers crossed. Thank you for being there last night. The wonders of technology.
Just seen the doctors. They will be discussing whether I can go home. I think if I didn't feel I wanted to go home they would keep in from what was said. I suspect it's going to take a while to recover.
Looks like I'm ESCAPING!
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Hopefully you will be home within 24 hours.
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I'm home! I could have stayed at least till tomorrow, but sleep seems more important. Unfortunately I have come back to piles of washing, dirty loos. At least he's washed the sheets and is currently making the bed.
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Close your eyes, ignore it all. REST! x
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Dirty loos …….. how long were you away ! ::) ! - time for a lesson when you feel better! It amazes me that men don't see the stains they leave behind :kick:
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DH has a lot on his plate complicated by visiting me, but it doesn't take that long to do these chores. I have to move around, so the washing is easy to do, but how was he going to provide me with pjs if I had stayed in longer? He was bringing old ones at the end, that I would rather not wear in public! I was very cross about the loos as I have have bowels issues and have to be careful. He said he would do them in a couple of days when his work was completed for this week. Yeh right it took 3 days of nagging after my hysterectomy.I had a melt down...well I can't wait 2 days to go to the loo! Said some horrid things, he remained calmed, cooled down and we agreed it was the prolonged lack of sleep and illness. I cleaned the loos and basins. I really can't cope with any other health issues. I've told him I'm going to be assertive and give him a job to do every day to keep things ticking over. No excuses, no doing another day, otherwise he'll hear my teacher voice! Watch this space! In his defence, he does look tired and I'm knackered. But we have made an agreement. Am I going to be a nagging wife.....he he!
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My M in L cleaned the bathroom every day. Maybe a new habit to cultivate ;-).
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Just had a blissful nights sleep, though my chest feels very tight. New inhaler gives me palpitations. I'm wondering how I did what did when I got home yesterday. Adrenaline? I won't be doing anything today.
DH has to do some work today (financially rewarding as well as fulfilling) so has arranged for my fellow grandmother, who is lovely, to look after GS here instead of at my daughters. I'm looking forward to seeing them. I don't feel safe to be on my own yet.
I think recovery isn't going to be quick. I have to see a GP in a few days, which I'm glad about. I need to discuss if there is any way I can avoid all this happening again, e.g. Pneumonia vaccine. I was offered it years back, but can't remember why I didn't have it. It seems that I have become vulnerable as I am getting older. (3 asthma/infection illnesses in 4 years, 2 requiring hospitalisation.) Inbetween and before, I managed my asthma very well. A lot of friends didn't know I had asthma, because I looked after myself.
Had a lovely discussion with my other roommate about whether we were scared of dying. We both felt it wasn't dying that was scary, but we both have so much to live for and don't want to miss out! Anyway, I shall find some equilibrium about this. Now to get on with living.
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:tulips2:
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I've had asthma since I was a few months old. Not controlled well and triggered by exercise, many allergens and infection. Modern medicine and being less vunerable to allergens has enabled me to managed it well most of the time. But I seem to have become vunerable to some infections. Not all. I cope with colds well. Fortunately I do have an efficient immune system, maybe years of teaching young children! I have done a lot of work on bereavement. I think my fear is not dying, but in the loss of dignity and respect if deteriorating. Apart from being left ill and in distress for 31/2 hours in an A&E waiting room waiting to be admitted, I was was treated incredibly well in hospital. We do have problems with the NHS, but despite financial, they do a good job.
I'm so sorry you don't have the support you deserve. If you lived in the U.K. We could suggest different kinds of support. We do need a support system, all if us, but not easy to get sometimes.
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My asthma is only alleviated by the mixed inhaler with steroid in, the blue one really doesn't give me the immediate relief my pink one does
X
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I understand that psychological services are stretched here in the U.K. Menomale, with long waiting lists.
Unfortunately, salbutamol (ventolin) no longer gives relief, so I have been prescribed atriovent, which works in a different way. I was using serevent 125 as a preventer inhaler which worked well for me until infection. I doubled the dose following my asthma plan, but it didn't help enough. Now I've been prescribed fostair as a preventer inhaler. The list of side effects are more alarming than my old one. Oh well I'll go along with it until I get my breathing sorted.
My paramedic son has sent me an oximeter and pulse reader( the thing they put on your finger). Not sure a good idea! I have to put it on when he contacts me on FaceTime! Well it does show things are not right, but I do feel better in myself today. It's good to be home.
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No I don't have COPD, but forstair is for asthma as well, according to the accompanying leaflet. I'm told to use it as a preventer inhaler 2 puffs twice a day, morning and night. Im to carry on with atriovent as a reliever. I'm not happy about the Forstair inhaler, but I couldn't tell you why. I don't have enough info, but this is what I can discuss with my GP. Reading the accompanying leaflet alarmed me. I think discussion is needed when I am better. For example, my old inhalers worked well normally, and suited me, but obviously I need a more aggressive plan when I'm going downhill and be more assertive that we can't wait and see on conventional treatment. One of the GPs has already suggested this. I did have a gut feeling things were going downhill. I know there are risks with the adrenal glands with long term use of steroids. I actually had a test done on my cortisol levels 3 years ago, but all was well. Certainly something to discuss though. I suspect I will have to have several visits to the doctor, probably more blood work, so time to bring up concerns.
I'm sorry you haven't a proper home. I've lived here 30 years. Not pretty, yet I love it. I live in a lovely village and setting. When we arrived here all those years ago it welcomed me. I felt peace. I would wish that for everyone. You obviously live somewhere, somewhere to sleep? Just temporary?
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Sorry to hear your asthma deteriorated into pneumonia. My tablet been playing up & posts not updating, heck knows why.
You need to take it easy Ju Ju. I didn't when I ended up with pneumonia. It was just before Christmas when I took it about 20 years ago now. I didn't want Christmas to be ruined because of me, so battled on. Even went on shopping trip with daughter because I'd promised her a shopping day in Glasgow. Back to work in the New Year & ended up back in hospital! Doctor told me off!
I'm now on Flutiform as a preventer, but still OK with salbutamol as reliever.
As for the loo, surely wouldn't take him long with a loo brush & some toilet duck! I was lucky daughter took care of cleaning when I was ill.
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Juju Fostair is what I use and the only one that works during an attack
Did they give you a spacer ? It's too strong to use without one, otherwise it gives me the shakes for hours after
X
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Got muddled, but both atrovent and forstair can be used for both asthma and COPD.
My son tells me I'm not assertive enough! With DH and everyone else, which is fine, but not when it's to my detriment. I find being assertive and upfront exhausting. I'm more subtle. I get my way with DH. I know how to handle him! But when dealing with your health and needs, he's right. DH will be accompanying me to my next doctors appointment. He will ask questions.
Hi Cubagirl. I haven't heard of flutiform. I miss salbutamol and it's quick relief. I could do with it now. Atrovent takes longer, but not helping at the moment. I have no idea why it doesn't work anymore. Before I had the first episode of asthma and infection 4 years ago, I had rarely needed to use it for 20 years, so not due to overuse.
I will take heed and take it easy. DH says he's going to do more round the house. He does a lot for me in other ways, but not brilliant at housework. Normally that's fine. We'll muddle through. I don't understand why the washing machine flummoxes him though. If in doubt consult the manual, I say, but like many men he seems to be allergic to manuals! You have to laugh!
Annie, how do you get on with a Forstair inhaler? Do you use it as just a preventer inhaler as I've been told to or as a reliever as well? I do use it with an aero chamber as I did with the serevent and rinse my mouth etc to avoid oral thrush. I don't think I could use it without an aerochamber at the moment. Have you had any problems?
Menomale, I do sympathise that you are living in a confined space with someone so difficult to live with. Unfortunately, we don't choose our relatives do we? I find it helps to consider what their life experience has been. While abusive behaviour is never acceptable, it does help to understand that you are not the cause or you are not responsible for their behaviour. It is about them , not you. This can help you dealing with them. My DH has an extremely unpleasant brother, who was hostile right from when I met DH. We tolerated what we shouldn't have done, because we thought that was best, but one day he over stepped the mark and I won't ever let him through the door again, not that is likely to happen. DH had little to do with him for some years because he was so angry, but now has found his equilibrium and meets occasionally with a sense of humour and expecting nothing. Have you any alternatives you can explore?
Thank you for your posts and for helping me get through the night. I can't sleep as my breathing is compromised.....tight, irritated lungs. It's a long night.
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Hi Juju
I was only diagnosed at 43 I think, many allergies that have been getting worse since peri started.
Started with brown and blue inhaler which relieved attacks but then it progressed to anywhere, anytime (initial allergen with asthma was our pets so attacks were just at home), so that's when nurse tried me on Fostair as I needed a carrier bag to haul everything around ! Blue inhaler didn't seem as effective and realised Fostair was giving immediate relief each time . She said that use blue during anaphylaxis til I get to hospital but it didn't help at all last time, only Fostair did again
I use the chamber, I have to otherwise I get awful shakes for hours after. I use 1pump (3 inhales) each morning and evening as preventative but also asthma is bad bedtime and morning so does the trick for both then same dose as and when attack happens, usually at least each evening, when out and about , in humid conditions, lots of triggers now so need it on me 24/7
Having not grown up with asthma everything was confusing to start with , many a time I'd say to OH I think the cat is crying somewhere and he'd say it's me wheezing !
I have yearly reviews and next one is next Friday actually and they call me each year for flu jab which all helps
My hope is they find me a good ALL in one inhaler without a spacer as nights out I still need a big(ish) handbag for epipens and inhalers Alone
We changed furnishings to leather and ripped out carpets for wooden floors which really helped too
Keep up your good recovery x
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Oh you are having a rough time!
As a child I suffered from numerous allergies. Allergy tests were all positive. The consultants comment was that if all the allergens were present at one time, I would blow up! We couldn't have pets, no one could smoke round me, my bedroom had to be uncarpeted, minimal furniture. I couldn't run. Medication was not effective then. I have memories of my poor Mum holding me firmly in her arms trying to spoon in a crushed Franol (disgusting taste) tablet mixed with jam, which I would promptly vomit up! As I have got older, I have become far less vunerable to allergens. Modern medicine and that now asthma patients are encouraged to self manage with support has enabled me to be fairly symptom free for years. Many people were unaware I was asthmatic, so it is upsetting that all this has happened recently. I'm now 62. Post menopausal. Menopause didn't appear to make things worse. Maybe getting older generally is the problem! Well I survived my childhood and many hours of not knowing how to take the next breath, so I'm going to get through this. Life's too good!
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It's good you're managing yours well, our stories are in reverse. No childhood allergies but developed severe latex allergy at 21
Mine all seems to be getting worse but manageable (well I consider it manageable, will see what nurse thinks next week)
When I had pneumonia doc sat me down and forewarned me that I could feel down once I'm up and about again given the length of time it took to recover. It was especially hard as it came on a week before Xmas, my first grandchild was 12 weeks old and her and my daughter were moving out to live in their own home and the partner I was with at the time was useless , didn't fight my corner with Drs (I should've been hospitalised 'anywhere' where there was a bed vacancy) and the only food I got was mac Donald's every day , or toast
Wow just thinking back brings dark gloomy memories !
Onwards and upwards !
X
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Just been to the doctors with DH, as I have felt pretty rough today and paramedic son said I should! I felt I was going downhill, but now feel reassured. Saw a lovely doctor. He reassured me that this is par for the course. No one really explained about what to expect and how long recovery takes in hospital. He explained that my lungs have a severe injury and it will take 3 months before I feel healthy again. I think it would be helpful had someone explained things like to me before I came home. It also helps me plan ahead. My supervisor for the voluntary work I do has told my clients I won't be back till the end of January, which I thought rather extreme, so maybe not. She also said they didn't want to see anyone else and were happy to wait, which is so lovely. I've decided to postpone working towards my next singing grade and probably not starting lessons for a while. At least I know better what to expect. Meanwhile I shall train up DH to be a housewife......watch this space! He's cooking dinner! :)
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Aw bless you Juju
I was out of action for about 10 weeks, I felt so shaky and vulnerable when I was up and about again and what little fat I'd had prior just fell off me
It's really important you do this at your pace
Xx
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There really is no joined up thinking is there :bang: ……… the so called 'experts' [how I HATE that word] don't put themselves into the patients' beds ……I always said that any medic should have 7 days/nights in an NHS bed B4 they qualify ::)
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DH is looking after me now he has time. My son keeps contacting me. He has had an oximeter sent to me and facetimes me to check on the readings and thoroughly bossing me about from 3000 + miles away!
Yes I lost a few pounds, down to my ideal weight, but I'm a bit hungrier now. It helps to hear about your experience, Annie.
Just a bit ******* as I had a hysterectomy last year, the year before my gall bladder out, the year before, a chest infection that required a short hospital stay, and the year before that a chest infection not so serious. And I was planning on a healthy Christmas! Maybe next year?
I sometimes think they make an assumption that you know more than you do, clkd, because they are dealing with this day in, day out.
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I wasn't kept in the loop either Juju
First my boss sent me, I thought I had flu and a cough, dr diagnosed bronchitis and gave me ABs, I was getting worse but kept trying to go into work , boss kept sending me home, ABs were giving me bad tummy cramps, in the end I think I spent £80-90 on prescriptions to get an AB that suited me, a few weeks in I was back saying I thought I had broken my collar bone sleeping wrong (I was sleeping so much) dr said it's pleurisy and sent me for X-ray, infections were in both lungs but bad in left. I lost all bladder control from coughing so (this is yuk) used an old single duvet to sit on that if I leaked on it could be thrown
I lost Xmas, new year, weeks of my new granddaughter, missed them both moving into their own home then when I recovered my relationship ended , at the beginning I tried to rush the recovery but when the dr sat me down and explained how it'll take weeks before I felt well I realised I had to do it my pace
During those bedridden times there were moments where I understood patients who say they can't fight anymore and would rather slip away, i'd reached those times on occasions , I've often wondered if I'd been hospitalised and given ABs by drip would I have recovered quicker ?
X
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Familiarty breeds contempt! At a time when medics have been advised to be more human, i.e. introduce themselves, take time to explain - looks like it hasn't changed since I was a Girl - often we had to explain to patients what the SHO's had suggested ::)
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Oh Annie, that must have been so difficult and traumatic. Not to be treated appropriately and not to have support. It takes time to recover emotionally as well as physically doesn't it?
I was ill for a while beforehand, but tried to keep going. When I had a chest infection 3 years ago, I knew I was ill. I did it dramatically by being sent to hospital by ambulance and spent 24 hours in the high dependency ward, followed by 24 hours in a side ward. This time took longer, but less dramatic. Well it started with a 31/2 hour wait in A&E. so I thought I wasn't that ill as I wasn't being looked after. It was the doctor who discharged me who said I had been very ill and this GP! I now feel a bit shocked, but I'm now in the right frame of mind to recover and not to worry. All it takes is being told! I did get ABs intravenously, etc. And I do have a good support network.
I hope life has treated you better since and that you have been able to enjoy your family. And you deserve to be treated with loving kindness, which sadly your ex was unable to do. That was about him not you.
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Aw bless you Juju, yes life became very kind after that, I met up with a man I'd grown up with (our dads were best friends and I've known OH 46 years now) , we met at a time our exes had been nasty and we were both single so started a friendship, within a week I told him I want a relationship, luckily he did too, he'd never have let me be ill that long without adequate care and he's been brill through meno, that ex would've run a mile the minute he couldn't have had sex !
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JuJu I so sorry to hear about the events of late, you poor thing,sounds like you have had a rough time!
Coupled with the noise of hospital, it's unbearable especially when you have a snorer in with you. Glad you are home and hopefully now will take it very very easy.
Sorry I haven't commented before now - you are always so kind and thoughtful to me xx
Sleep well lovely Ju Ju xx
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GH, bless you! I know you are there and part of my support system. You don't have to comment!
I'm awake and up, but as this lovely doctor explained, one of the side effects of the steroids is poor sleep. My chest hurts and being upright helps for a while. I may not be physically in good shape, but mentally calm. This will pass. Thank you the lovely doctor, I saw.
Annie, lovely to hear that you have a relationship with a man who is able to treat you with the loving kindness you deserve.
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This morning, I woke up rejoicing after 8 whole hours of sleep and breathing with more ease. Normally, I have to get up in the night and sometimes sit up for an hour or so to clear my chest, not being comfortable anywhere. I feel such relief and I haven't used any inhaler yet! I feel like bouncing, but only mentally. DH has just said, "Don't even think of doing anything today!" So don't worry, I'm not going to be silly! He's on my case! Oh the relief!
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So listen to what 'he' tells you ;) - lots on TV F1 qualifying right now …….
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:bounce: