i got officially diagnosed with asthma about 3 hours ago and im a bit scared. ive been trying to read the leaflets with my inhalers and the peak flow diary and the leaflet i was given on asthma, and im feeling a bit overwhelmed. emotionally im thinking woah hang on a minute!!! i guess im just wondering whats the best way to get your head around asthma?
thanks for hearing me.
eleanor.
Hello Elenor! Welcome to Asthma UK.
Firstly, please do not be frightened by what you read on these boards. By the nature of this forum, it tends to attract people who are severely affected in disproportionate numbers - in fact, people at the severe end of the spectrum, with uncontrolled asthma, make up a tiny proportion of asthmatics. The vast majority (95 - 97%) of asthmatics can be completely or nearly completely controlled, with minimal or no effect on their day-to-day life, once the right combination of medication is found. The sort of accounts that you might read on here, of poor control, multiple medications, hospital and intensive care admissions, and so on, really are not typical of what asthma is to most people. Asthma should be taken seriously - in the worst cases, it can be fatal - but once it is treated it should not stop you leading a normal life.
Anyway, on to you. Sorry to hear you've been diagnosed, hopefully you'll receive a lot of support and gain some useful information from being a member here. Hope you've had a good browse around the rest of the site -there's a lot of very useful information available in the ""All About Asthma"" section. If you've got any questions etc, no matter how trivial or silly they may seem to you, please post and ask - there's usually someone who can come up with an answer.
Again, welcome!
CathBear
(Moderator)
Hi welcome !
I completely understand how you feel !
Was only diagnosed myself last year and at the time was so comfussed and shocked by everything ! My poor family thought i'd gone mad !
However, you soon get used to the routine and in my experience started to feel much better in a few weeks health wise and emotionally.
I always used to forget my brown inhaler and the best tip (apart from all the advice and support from here 
) is to keep it near toothbrush !
Sorry havent got anything constructive to say !
Everyone on here is so helpful and lovely - sure you will get all the support you need !
Welcome to Asthma UK, Eleanor.
I know it is all very confusing and frightening at first, but you will quickly get used to things and it will all become quite commonplace. In the mean time, as Cathy says, please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions.
Take care
Em H
Welcome
Hi Eleanor
Welcome to the forum. You will find it really helpful and very supportive. Although I have had asthma for years I have only just joined up. My consultant recommended it as being useful. I would agree with Cathbear in that everyone's asthma is different. This forum will give you alot of support and answer any questions you might have. I have found out alot by simply reading the discussions.
You will get alot of support from your surgery - I have always found the asthma nurses are extremely good for answering those little worries and questions you have at first.
Anyway for you its day two and you will soon start to notice the difference that taking your inhalers will make to your life. I can still remember how much better I felt when I first started using my inhalers after diagnosis. I could go on long bike rides and enjoy the feeling of completely filling my lungs with lovely fresh air. Playing my oboe suddenly became easier and I didn't feel ill when playing so I started taking lessons again. I also felt that I had more ""get up and go"". You see there is a positive side to knowing you have asthma - knowing what the problem is and getting treatment for it. Having asthma won't hold you back.
So to get your head round it - just carry on as normal and take your inhalers. I have found that having asthma hasn't stopped me doing anything. Taking your peak flow is very helpful to the medics when assessing progress. It is a bind, but I usually get a ""pat on the back"" for keeping going with it!
Mail me any time you want. Take care
Judi
Hi Eleanor
Don't be scared it's a lot to take in but it's much easier to cope with something once you know what it is your having to cope with if that makes sense!!
You'll soon start feeling better now you have your inhalers and taking them very quickly becomes routine.
I've got quite severe asthma but it's never really stopped me doing anything except owning a dog as i'm allergic to them!
Welcome to the boards.
Marmite
thanks for your replies everyone. you have made me feel very welcome! im sorry for not replying earlier only i have been in respite for my other health issues and havent had access to a computer (i dont know how i survived without it!!!). its now two weeks and a day since i was diagnosed and i am slowly getting my head round it all. im not so scared now but still have a few questions. i think they might need to go in the medical forum though so i'll go there shortly. thanks for hearing me.
eleanor.
i am only realy new at this two eleanor i was diagnosed 2 years in october this year and i no how overwhelming it can get I am still learnin about the asthma there iss o much to know I actually laughed when I saw the peak flow and didnt have a clue.If you have asthma and have an asthma clinic at ur GP surgery take full advantage of the service as they really help
i am only realy new at this two eleanor i was diagnosed 2 years in october this year and i no how overwhelming it can get I am still learnin about the asthma there iss o much to know I actually laughed when I saw the peak flow and didnt have a clue.If you have asthma and have an asthma clinic at ur GP surgery take full advantage of the service as they really help
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