What to do?

My nebuliser hasn't been working properly for over two weeks. I attend an asthma clinic in a different area to where I live. I have left 4 messages with my/the asthma department directly and via switchboard but they have not replied. Has anyone got any ideas as to what I can do next? I do not want to simply, 'turn up' as I probably won't be seen.

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email them if you can...not sure what else to suggest

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That does sound a bit of a dilemma... I've had similar problems of not being able to get in touch with the asthma nurses, which is frustrating, as that often means that I end up having to actually make an appointment, e.g. with my GP, when a simple telephone conversation with the asthma nurses would probably have been more useful as well as quicker and cheaper! I tend to email the asthma nurses at my specialist (not local) hospital, which is brilliant. They can respond when they have time, which is always the same day, and it's really helpful to have someone either agreeing with me, or suggesting something else to try.

Would it be helpful to try getting in touch with your GP or practice nurse? They might be able to help you get in touch with the hospital, or might have a nebuliser that you could borrow until the hospital asthma nurses get back to you.

One of my nebulisers broke recently - just spluttered and died with very little warning, and I was so lost without it. I have two nebulisers, but the other one is ultrasonic, so I can't use it to nebulise steroids. Thankfully, I was able to get a cheap one delivered within 48 hours, though I did end up in hospital for a few days despite that.

Do you have any back-up if your nebuliser stops working totally? I'm sure this sounds completely stupid, but have you tried tinkering with it yourself? Some nebulisers have a troubleshooting guide online, which might be worth a try if you haven't already looked.

Really hope you manage to get this sorted soon!

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Can your helth cente (GP) lend you one until yours is fixed? What meds do you use it for - can you cope with just a spacer for now?