Just diagnosed.

[Bucketlist]

Hi there

I was diagnosed with Asthma on Wednesday . I had had flu and a chest infection 5 weeks ago that had left me with a cough, by the time I went to the Doctors I couldn't breathe, walk and talk all at the same time. My peak flow reading was 230 which went up to 360 after some Ventolin and a 20 minute wait. I was givena ventolin inhaler to be used 2 puffs 4 times a day and told to return in 2 days, when I returned my peak flow reading was 360 so I was given 5mg Prednisolone (8 for 5 days) and an additional inhaler Fostair 100/6. To be used morning a day night, I also developed an ear infection and am on antibiotics. My peak flow was 360 then and is unchanged today. Sooooo, at least I can now sleep! I can talk in whole sentences and I'm not so breathless, however I have just taken the last of my Prednisolone and I had expected by now to be almost better, if that's the right word. I'm still a bit dazed that I haven't just got a chest infection and seem to have something that, if I've been correctly diagnosed , is a long term issue. I'm 64, 5 ft 5 inches tall and could do with losing half a stone, apart from that until the flu I was fit as a flea! I've been reading some of the letters on here and feel a wuss for being concerned whenso many people have had this all of their lives, but will my peak flow reading come up? Do the inhalers have a cumulative effect? If so then by next week I hope to be able to breathe easier, and maybe able to walk, talk and breathe, all at the same time!

[Bucketlist]

Thanks for the info, my husbands PF reading is 660 so I was hoping I would be able to get higher, but not having used it before I haven't known my score, however, I was warned that the Prednisolone would make me feel perky! After 2 nights of only 2 hours sleep, I feel invincible! I feel I could blitz the house, sort out the garden and tidy the shed.

I'm a bit shaky tho,

oh, and I can't breathe......

Jos

[Wheezycat]

That is kind of similar to me. I was diagnosed three or so years ago, in my sixties. I wasn't so bad at the time, but got suspicious something wasn't right. We have it in the family. Last year I got a viral chest infection, from which I was struggling to recover. Eventually I ended up in hospital with an asthma attack. Now things are vastly better, with better meds. It has made such a difference. My pf is similar to yours, currently 350-380, 390 on rare occasions. And I haven't really had any problems in the last year, but I am learning what affects me - any kind of smoke and fragrances, mainly. Can't stand air fresheners ! Any way, look after yourself! Things will get better!

[Bucketlist in reply to Wheezycat]

Well mine seems to have started with flu and a chest infection, no family history at all. I was sure that it was another infection and didn't expect to be told I had Asthma.

Pleased that you are better now though.

I felt so full of energy earlier, although I was still in bed! But after changing 2 beds I had to have some Ventolin and am now having a sit down, that'll teach me.....not sure yet when to take the inhaler, should I wait and see if it all calms down on its own or just take it anyway, I wasn't given any info the surgery and I assume if I get as bad as I was last Wednesday when I was diagnosed, then I should ring and tell somebody. Anyway it will all work itself out I'm sure, until then I'll have to pace myself.

Thanks for replying

Jos

[Wheezycat in reply to Bucketlist]

Talk to the Asthma UK nurses. I have found them so very helpful!

[Griffon]

Peak Flow is relative to age size and gender .

Your peak flow will naturally be less than your husbands .

[Bucketlist in reply to Griffon]

Hi there, yes we googled it this morning, husband is full of himself as he has heart probs and an impressive peak flow! Mine seems to be average for age etc. Well, average for someone who is finding it hard to breathe.....

[Hidden]

Hi Bucketlist

Sorry to hear you've been recently diagnosed. There's some information on our website that might be useful: bit.ly/2qfBfGf

You can also call our Helpline on 0300 222 5800 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) for advice and support from our asthma specialist nurses, they'll be able to talk through your medications and when to take them.

Take care,

Dita

[Bucketlist in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I hope that my inhalers will have a cumulative effect, so that soon I won't need the Ventolin so often, but if I get worried I will call. Thank you

[ChrissieMons]

Inhalers have a small cumulative effect - that is, you can miss out one or two doses, but if you miss too many you will start to feel breathless again. Late onset asthma usually has to be managed long term, rather than dealt with from time to time. Your GP should have shown you how to take the inhalers properly and given you a spacer to use with both the preventative - fostair - and the blue rescue inhaler, and how many puffs of Fostair to take and when. You can check the inhaler technique on the Asthma UK site or look at the YouTube demos, but if you are still unsure of the dosage, ring the surgery. There is a great deal of info on the Asthma UK site, but don't read it all at once! You will certainly get better, but don't rush it. It is a sad fact that as we get older everything, including healing, takes longer!

[Bucketlist in reply to ChrissieMons]

Thanks, I have the spacer and seem to be ok technique wise, you're right I am trying to rush it I guess, trying to get back to normal, but have had to take it easy again today. You're also correct in that it does take longer to get over things nowadays. Once my cough goes and the ear infection I'm sure I'll be fine

Thanks

[Bucketlist]

Oh dear.......well, I guess I'll soon find out as I stopped them yesterday!

[Bucketlist]

Hi again, you were right about the lows! Spent all day yesterday on the sofa, didn't have enough energy to put the telly on! Hopefully today will be better, I am taking the preventer inhaler twice a day , but haven't seemed to need the Ventolin apart from first thing yesterday, then it made me shaky for so long that it has put me off using it. PF reading is holding to same night and morning, looks like it's getting sorted! Thanks for all the advice.