Hello

[DerekStead]

Hello everyone. My name is Derek and at 61 I've recently been diagnosed as having asthma. Hearing about this disorder from as far back as my childhood I've never fully understand what it's all about so I'd love to hear from people about the ups and downs of this medical condition. Thank you. Looking forward to any advice.

[ChrissieMons]

Asthma is a very individual thing - it can be sparked off by so many bugs, allergies and emotional issues. Your best bet is to have a good look at the AsthmaUK website: asthma.org.uk/

for general info. If you have a problem or just need support this is the place for you!

[DerekStead in reply to ChrissieMons]

Thank you for the advice. I will do that as soon as I can.

[Minushabens]

Hi Derek

Welcome aboard. The first & most important thing to remember is that you must take a decision that, as far as possible, you will control your asthma & not the other way round.

As ChrissieMons said, each of us experiences it differently, and we each have our triggers and challenges, but as you learn about yours, you will learn how to avoid your major triggers, manage yourself when you do have an attack, and look after yourself in terms of both lifestyle and medication to minimise the impact.

Please send any questions you have. There are members here (like me ) who have had it all our lives but others who post on here who, like yourself, developed it later in life.

There are a few golden rules, but at this stage, I'd say:

- use your medication as advised, and make sure you understand what it does and why you are taking it;

- learn the correct techniques for taking your inhalers (I get incredibly stressed by the number of people I see taking inhalers in a way that will have zero effect);

- look after your general health;

- most importantly, if you think you are in difficulties, get help - don't make excuses or tell yourself it will pass, just speak to someone qualified to help you.

Beyond that - good luck & good health

[Bucketlist]

Hi there Derek, like you I have been diagnosed with Asthma very recently, and until 2 weeks ago, I thought that I probably had a viral infection but that I would use the inhalers that the Asthma nurse at my Gp practice prescribed me as they seems to be helping. After a bit of an episode then I think that I might have Asthma after all!

As someone already said, everyone's experiences seem to be so different, but after reading a lot of posts on this site I have seen a couple of people who seem to have the same symptoms as me, which has been so helpful, try looking at some of the old posts.

My personal 'ups' have been that with the preventer inhaler, I can walk, talk and breathe all at the same time, and carry on as normal.My 'downs' have been that I will probably have to use it for ever and always have to remember to take my Ventolin wherever I go. However, this is an excellent site and the people here are so helpful.

Hope you feel better soon

Jos

[DerekStead in reply to Bucketlist]

Thank you Jos. I will take your advice and read through posts. I thought for a few years that I was just prone to chest infections until it became so bad that I finally paid my GP a visit. I found that not only was I suffering from Asthma but also COPD. Now I have two steroid inhalers plus Ventolin so my advice to people now is if you are having problems with your breaking always visit your GP to be on the safe side.