Confused and annoyed

[Kerry031]

Hi,

I have had Asthma since I was a child. I had no symptoms for a very long time, then 6 months ago following a bad time with hayfever I was put back onto Salbutamol inhaler and then onto a steriod inhaler (flutiform). I have increased my steriod inhaler over the last few months and am on the maximum dose of it.

I have the usual triggers pollen smoke perfume air freshners and cold weather. I don't wheeze I just get chest tightness. Peak flow is between 300 and 400. When I'm exposed to a trigger the resulting chest tightness and difficulty breathing can last days.

I'm a support worker and my employer is not currently being accomodating and is putting me on shift with smokers. On Saturday I was with a man who smokes, I can't ask him not to as I may be depriving him of his liberty. So since Saturday I've had tightness in my chest and periodic difficulty breathing. I went to GP today who reluctantly prescribed steriods but he said that he wants further tests as my chest isn't behaving in the normal way: no wheeze could talk etc. I'm now feeling like I'm loosing my mind does anyone else have problems days after being exposed to a trigger?

[katie-astrophe]

Hi, your situation sounds exactly like mine from peak flow to lack of wheeze to triggers to being asked to do smoke breaks! I’m a registered nurse. I pushed for an appointment from occupational health due to my fit note following a hospital admission saying I didn’t need adjustments to return to work and the OH nurse agreed with me and I will be able to avoid smoke breaks at least until spring (I don’t get hayfever, thankfully). Try asking for that OH referral- see if you can refer yourself (my Trust won’t let me, it was either via HR or my manager).

Also, if you’re in a union, talk to them NOW before you get involved in any disputes with your manager, so they have record of you having issues with them. If you’re not in a union, know that the RCN welcomes nursing support workers too

Feel fee to message me if you need. I’m at work 7-7 today but will have a look at the board again this evening.

[elanaoali]

I don't wheeze so not a typical either according to my new consultant. Same triggers as you smoking is a real trigger for me.

i believe you have the right to adjustment in your job not to be expos in this way. Others will agree on this one.

Ring asthma UK helpline for the definitive answer to this.

Yes I too can be effected a day after e.g dogs when staying with my in laws last year. A day after I was effected.

Keep using your reviler and go back to your doctors if you are still not better after your steroid course.

Lastly you are losing your mind what you are experts is tough and your mental health is bound to suffer.

[ChrissieMons]

You are not losing your mind - but you are clearly frustrated at not getting the information you need or the help you ought to have. Do follow tajasel's advice. If you can't get union help, you might need to look for another job where you are treated more fairly. You can't go on being put at risk like this.

[katie-astrophe]

@Kerry031 how’s it been at work since you last posted?

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i do not wheeze either but after smokers i am like that for hours to days afterwards. Really you could do with a letter from your doctor to give to your boss but you may have to pay for the letter.

[Kerry031]

I asked the doctor for a letter on Monday, they rang me today and it's going to cost £40. It's a shame really but I can't take another weekend like it. I'm now seeing an improvement on prednisolone- chest tightness on a couple of occasions and it settled with Salbutomol- and just waiting to hear from respiratory clinic now.

Thank you all for your replies and kindness it is appreciated xx