Do I need to do more?

[Wheezycat]

Hi! I find it extraordinary how difficult I find it to assess my own asthma! I have got better at it, but today I am seeking views.

Yesterday morning and this morning my pf was down to 80% of my normal best. I discovered it yesterday, as I felt a bit tight chested when I got out of bed, though the night had been fine. The evening before, Tuesday night, I found myself getting more breathless than usual when I went to my Circle Dance class and chose to sit out a fast dance (most aren’t). That was unusual for me. This morning I woke up with a headache. That I am so used to I tend to dismiss it, only occasionally taking a pain killer.

Yesterday I took a decision not to go out at all, not even across the road to the shop if I needed anything, to avoid the cold. And I upped my Symbicort a bit, all to good effect. It went back to normal, not normal best, but a level I am happy with. Today, likewise, my readings are much improved after my inhaler. So I can manage it.

I have not knowingly experienced exactly this before. Do I need to do anything else?

[M-D-F]

Mine is quite erratic but I am just blaming it on the weather, but sort of keeping an extra watch on it.

[Wheezycat in reply to M-D-F]

Yes, that is basically what I am doing. And spend a lot of time warming up the house, which cools overnight (an answer right there, perhaps) and avoiding as far as possible going out.

[emmasue]

Sounds like what I do. Keep an eye on how much you are using your Symbicort. If you are using more than usual for 3-5 days, I would consider asking your GP about a course of steroids. My GP allows me to start the steroids on my own initiative. It tends to work well. This last time, the steroids weren't helping and I also had the headache. I woke up Monday with a chest infection. Fortunately I have a good GP and he put me straight on antibiotics and a further course of steroids. I still feel crap but it could be so much worse. Hope you don't get what I have. Take care and stay warm. x

[Wheezycat in reply to emmasue]

Oh, I am sorry t hear! I feel OK, but a bit more tight chested when I think about it, and a reluctance to leap about doing my usual energetic excercise routine.......well, not a routine yet, but I am working on it. I might try a bit of yoga instead, as it is slower.

I have steroid tablets at home on standby. Not that I have needed them much, well, only twice, but I am glad to have them, so particularly if I go away I have them. When it has happened, the need has come upon me rather fast.

Yes, it seems others are doing and managing much as I am. Keeping an eye, upping meds a bit and stying warm. Hope that will be enough.

[Itsmeithink]

I am struggling with the cold weather, and much worth over night, first thing in the morning. Found a solution last night though. I got a portable oil filled radiator and kept it on low in my bedroom all night.

[Wheezycat in reply to Itsmeithink]

Yes, indeed. I am used to sleeping with the window very slightly open, but the last few nights we have dropped that. Also, my husband was away, and two bodies warm a room better than one. Now he is back and temperatures aren’t quite as low, nor is my peakflow, but I still don’t feel quite right. So, continue to monitor, and keep warm.