Is anyone else struggling?

[SBluesy]

In July I had an infection and asthma attack which resulted in A&E visits. This was my first experience of asthma like this as I’ve always managed with just a brown inhaler and nothing else.

However, since July I have struggled to manage my asthma. Yesterday I had an asthma attack on the tube on the way to work and now I feel awful! Waiting to see my GP but I’m still so frustrated!

I eat right, I exercise regularly and I’ve been looking after myself. Why is it still bad?!

I’m just struggling to understand how I can go from running hills on Wednesday to struggling to breathe now.

Sorry I know many of you may have it worse but I’m so frustrated!

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Hi sorry to hear your not controlled atm

Unfortunately, asthma is a condition that can randomly spiral/worsen, no matter what you do, and it could be that you need a different maintenance inhaler now to get back that control. Asthma also varies a lot so you can be fine one day and not the next (the shortest timeframe for me was 2hrs to go from perfectly fine to a life-threatening asthma attack - I wasn’t impressed as it usually takes a few days for this to build up in me!). Asthma attacks can often be caused by a build up of multiple small triggers, so if you’re only exposed to 1 you may be fine, but multiple can lead to issues (ie running your ok, cold weather you’re ok, but running in the cold causes issues). Also once you’ve been ‘twitchy’ you may find you have more issues until things calm again (your are more prone to an attack if you’ve recently had one).

It can take time to recover from an attack, so try to give yourself some - take a day off or ask for a lighter work load for a couple of days if you can... you’ll be better for it (use the weekend to recover if needs be). Try to work out what your triggers are too will be helpful... was it the temp change, a strong smell, are you getting ill etc... then you know what to avoid if possible! I’m beginning to struggle now cause it’s got colder, I think I’m coming down with a virus plus I had a reaction to a cleaner yesterday 🙄 - not much I can do other than wrap up warm and avoid using that cleaner if I can!

Hopefully you’ll be able to see your GP quickly so you can discuss a plan of action regarding meds. Hope that helps and that you start to feel better soon x

[SBluesy in reply to EmmaF91]

Thanks for replying... I know, it’s just so frustrating! Hope you feel better too!

I’ve just got back from GP and have a short course of Pred to try and nip it in the bud.

GPs going to refer me to respiratory specialist if it happens again too!

[Chip_y2kuk]

I've had exactly this issue a few times and what I would say is... get on top of it quickly

I went in and out of my gp practice and got told by one gp that I needed to see another gp (this guy was a locum and not really interested)

I went back to my gp and saw someone else who kind of agreed that something wasn't right but couldn't tell me what anxi may juat be getting over the chest infection and my airways where most definitely sensitive. I spent a few months trying to get on top of it with 8 puffs of fostair a day and plenty of ventolin until one night I ended up in an urgent care centre coughing and hurting with a very good out of hours doctor who said this is awful I can feel the tightness in your muscles and fostair is no longer working for you at 8 puffs a day you should not be like this... She changed preventor, prescribed steroids and recommended to my gp in a letter I may need tioptropium (I did end up with it weeks later)

I then became aware I'm also reacting to ibuprofen (I was using it for the muscle pain) .... which I've used for years with no adverse effect.... now Its on my medical record I had a reaction to it... so I need to avoid all nsaids and asprin

[SBluesy in reply to Chip_y2kuk]

That sounds awful!

Luckily my GP was really good yesterday. Gave me rescue Pred and told me that if this doesn’t work or it gets worse again go straight back.

She said that if it happens again then she’ll refer me to respiratory clinic as I’m on the highest preventer inhaler as it is!

[Chip_y2kuk in reply to SBluesy]

Getting a good knowledgeable doctor is half the battle... the other is working out what's going on and how to battle it (which a good doctor will be able to do)

[SBluesy in reply to Chip_y2kuk]

This doctor was great. But I’ve definitely experienced GPs who have no idea. Including one who told me I was fine and to stop taking my inhaler 4 hours before I was rushed to A&E.

Need to figure out my triggers. I get the tube daily, so it shouldn’t be that. 🤯 at a bit of a loss!

[Chip_y2kuk in reply to SBluesy]

Finding out your triggers can be harder than you think.... I tell you something a lot of people don't know... there are no pain receptors in your lungs

That tight chest feeling you get is from around your ribs /chest area (usually tired aching over worked muscles)... and this means that often by the time you feel the issue you've walked past your trigger a number of hours ago

As asthmatics we often don't notice / are desensitized to the less obvious symptoms a subtle cough, slight breathlessness etc

[ju-ju-]

sounds like you need a review of your meds ASAP with your nurse or GP. I am so sorry you are having such an awful time with it...

[SBluesy in reply to ju-ju-]

Unfortunately, currently my GP and asthma nurse just want to wait and see how it goes before referring me as I’m on highest strength inhaler they can prescribe. Just trying to stay positive ❤️ took a day off to relax at a spa because I was struggling so much emotionally!

[ju-ju- in reply to SBluesy]

That sounds lovely, I hope you enjoyed it? I try and have a massage every two months to treat myself as it makes a huge difference to my wellbeing. We have to look after ourselves dont we