Doctor has stopped my Ventolin after 30 years...

[ebbylush]

I have suffered with Asthma since 1988 when i was 20 and suffered

Panic Attacks since i was 30ish. It has developed into Agoraphobia

and i have rarely step outside my front door in 20 years,

maybe christmas was last time and only if i have a lift

and there is someone with me.

I have difficulty in telling (Asthma & Panic Attacks) apart &

take my ventolin inhaler which gives me peace of mind and

often calms the situation. I also have COPD.

A month ago my doctor came to my home & sarcastically asked

"do you ever leave this house?" No i don't i replied, im agoraphobic,

"were you abused as a child?" he asked,

"No" i said, confused. This is a doctor that has known me for several

years.

He then said i don't need my Ventolin and i must have a

wheelbarrow full of it.

Bearing in mind i just get one a month on repeat and it barely

lasts the month & i often have to try to get repeat early for it,

stopped my prescription for ventolin after

30+ years of relying on it & not feeling safe unless i have my

ventolin pump with me at all times. I have just requested that ventolin

be put back on repeat prescription as i had to buy emergency pump

last month but it has been refused. After 30 years is it right that he

just stopped it when i obviously need it?

[Abc64]

Ask for an asthma/ copd review by a consultant. You said you occasionally can leave the house. I know that this will be hard for you to go to hospital, but you’ll get plenty of notice. Another alternative may be to contact the gp and ask for an asthma specialist nurse referral. They may be able to visit you at home. If no joy, contact asthma uk for advice. Hope this helps.

[Tugun]

Hi,

You definitely need to see a consultant as Abc64 has stated. Another alternative would be to change GPs if possible. Asthma UK is a good place to start.

[ChrissieMons]

I've a feeling it all depends what you mean by need. You can depend on something psychologically without needing it physically. As well as getting someone to take you to see a consultant, I think you should see a psychologist. S/he may not cure your agoraphobia, but may be able to help with the way you have to live with it. All your symptoms need to be treated together, so the whole person is helped.

[GrizCuz]

I feel your pain. I've had a very similar discussion with a GP's nurse today. The result being that my Ventolin inhaler has been removed from my monthly repeat prescription. I only receive one per month, I don't over use it, I use it when I need it and I don't have any spare kicking around at home. It looks to me like this is becoming a common occurrence up and down the country and I suspect that it's all down to GP's trying to save every last £ that they can. I'd like to think Asthma UK are looking into the prevalence of this and will kick up a stink about it!