Asthmatic and Fed Up!: I am 19 and at... - Asthma Community ...

Asthma Community Forum

22,462 members24,854 posts

Asthmatic and Fed Up!

asthmaticclimber profile image

I am 19 and at university and thoroughly fed up with asthma. I had asthma as a child (not very badly) and used an inhaler occasionally.

I had glandular fever in summer of 2018 and since then all hell has ensued. Last Christmas I had multiple asthma attacks being taken into hospital. I had high dose steroids for MONTHS causing me to gain loads of weight and generally feel awful about myself. I feel like I have tried everything under the sun. My boyfriend and I have got pretty good at managing things now but chucking me in the car and driving to the hospital is a regular winter occurrence for us.

Previously we called an ambulance and despite being in acute respiratory distress it took them 40 minutes to get to me, by which time I was blue and barely breathing. I was so tired I was barely wheezing. I got a nebuliser after which I felt better however a particularly nasty ambulance driver (note not even a paramedic) kept saying it was anxiety and I was being silly.

I have never been a particularly wheezy asthmatic and previously my eosinophils have been really high. Have read some people on here talk about eosinophilic asthma? Can someone enlighten me on this? It’s been mentioned in passing by my consultant but not very clearly.

Anyway, it’s winter again and I can feel it all going down hill, I have just had antibiotics and steroids for chest infection and 25% drop in peak flow which my GP was concerned about. Really just looking for any tips or similar stories with a positive ending 😂

Written by
asthmaticclimber profile image
asthmaticclimber
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
10 Replies
Ayeup profile image
Ayeup

I've got eosinophilic asthma. Ask your GP for a blood test to check your levels. There are different meds that can be used to treat it. Good luck 😃

asthmaticclimber profile image
asthmaticclimber in reply toAyeup

I had some tests done and my eosinophils were v high when my asthma was bad but they haven’t ever told me that’s what it was

in reply toasthmaticclimber

Are you under a resp team at your local hosp/under a specialist hosp?

If your eosins are high you could be eligible for a biological treatment that specifically targets the eosinophils in your blood which should reduce them and might be the thing that finally gives you control if nothing else is helping. Worth asking about if you haven’t already.

asthmaticclimber profile image
asthmaticclimber in reply to

I have a private specialist but have to go to local hospital for the biological treatment but will definelty look into it thanks!

in reply toasthmaticclimber

Hope they work if you do get onto them 😊

kdr112 profile image
kdr112

Hello apink! Not sure where you are located. I’m in the states. I have eosinophilic asthma.

First of all, I don’t feel you have good control of your asthma. You may need to see a pulmonologist. Do you have an asthma plan that you and you doctor developed?

Secondly, do you use any inhalers on a routine basis? Preventer, emergency inhalers?

Asthma is difficult to contend with especially when trying to maintain a busy life. Please ask for a pulmonary consult. Asthma, for the most part, is manageable.

Keep us updated!

asthmaticclimber profile image
asthmaticclimber in reply tokdr112

I’m in the UK. I have a private respiratory consultant but my asthma is normally bit better over warmer months so I haven’t seen him in a while.

I have a vague asthma plan but feel like it’s not very solid.

Yeh I use fostair on a MART regime (as preventer and reliever) + tiotropium bromide inhaler + montelukast tablets! We really have tried lots.

Think your right, I need regular appointments + checkups w/ a consultant.

Thanks for your help!

Mintoes profile image
Mintoes

Hi, sorry to hear you are struggling with your asthma.

I can only say I have the most incredible support from the NHS. My respiratory consultant is supported by a team of highly trained physios and nurses. I can call the department any time for help and support and receive the most excellent and cutting edge care- for free! Would it be worth going back to your GP for referral to such a team or second opinion? We have tried and found with private medicine that you have a generic consultant rather than the specialist and team support you really need. Good luck and hope you’re better soon😊

asthmaticclimber profile image
asthmaticclimber in reply toMintoes

Thankyou for your reply i am going to speak to my GP tomorrow to get a referral to the respiratory specialist hopefully!

Mintoes profile image
Mintoes

Good luck! Once you are “In the system” you usually get the support you need. Keep us in touch x

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Fed up

Hiya, had paramedics out last night got given nebuliser and injected with steroids and then went to...
Erin001 profile image

Fed up

Hi all, I've been an asthmatic for 35 years, however since December last year my asthma has become...
Smegs1978 profile image

New asthmatic feeling fed up and unsupported

Hi there, First time posting and don't really know where to start. Was diagnosed with asthma in...
As30 profile image

Asthmatic and fed up!!

Hi all Hope you are doing ok. Sorry need a rant ... Ok as some of you are aware I have been ill...

FED UP

Asthma is rubbish! Had a bad chest a couple of weeks ago and I am not recovering as well as I...
shassh profile image

Moderation team

See all
Homely2 profile image
Homely2Administrator
Lysistrata profile image
LysistrataAdministrator
ALUK_Nurses profile image
ALUK_NursesAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.