Asthmatic and Fed Up!

[asthmaticclimber]

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 😂

[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 in reply to Ayeup]

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

[Hidden in reply to asthmaticclimber]

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 in reply to Hidden]

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

[Hidden in reply to asthmaticclimber]

Hope they work if you do get onto them 😊

[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 in reply to kdr112]

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]

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 in reply to Mintoes]

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

[Mintoes]

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