Lesson learnt

[Snowdrop27]

After 7 day course of prednisolone, rang asthma UK helpline for advice on day 7 as I wasn't completely better. Advised to contact my doctors late afternoon after 5pm and explain my situation. Requested for the duty doctor to ring me. I spoke to the doctor who went through my history and was advised to do a reducing course of 5g per day (started last Thursday.)

Fast forward today (30mg) when I start to develop a cough and white phlyem (not an issue I know) after going to local shops.

Though it would be a good idea to ring 111 for advice. After talking to 111 they decided to get a doctor to talk to me. Miss the call first time.

While I was waiting had a coughing episode that would stop so gave myself ventolin. 4 puffs waited 5 mins then 4 again waited again. Still coughing I did last two.

It happened again 1.5 hrs later. I treated myself in the same way.

111 rang back and I told them what happened they decided to get me an appointment for 6pm at urgent care.

I went to my appointment and went through what had happened and had my blood pressure done, oxygen levels, peak flow perfect 500 and listen to my chest.

Upshot probably a virus, advised to stay on Prednisone for another 30mg 3 days then taper down. I was reminded that after being on Prednisolone for 10 days I can't just stop. Also that I should have gone to see a doctor in person and not just spoken on the phone. Ask to make an appointment to go and see my GP next week.

I was as I can do trying to get by with minimum fuss. I don't have a permanent job but do supply work for an agency so have to be available daily.

Lesson learned.

[Wheezycat]

Sorry to hear you are having these problems. Hope they clear soon. Asthma is so sneaky, isn’t it - or overly dramatic. Either way we have to stay on our toes. Taper after 10 days? I thought it was three weeks - that is what I was told.

I know the bit about not making a fuss. Yeah, that’s me, too, but sometimes we do need to. I have had to learn the hard way, and am still learning.

[Snowdrop27 in reply to Wheezycat]

Thanks for your kind words. Last night only had to reach for my ventolin once for a couple of puffs. This morning I feel fine and ready to just get on with my day. ☺️

[HungryHufflepuff]

It can be so tricky to know when to see a doctor. You wait to see if it's something that will get better by itself. You go too soon to the doctor and are told you're making a fuss about nothing. You leave it too long and are berated for allowing things to get so bad.

I'm sorry to know you're having such a difficult time though, and hope things start to improve soon and you start to feel better.

[Snowdrop27 in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Thanks