Theophyllin, possibly having to.give up work and newly diagnosed with VCD

[Ghoulette]

I have recently had Uniphyllin added in to the mix (started about 5weeks ago?). Started on the lowest dose of 200mg BD. Blood results last week showed not at therapeutic level so GP increased dose to 300mg morning and 200mg evening with bloods in 3 weeks. For those of you on it, how long did it take to reach therapeutic level please? I'm signed off work at the minute as even with adjustment to hours and duties, I can't manage at work 😞. I'm hoping to try to get back to work once it has reached therapeutic level 🤞, although my boss has had a couple of chats with me and I'm having to think long and hard as to whether of not I will be able to go back 😞. How much of a difference has theophyllin made? Has anyone been forced to stop work due to their asthma symptoms? How did you manage?

I also found out last week after bronchoscopy that I have vocal chord dysfunction too. Anyone have any experience of that alongside your asthma?

Thanks in advance xx

[ChrissieMons]

You need a consultant. I have vocal chord issues but no-one know if that is asthma, stress or 'just one of those things'. Theophylline is, in my experience, a short term fix and won't necessarily stabilise your asthma. I don't know what else you are taking and I'm not a medic, but I do think you need to see a specialist before you give up entirely on working!

[Ghoulette in reply to ChrissieMons]

Thank you. I am under a consultant in the Severe Astnna Clinic at my local hospital. It was my consultant that added theophyllin into the mix. I am currently signed off for 4 weeks as I simply can't manage at work at the moment (despite reducing my hours from 32 to 18 and altering my duties 😞). I don't want to have to stop working and I am hoping to return once my asthma and vcd have stabilised, or at least try to once my theophyllin has reached therapeutic level.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

Theophylline I think is a real 'Marmite' drug - can be useless or full of side effects for some but for others can be a great addition as a long-term preventer. I do need other drugs too but it definitely helps to have it and I will notice if I don't. I hope it works well for you once you get up to the right dose. I am on Phyllocontin and increased the dose gradually one tablet once a day to 2 twice a day - not sure how long it took me to get therapeutic sorry ( was 6 years ago!) but it can be quite individual with this drug I think and many people have to tinker with doses.

If you find it works a bit but you can't get the doses to work with your brand, it may be worth looking at other brands as they often have slightly different dosing and people can find one works better. I had to switch to Nuelin once when there was a Phyllocontin shortage - didn't find it as good, couldn't get the dosage right and it made me feel sick whereas I had no issues with Phyllocontin.

Re VCD - have you been referred to speech and language for that? I technically have it but tbh have never really noticed issues so not sure I can help - however it can't be good to have another active issue on top of asthma so hopefully getting on top of it will help.

Re work - not sure I can be much help but is your job one you can do at home at all, even some of the time? I am freelance now which is really helpful but when working full time was very lucky to be able to work from home when I needed and this did help. I realise it isn't an option for everyone but worth asking about if it is (they are meant to make reasonable adjustments but you probably know this as it sounds like they have already made steps in that direction with altering your duties).

Hope this is useful and crossing fingers for you to get it stabilised soon.

[Ghoulette in reply to Lysistrata]

Thank you. I'm on Uniphyllin with no obvious side effects yet 🤞. Not feeling any difference yet, but as you say, I think it will probably just take time....I'm just a little impatient ☺.

My asthma consultant has referred me to the SALT team so just waiting on my first appt. I'm hoping they can help as it is causing a few issues at the minute.

Unfortunately, my job means I can't work from home and they have been so good with me so far. My boss has said that I need to think long and hard as to whether it is the right environment for me and honestly? I'm not sure it is 😞. I am looking into possible alternatives to my current job and retraining, but nervous to move whilst still so unstable. I just have a lot to think about 😏. Thank you for your reply though xx