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[Larrythelathe]

I am currently in hospital after going home for 24 hours I bounced straight back. I started slurring my speach when I checked my o2 it was 85. Weirdly I felt fine.

I am currently on my third neb. They putting a fresh canular in my foot as my arms are blown out. My numbers are good 95 o2 bom 148. I hate bot having visitors my wife does the breathing techniques with me and it's all gone .

Starting turn corner. Still silent chest with dr looking like she thinks I need to pull myself together anyone else get that feeling?

[Poobah]

I don't have silent asthma but I'm afraid too many doctors don't recognise it when a patient presents with breathing difficulties without wheeze and/or cough. The oxygen levels are usually a good sign that the patient is in distress but of course once these return to normal the concern is the doctor will assume all is well. In truth when I'm having a flare up my oxygen levels can be quite good but at least my lungs are wheezy.

You'll have to bold and tell the doctor that silent asthma is often overlooked because expected symptoms are absent but patient still requires ongoing treatment - hence your boomerang return to hospital. Take the name of the doctor first, just in case you have to give feedback to PALS.

Hope all goes well.

[hilary39]

I'm so sorry, sounds scary! I never wheeze and I have severe asthma, it's so frustrating how few doctors and nurses realize that that is not a symtom for all asthmatics.

Sounds like it was scary going in--especially to have been slurring your speech! Keep getting rest and try to take it easy.

Keep us posted on how you're doing. Sending a hug.

[Larrythelathe in reply to hilary39]

So I just got out after a lonely stay. I had several attacks and used my phone so my wife would coach me. One of the nurses truly impressed me. She said look this is a fracture ward normally what do you want me to do if you need help.

So we went through my astma plan and i said if i have a attack please dont stress me out or fuss. Of course i did have a attack and she did what i asked then hovered over my shoulder. I told her how good she had been. She then told.me she had retired but came back to help covid NHS. What a bloody hero.

On a real positive note we think we understand the reason i dont last long out of hospital. Like most I suspect my endocrine system is completely dead. I no long make any natural steriods due to the high doses I have had. End if last year I started getting the odd fracture. Then one in my foot that was so painful I did not want to walk anywhere. So I went to Heartlands and removed prednisolone from my life forever. I now take hydrocortisone maintenance dose and rescue dose. It turns out the maintenance dose was just not enough (I am a big guy, thanks steriod) so the rescue dose is my new maintenance dose until I can get a proper endocrine review. Fingers crossed.

I had a pretty low day whilst in and my normal nurses noticed. They made a special effort with me that day. I just wanted to give up. Not sure suicidal would be the word but I just felt like balls to this I've had enough. I was in two bed bay to protect me from Covid and my partner had issues and could not chat. So that evening the nurses came and eat with me. One in particular who has a dark sense of humour ans enjoys telling me to man up. Normaly I love that but she could see I was not happy so we talked for a good hour. The NHS has some truly beautiful people. I will forever be in their debt.

[hilary39 in reply to Larrythelathe]

Wow that sounds like an intense experience. I'm so glad you had such wonderful care. That nurse does sound like a hero.

I have adrenal insufficiency too after years of prednisone use for asthma. Make sure you get your cortisol checked frequently and have a plan with your endocrinologist. I'm finally down to 20 mg of HC a day but have to updose when I'm sick, stressed etc. There are great guidelines for updosing here:

adrenals.eu/wp-content/uplo...

Get lots of rest and take it easy. Sending a hug,

[Larrythelathe in reply to hilary39]

Hi

Thanks I am taking it easy. I try to be as polite as possible to the nurses. Its pays dividends later on. The respiratory nurses are very protective of me. Reminding doctors they should he in full PPE. One of the A and E sisters stayed on to get me stable as she said she could not go knowing I was in trouble. Amazing people.

I was doing 10 5 and 5 HC. That was clearly not enough. So I am going to do 20, 10 and 10 for a bit.

I cannot get that link to work.

I have had a load of tests taken. Testosterone seems to be one that is a little under.

Hug is appreciated. It's nice to know others are like me and I am not a complete freak.