Great experience with new GP

[Junglechicken]

Just had a chat with my new GP this morning, so different from my old one. She asked my what my asthma was like at the moment I said that I thought I was acceptable (not great but acceptable as my PF was in the green). She continued asking about my blue usage, I said that I was using it on average 2 times a week but more at the moment with hay fever season. Her response was that it was a little too much and I obviously didn’t have the control that I should (wow!). She thought my PF was immaterial if I’m symptomatic (I was genuinely astounded). She’s a younger generation doctor who I think isn’t subscribing to the old idea that all asthmatics wheeze frequently. She wants me to keep a close eye on my breathing and if am worried at any point just to call them or 111 out of hours and not to worry about calling 999 if I’m really struggling. They’ll get me in for a review as soon as possible. They have an specialist AN (my old surgery doesn’t). Finally a medic taking my asthma seriously!

[Poppins23]

That's brilliant. I'm lucky in having a GP and an asthma nurse who have managed my asthma well. It makes all the difference. Good luck with your review when you are able to have it.

[Junglechicken in reply to Poppins23]

Thanks Poppins 23

[S321]

I would see another doctor as this Junior doctor does not fully understand Asthma . You should try and see if you can try Fostair as this really controls your breathing better. You should also ring Asthma help line and speak to Asthma Nurse this really helped me.

[wiserlady]

all sounds good but ive had this where you ring for ambulance and they just put me on nebuliser and gave me steroids and antibiotics. it would make more sense for me to take those at home and ive got my own nebuliser here which is just as good as theirs, so daft for me to go to a hospital 20 miles away for a week for that each time. i need to work and earn money. not be there all the time instead.

***Just adding this warning into this post*** From Asthma UK nurse

For most people with asthma, nebulisers are not recommended for treating asthma symptoms at home because:

- you might wait longer before getting medical help when your asthma symptoms are getting worse. This can be dangerous. If your asthma symptoms are getting worse, you need to seek medical attention straight away.

- it is hard to guarantee the quality of the nebuliser you buy

- all nebulisers need to be serviced regularly

- your healthcare professional will not supply the medicines that go into the nebuliser unless there is a real clinical need over and above the need for inhalers

If you think you need to use a nebuliser at home to get your asthma symptoms under control, it may mean that your asthma isn’t well managed. Speak to your GP or asthma nurse who can suggest other ways to get on top of your symptoms.

If you do need to use a nebuliser at home, your GP or asthma nurse will recommend the right device and medicine to use in it for you.

If you have any questions about your asthma, you can call our Helpline confidentially on 0300 222 5800 (9am - 5pm; Mon - Fri).