STEROID LENGHT

[GYPSYMITCH]

Hi All, just looking for some advise and other people’s experiences. I was diagnosed with asthma in January 2019 at at 54 after a bout of pneumonia.

I’ve managed it very well over the past 2 years using antihistamine, Relvar Elipta and Montelukast. I became so well that I stopped taking the montelukast last May (with no adverse effects) and in December after discussions with my asthma nurse went on to Flixotide instead of Relvar. Again managed really well.

5 weeks ago I contracted labrynthitis (virus in the inner ear very debilitating ), it made me very poorly but after 7 days of basically laying flat I started to recover. I have slowly got better with dizziness and seemed almost better.

Two weeks ago I started coughing and my breathing got worse when exercising. For the first time in 2 years I couldn’t function went back on to montelukast and Relvar but still got worse. I’m now on the final day of a 5 day steroid course with some improvement but I still can’t walk very far or exert myself without nearly passing out! The best my oxygen level has been in the past 2’weeks is 94, worst 6 days ago 88. My peak flow had improved from 300 to 400 but before this downturn in illness I was around 490/500. We live on a farm and by necessity I am hugely active.

I would really like my doctor to prescribe me either another 5 day steroid course or a 21 day reducing dose. Could anyone please help me with my argument that giving me the steroids before I deteriorate again is much better than letting me deteriorate, whilst good, my doctors are over worked and just won’t spend the time weighing it up properly without a strong argument.

Any suggestions much appreciated.

Jo

[Bevvy]

This shouldn’t be difficult. I have had times when I have needed several courses of steroids and or antibiotics to aid me. Gp should be familiar with this.A note of caution. When I have been that unwell it has taken some time after, stopping the medication to feel better! So there may still be time before you are really fit to work on the farm even once stopped meds.

Also are you on antibiotics as well? May need different antibiotics... ??

[GYPSYMITCH in reply to Bevvy]

Hi Bevvy, many thanks for you reply, yes I’m also on 5 day antibiotics. My cough was “wet” which it hadn’t been before always had a dry cough. It is alway worrying re the farm, but luckily we are coming into Spring properly now and the cows are turned out to pasture tomorrow which relives the workload (I can still drive the tractor and terrorise my husband with it!). But the livery horses still need exercise, mucking out etc, we have taken on some casual help for a while. I feel so useless though and find it tough (as I’m sure we all do) not been able to live my usual normal life. X

[Poobah]

My first reaction on reading your question was, " have you been tested for covid?" If a test is suggested definitely have one.

Definitely time to talk with your doctor again as you continue to struggle. As for what you say, just be honest about your day to day struggle and your need to work. Highlight your low oxygen levels too.

It's not unusual to have to have more than one short course of steroids. We should never hesitate in seeking more treatment if the first course hasn't had the expected benefits. Most of use have been there and your doctor won't be taken aback by your lack of progress.

If you're unlucky enough to have contracted covid, it's now known that long covid is more likely if patients didn't rest during their initial illness. Your determination to keep working should be reconsidered if it is covid. I realise that having a farm may not allow you that luxury.

[GYPSYMITCH in reply to Poobah]

Hi Poobah, yes should have said my doctor said I should have a test which I had on Wednesday and it was negative (thank goodness!!).

I will phone doctor first thing and ask for another course and fingers crossed it won’t be a battle.. Thank you for the advise. X

[twinkly29]

Yes GPs would normally give steroids for an asthma flare so that shouldn't be a problem. They would normally do a 5 or 7 day course initially. A point to bear in mind is that, having only changed back to Relvar 2 weeks ago, you'll have another few weeks of that kicking in (as steroid inhalers and other preventers take about 8 weeks to kick in) so at the moment won't yet be getting the benefit of that - it's common to need steroids in that time anyway so with your flare as well that's another reason to have some steroids at the moment.

[GYPSYMITCH in reply to twinkly29]

Hi Twinkly, that so make sense and when I talk to the GP will help with my conversation. Many thanks for the help I always read your replies to others which are so useful for me. X

[Hidden]

If your symptoms haven't cleared by the end of the five days I can't see any reason why your GP would not prescribe you more steroids to gradually reduce over 3 weeks. I did this late last year when in a similar situation. I phoned the GP and suggested this line of action.

[GYPSYMITCH in reply to Hidden]

Hi all, spoke to the doctor this morning and he’s putting me on a 10 day reducing dose. Thanks again for the replies and advice. Very much appreciated x x

[Poobah in reply to GYPSYMITCH]

Excellent. Hope it does the trick and you're feeling much better very soon. 🤗

[hilary39]

My doctors have always had the approach to start pred early as it's much harder to treat when a flare gets worse and worse. So sorry to hear you're so miserable! This disease is just the worst and can be so unpredictable. Gald your covid test was negative!