Breathlessness

[saramic]

I have decided to go to the doctor to discuss a low maintenance dose of steroids as I seem to get breathless all the time. I do hope she will agree as I feel it could be the way forward for me. I come to the end of my rescue pack of anti-bios and Pred and then get breathless again almost immediately.

[RibvanRey]

Do you not have a Salbutamol inhaler and an Aero Spacer?

Regards Rib

[newlands in reply to RibvanRey]

Hi Rib good to hear from you hope you’re ok

Take care

Dorothy

[RibvanRey in reply to newlands]

Hi. Exacerbation time. Just beginning week 2. First one for months so can't complain.

[Shancock]

I use the salbutamol inhaler and I also the the aero spacer and they work very well, maybe give it a try. It's much easier with a spacer and you get a more concentrated dose too.

[CyprusPat]

I suffered the same as you for 3 months and have decided never to take prednisone again due to it's dreadful side effects on me. I never needed oxygen before but for those months I definitely needed it. I found a new pulmonologist who told me I wasn't taking a large enough dose of inhalers. I now take 4 puffs of Atrovent, salbutamol and beclazone every 6 hours plus a uniphyllin tablet and my breathing is so much better. It could be that the weather has cooled down to the high 20's or the new regime or a combination of both either way I'm happy. Now I only use oxygen when I've got a fair bit of walking to do. I'm not advocating you do the same but perhaps asking your GP to see if this might help you. Hope you feel better soon.

[soval]

Hi

I'm new to everything just joined. I'm in the same boat as you so happy to hear how you get on and I will add my experience afyer seing my Dr.

[Catnip]

Greetings

Has no-one offered you Oramorph? A small dose of morphine tricks the brain into not recognising breathlessness.

Catnip

[lKeith]

saramic

Hi, unfortunately part of the illness is constant breathlessness so the dose of steroids probably wont do a great deal for you. It may also mean that your body gets somewhat used to them and therefore steroids may not be as useful when taking the standby meds.

your GP should be able to give you the right answers.

IKeith

[Purl123]

Keep pushing for answers I did the same for a year ended up treating me for asthma then found out I had secondaries in my lung the good news is I’m still here , but keep asking for answers all the best to you keep positive

,x

[saramic]

Thanks so much really helpful. Will post any updates.

[Bella395 in reply to saramic]

Saramic - if your lung disease is emphysema, IKeith is right - steroids will have little effect on your condition. This is because emphysema usually has little reversibility to steroids. They are more useful in people who have asthma or as a short course to counteract inflammation when infection is present. Long term steroids have serious side effects so you need to consider this carefully. Perhaps a review of your bronchodilator treatment might be useful. Some of the long acting ones can be helpful.

[Jansy16]

I asked my Dr to let me have a maintenance dose of Steroids as I feel better while taking them, he has prescribed 7& 1/2 mg daily, I must admit there are days when I don't take them when I feel ok, don't know if I'm doing the right thing or not. I've never suffered any side affects while taking them, perhaps I'm one of the lucky ones. I must add the Respiratory nurse doesn't agree with me taking them. But they work for me. Good luck.