Hi

[Cade1]

Hi, I’ve just found this group. I have mild bronchiectasis- diagnosed in 2006. Since then I have been well controlled until about a couple of years ago. As I rarely saw my GP I had to ‘fight’ to get referred back to the chest clinic for a review. I had my meds tweaked & was changed from Seretide to Fostair, which I never really got on with. I am recovering from ??covid symptoms (never been tested so don’t know) & developed a secondary chest infection. I have been googling Seretide v Fostair which led me to this group. I have now asked GP to change me back to Seretide which has been done & I feel so much better. Will discuss this with CNS when I see see in the summer.

I am looking forward to joining in the discussions in this group.

[sassy59]

Welcome to the forum Cade1, nice time meet you. I’m pleased you managed to get your meds sorted out and hope you’re feeling better now.

If only testing was widely available as it should be..........

Stay safe xxxxx

[Osha in reply to sassy59]

Where is 2 greys. I hope you are well and staying safe

[Katinka46]

Welcome to the forum. There are many here with bronchiectasis and I am sure they will share their experiences with you of medication.

I do hope the testing becomes more widely available. Our elder son, alone in Liverpool, may have it. NHS helpline has told him to stay in his flat for 7 days and phone them if his symptoms worsen. But it would be so helpful to know one way or the other.

Kate xx

[Cade1 in reply to Katinka46]

Thanks for this katinka46. Really feel for your son on his own. It’s a scary time.

[HungryHufflepuff]

Hello and welcome 😊 I was changed onto Fostair which didn't suit me at all. Then I was changed onto seretide which is somewhat better than Fostair, certainly with fewer unpleasant noticeable side effects.

[Cade1 in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Thanks. Yes I’ve been looking at differences between them for some time & thankfully had an unused Seretide inhaler which I used when I was having real difficulties with this chest infection & there was a noticeable difference. I was relieved when the GP changed me back to it with no questions.

[Deep-Purple in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

What were the side effects you had with Fostair?

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to Deep-Purple]

There were so many that I can hardly remember them all. Firstly it didn't work for me at all so things got progressively worse until I couldn't breathe. I ended up on the dreaded Pred. I had terrible headaches, shaking limbs, itchy skin that felt like I was being eaten alive by insects, brushing my teeth or getting into bed exhausted me, I could barely function. But I know Fostair is very helpful for some people which just shows how different we all are and how medications work differently for us.

[Deep-Purple in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

That sounds awful. Glad you got you different medication that suits you

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Welcome to the group, I'm sure you will enjoy it here. They're all lovely people and we all help and support each other looking forward to you joining in the chats. Have a good day and stay safe 😊 Bernadette xx 🌈

[Adirock]

Hi Cade1 I came across the group by accident not long ago when looking for information on my diagnosis of copd. It's an amazing, informative and uplifting site and so supportive 😁👌

I hope they shape up with the testing also, fingers crossed 🤞 Glad you were able to get your medication sorted xxx

[Deep-Purple]

Hi, I’ve literally just this minute joined the group. I saw a link to it on an email communication. I was on Seratide when first diagnosed a year and a half ago but it wasn’t managing my COPD and Asthma symptoms so I was changed to Fostair and touch wood Im doing ok

[Deep-Purple]

What were your Covid symptoms?

[Cade1 in reply to Deep-Purple]

I had a high temperature, around 38.3 - 38.8, for about 3 days. Then I just felt exhausted & tired. As the temperature came down I also started to feel breathless, which got worse every day. NHS111 felt as I could talk in sentences, I probably had a secondary chest infection & to contact GP, which I did. Prescribed antibiotics, which helped to a certain extent.

This was when out of desperation, I was thinking about how my breathing had been since on Fostair, so decided to use an old unused Seretide inhaler & fairly shortly I was coughing ‘stuff’ up & felt able to breathe.

I have either had a mild dose of Covid or a really bad chest infection.

[watergazer]

Welcome cade1. X

[Ergendl]

Welcome, Cade1. They're a great bunch on here, and I've learned such a lot from them.

[Davyroy]

Hi, Doctors are only human, we know our health better than they do, until we tell them how we feel. They will then be in a better position to help us. We know our bodies and they know how to fix them.

Keep positive. David.