Emergency meds

[stamford1234]

I have been thinking I ought to phone Dr to get the go ahead to take ABs and Pred for a couple of days. Feel okay by midday (at rest) but rough first thing and all night. Taking pred at this time of night is probably not the best idea but I am really struggling with SOB. Now it is Saturday I am stumped. Could someone please confirm that these emergency meds are for emergencies and that I can take them without "permission" in this circumstance. Ta

[Bevvy]

If you have been prescribed emergency meds then the whole point is so you can start them when not able to contact gp.Otherwise you wouldn’t have them at home!!

[stamford1234 in reply to Bevvy]

You would have thought so but I was told to ring Dr to check beforehand. Well, thanks for your kind reply. I am taking them now. Thanks again

[madonbrew in reply to stamford1234]

My GP told me the same so I was a bit unsure when to start them too! But like the others have said, and I have now learnt, is to start them and let your GP know ASAP. I think it’s basically because if you’re unwell enough to need your rescue pack, your GP would just want to make sure you’re not too poorly!!

[stamford1234 in reply to madonbrew]

Ah, I see. That sounds the sensible way to go about it. Of course I will call Dr on Monday,Thanks very much for putting me straight.

[deejames in reply to Bevvy]

I was told that having them at home was to allow me to start immediately after talking to a doctor or respiratory nurse. I was told not just to take them without that conversation.

[stamford1234 in reply to deejames]

I really couldn't have waited until Monday morning. Thanks

[deejames in reply to stamford1234]

I phoned 111 last time and was connected to a local doctor who authorised the meds. This was Boxing Day !

[stamford1234 in reply to deejames]

I didn't think of them. Sounds like a good alternative at bank holiday time

[CDPO16 in reply to stamford1234]

I don't think that you need to phone 111. If you have an emergency pack of prednisolone and antibiotics, as has already been said, you should be able to use your own judgement as to whether you need them or not as you have done this weekend and let your GP know as soon as is practical.

[HungryHufflepuff]

Yes I think the emergency meds are for you to use your best judgment and take them as a rescue pack. I hope you start to feel better soon now that you’ve started taking the meds 🤞

[stamford1234 in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Thanks HH after a couple of days feeling unnerved, I have taken first dose of Pred. To be honest I didn't have the energy to phone Drs. Bless you

[CDPO16]

I agree with the comments already made. I have been told to ring my doctor's surgery to let them know when I take my emergency pack of meds. Just ring your doctor's surgery on Monday to inform them and to get a replacement emergency supply. I hope that you soon feel better.

[stamford1234 in reply to CDPO16]

Thanks for the advices. it seems sense that if they are for emergencies then take them when you are at a low ebb. Thing is often when you are talking to the Dr you are too poorly to care and I definitely get muddled sometimes.

[Blackbird8]

Absolutely 100 % take them.. Rescue packs are just that especially on a weekend dont wait till Monday for a GP .

Hope you feel much better soon rest and pop your feet up drink plenty take good care of you 💜💙

[stamford1234 in reply to Blackbird8]

Thank you BB, I have taken the Pred. Will start the ABs tomorrow am. Strangely, no temperature.

[B0xermad]

Hi Stamford 1234I did the very same thing last week as I had a terrible cough and it went to my chest felt rough for nearly a week before I started them. My gp is contact able via online so I told them I have started to take them and I received a call to confirm that it's the best thing to do and they replenished my antibiotics and prednisolone at the same time,a week on and it was well worth it.

[stamford1234 in reply to B0xermad]

Thanks Boxer I will give them a call tomorrow, have started on the Pred and the ABs

[knitter]

Hi, I hope you are feeling a bit better today.....if you are still short of breath and struggling ring 111, and I would contact your health professional tomorrow .Do you have an oximeter, if so check your O2 levels .

[stamford1234 in reply to knitter]

Have started the emergency pack so I expect to see some improvement soon. Thanks for replying

[peege]

I'd be taking the prednisolone for a couple of days unless signs of infection. If no difference then begin abs. Do you have an oximeter and thermometer at home?

[stamford1234 in reply to peege]

Oximeter is a bit lower than usual and I have a bit of temperature. So I am taking the ABs aswell. I will have a go at the nebuliser in a minute. Thanks very much

[peege in reply to stamford1234]

👍hope you feel better soon ×

[watergazer]

Hope you are feeling better soon . If you worsen get in touch with your GP immediately. x

[stamford1234 in reply to watergazer]

Thanks

[Collie4]

Yes, take them when you need to, just inform your gp when you speak to them again so they keep it in your notes. I had to take mine recently for a flare up. Prednisolone do help. Best to take with breakfast if possible. Stay safe.

[stamford1234 in reply to Collie4]

I started the Pred last evening and feel better than I did. Things are loosening up. Thanks

[COPD123491]

Hi

Bevvy is 100% right and don't forget, as soon as you start them, to re-order the pack from your GP.

Good luck

Kevin

[stamford1234 in reply to COPD123491]

Thanks Kevin. I will ring GP tomorrow, already feeling a bit better than last night

[stamford1234]

Thanks, I will give them a ring in the morning

[Alberta56]

I didn't take my emergency med straight away, because it seemed all wrong without the doctor's say so. I'll know better next time- I was quite ill.

[Parliament53]

Hi Stamford 1234,As someone who has frequently needed both of these, I must recommend that you seek professional guidance.

Given how scary it often has been for me to feel "alone" at these kinds of time, if you are unable to get help elsewhere and particularly with SOB, I suggest you call 111 for them to advise.

Very best wishes to you

[Jct1]

I think you should have a simple check list to help you decide. Mine is check colour of mucus clear white ok, yellow not too good, green bad. That would tell me to start ABs, I also take my sats after I have got up and if I continue to wheeze I may start preds. I also take my temperature every day. Speak to your doctor or respiratory nurse for advice on setting up your own check list. I hope this helps. Take care jct1x

[stamford1234 in reply to Jct1]

good idea, thanks