Emphysema

[robotman]

I have emphysema that has got a lot worse in the last three months. I hammered my emergncy packs but to to avail . My Doctor has not found any infections and i am due to see the specialist in March ,a long wait . My medicene consists of Trimbow and Ventolin inhalers that don't appear to be helping. My question is what other medication might help so i can take a list with me to the Specialist or suggest to my Doctor. Many thanks.

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

I have emphysema but I seem to have the same medication as you. I used to be a tablet for asthma but they no longer prescribe it and they never replaced it. Maybe someone else can explain about your medication. Have a good day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx

[robotman in reply to Damon1864]

Thank you and goodluck

[CDPO16]

I use fostair but it doesn't suit everyone. There are many different inhalers and it may be best to wait and see what the consultant says before presenting a list he/she may not take kindly to. At this stage your GP may wish to leave things as they are until your appointment.

[robotman in reply to CDPO16]

I do not wish to present the specialist with a list,but want to know what my options are .I have problems with my wife and i wish to be as well as i can be.

[CDPO16 in reply to robotman]

Apologies if I misunderstood and I appreciate that you wish to be as well as possible. When I was referred to a specialist because several inhalers prescribed by my GP hadn't helped, the specialist did a range of tests before changing my treatment and that didn't help. Another change at the next appointment did help my breathing. It can take time to find which treatment regime is best for an individual. I wish you well for a good outcome when you have your appointment.

[robotman in reply to CDPO16]

Thank you ,this is the sort of infomation i need.

[Patk1]

Perhaps uniphyllin tablets to help dilate yr airways.Do u produce mucous? If so,learning to empty lungs would be helpful- read up on ' lung clearance techniques.carboysteine is gd for thinning mucous so it's easier to get up. Winters always a bad time for most lung diseases,and for viruses

[robotman in reply to Patk1]

Thank you Patk1,i willread up

[Patk1 in reply to robotman]

'Controlled breathing is great too,especially whn going upstairs,walking,struggling.its worth a read and I practised so slip into it whenever I want/ need x

[robotman in reply to Patk1]

From my initial request i received many suggestons, all of wich i took to the specialist who poo pooed them all .I dont know why but i mentioned Uniphyllin and he agreed

i should try it. Thank you very much ,i have felt a great improvement. could be chance but definately don't think so .Many CHEERS.

[barbs47]

Hi I have emphysema my medication is Bricanyl which is my reliever, spireva taken once daily and Symbicort taken twice daily. I have been on this for many years and it suits me well. Barbs x

[robotman in reply to barbs47]

Just the info i am looking for

Thanks

[wooo]

Hi -i take ultibro and find it amazing 👏

[robotman in reply to wooo]

Thanks Wooo

[Debs_ALUK Partner British Lung Foundation]

If you live in the UK you are very welcome to give us a call and speak to one or our Clinical Team. They can help you with advice on speaking to your Doctor. You can contact us on 03000 030 555.

Take care

Debs

[robotman in reply to Debs_ALUK]

Thank you Debs . I would like to speak with someone on your clinical team. Is their a good time to call?

[Debs_ALUK Partner British Lung Foundation in reply to robotman]

We are here Mon- Fri 9am- 5pm. Press option 3 to speak to a nurse. If they are busy on calls we can book a call back for you when they are next free.Speak to you soon

Debs

[younginmind]

I have just seen my consultant today & queried my inhalers - he said that Ultibro is the best for COPD, he could prescribe something cheaper (& weaker), so sticking with that, Bricanyl, I read is on the black box US list to take with caution & that concerned me, so have been switched to Ventolin, he has also added a steroid which he said take for a trial period, as I am not keen on taking steroids. Also has put me down for an appointment for spirometry + a PR course. Everyone is different, Ultibro costs Euros70 pm but is free under the NHS.

[robotman in reply to younginmind]

Thanks for that ,i will add to my list

[tonymarl]

Are you using a nebuliser. I use a nebuliser twice a day. 2.5mm saline solution, helps getting my mucus up. Also I use 1.5mm oramorph when needed. Do you have a copd response nurse in your area.

[robotman in reply to tonymarl]

Thanks for replying ,i don't have a nebuliser and the copd nurse has asked me to carry on until i see the specialist on March 14th .Somedays are dreadful and others bearable,this all seems to have happened in the last three months. I do have oramorph, prescribed two weeks ago and Trimbow for years . I am on corbacistiene for mucus but it does not seem to work,approx six weeks . I am hoping the specialist will be able to sort me out.

.

[tonymarl]

When you see your specialist. You have to be a bit bullish with him/her. Tell them the medication isn't working. How you feel. I'm surprised the copd nurse hasn't tried you on different medication. The copd response team referred me to a specialist. Some 6 years ago. They might be different in your area. Where I live they have a lot of clout. Good luck with the specialist hope all works out. Also don't forget to drink plenty of fluids

[robotman in reply to tonymarl]

Cheers to that Thanks