I'm a new member and as my profile says I'm in denial about it all still. Triggers are some aftershaves, cleaning products, pollen, cigarette smoking, and viral infections!
The ony triggers I can't really avoid are viral infections and pollen. I've had a recent exacerbation triggered by a virus. Probably my fault I got so bad as I'm not really compliant at taking Seretide. At my review a few months ago nurse said I could double Seretide in an exacerbation. I queried this due to the Salmeterol content; but she said it was fine. (My Seretide is 125/25 and regular should be 2puffs am and pm!)
Found out via Astham UK that I shouldn't really be doing this and perhaps should have been offered a rescue course of oral steroids!!! (I've always refued them previously - and got away with it but when I contacted on-call Dr last week I would have gladly accepted them!)
Have now got another asthma nurse appointment booked - the recent exacerbation has motivated me to take Seretide properly and ask for a self management plan to avoid future problems.
Ages ago - when first diagnosed I had a really good self management plan which also included symptom scores and wasn't just based on peak flow and included stickers for my peak flow meter. Are they still available, it was invaluable and helped me alot.
Wow - is that the longest message?
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hb1977
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Thanks for your reply! I knew about the Seretide being good for compliance! I think I've learned my lesson the hard way!
I'm going to see Astma nurse tomorrow so hopefully will get some use out of the appointment.
Bit more motivated now, have to have a general anaesthetic in a couple of weeks and I've had asthma attacks in recovery after both my previous anaesthetics. Would rather not repeat the experience!!
Any top tips on Aerochamber spacer. No matter what I try - it still whistles! Will ask the asthma nurse and failing that go back to Volumatic!
Thanks for your reply! I knew about the Seretide being good for compliance! I think I've learned my lesson the hard way!
I'm going to see Astma nurse tomorrow so hopefully will get some use out of the appointment.
Bit more motivated now, have to have a general anaesthetic in a couple of weeks and I've had asthma attacks in recovery after both my previous anaesthetics. Would rather not repeat the experience!!
Any top tips on Aerochamber spacer. No matter what I try - it still whistles! Will ask the asthma nurse and failing that go back to Volumatic!
welcome HB, I'm on seretide 25/125 as well, and find that providing I keep taking it, am doing very well. I questioned the doubling up procedure, and the nurse asked the doc who said that the recommended method was not to double up now, but add a separate steroid inhaler if caught early, I already have some beclometasone left from when i started the testing procedure, and used that during a viral infection, which like you is the one that really knock the system, but oral tablets if really bad. Try and get in the habit of taking the inhaler daily, once you've done it for a week or so, then it ill become second nature, I have to do the PF readings as well, so now settled into a routine.
Not seen any stickers for the PF meters, but have seen ones for sale that have movable slider markers, I use an electronic meter (vitalograph asma-1), that put a digital arrow against the relevent green,yellow red section. Get a new action plan, keep any eye on the PF readings and/or symptoms, the key to to catch the problems quickly, as it's easier to treat.
Went to the appointment, and it was a total waste of time. Nurse said I didn't sound 'too bad' although she didn't listen using a stethescope! My peak flow has improved although I'm troubled still by coughing and tightness. She said I shouldn't be needing to use my Salbutamol 2-3 times/day as I am at present. Lastly she said it was OK to continue to double dose my Seretide (which I now know is incorrect)
I went because I'm due to have a General Anaeshthetic in a couple of weeks and both times I've had an asthma attack in recovery. She just said to tell them my history.
She said if I'm no better next week then I shoud book an appointment to see GP as I may need antibiotics or steroids.
Oh - and I didn't get my action plan.
I'm not a happy bunny!
Go back and see the nurse again and say you are not happy, or ring the asthma uk helpline to speak to one of the asthma nurses there and get there advice i hear the phone line is now free. or if like me you dont do well talking, you can email them and they will send you advice and you can print it off and take it to your nurse appointment (take 3 -5 days for the reply)
I dont know much about double sereitide i am on stronger than you and can double it, but i dont know about the lower one sorry!
shes correct in that you shouldn't need the ventolin 2-3 times daily, but is wrong on the doubling of seretide. If you are having sysmptoms all the time, then perhaps you need a different treatment or maybe seretide 25/250.
Phone the asthma advice line 0800 1216244 (9am-5pm)
Thanks for your replies. Have emailed for Advice from Asthma UK - and joined up as they have been so helpful.
I should mention that she did suggest that I cut back inhalers from 4 puffs twice a day to 3 puffs twice a day for rest of this week and then go back to normal next week!
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