just diagnosed

Hi everyone,

I am very new to all this as I have only just been diagnosed with asthma after numerous symptoms which have recently led to it. I am very eager to learn a lot more about it and how to control it. I don't currently feel I have it under control, which is worrying me. I have been told to keep a record of my peak flow, how often I am using my inhaler and how often I am coughing daily. I'd like to ask how you are all controlling your asthma? As an aspiring singer I am anxious it will impinge upon this as well as my daily life style. Additionally, I have a big phobia of hospitals and needles and the thought of having an attack and being taken to a&e terrifies me, with the fear I will be given an injection. I would love to receive any extra advice or information from anyone and how it affects you personally?

Thank you

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Hi,

This is definitely a good place to come if you want to find out more - I've found everyone very helpful and welcoming.

It must have been a shock finding out and hard not being controlled but ask away - not sure how much help I can be as I am a bit weird lung-wise but sure there are loads of others on here who'll be able to help (obviously not like a GP or asthma nurse but sounds like you're already seeing them?)

I did want to mention the singing though - as I've said I'm a bit odd so you may find things different but I do a lot of singing (I'm in a choir) and I find it actually helps my breathing. I do find it a bit hard at the start of rehearsals when I've just arrived, but once that's calmed down I can generally manage fine - sometimes take sneaky breaths when not supposed to but it hasn't stopped me singing in concerts and even going on a short tour - though that was hard, but more because of having to walk from lodgings to rehearsal. The rehearsals weren't too bad though I sat down a lot and found several hours a bit tiring.

Obviously if your breathing is really bad you might find it hard but especially if you do get things under control (and depending on how severe you are) I would think it should be fine. It should actually help your lung function as well - don't be surprised if your peak flow and spirometry tests are above what's predicted for your age and height.

I've rambled on a bit but feel free to send me a message if you want to ask questions or just rant!

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Hi Alice Rose. You will find lots of information and helpful advice on this site as well as some nice people to talk to who will give support and understanding.

I understand your fear of hospitals but when you have an attack it is the best place to be as you will get the care and attention you need.

I ended up in a&e last week and although it was a scary experience I knew I was in good hands and would be cared for and get the treatment I needed.

You will learn how to control your asthma and lead a normal (relatively speaking) life.

I have been asthmatic since birth and 54 years later I am still going strong.

Stay strong, be positive and keep the faith.

All the best .

Dave.

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Hi Alice Rose,

Welcome to the forum. AUK is a great place to learn more about your asthma and how to control it. I've found it really useful since being diagnosed several months ago. Lots of info on the website and loads of friendly and supportive people on the forum. Feel free to PM me any time if you want to ask questions or just chat.

Shy1. x

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thank you all for your lovely comments! It's good to know there's lots of support out there as it has all been a bit scary finding out. It's good to know I'll still be able to keep up my singing as this was something which was concerning me as it is a big part of my life and has been for the past 10 years. One thing particularly worrying me, which I mentioned before was the prospect of having to go to a&e. Can I just ask, what sort of process would I have to go through if I was to end up in hospital? Would I be given an injection to calm me down? I know this sounds silly, but the fear of needles has a big effect on me. I'm a real wimp when I am put in that environment.

Anyway, thank you for your supportive and reassuring comments, I will definitely be keeping up with the site learning more about asthma and how to live with it.

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Can't help with the A&E stuff, sorry - never been in myself (and hoping it stays that way). But there are plenty of 'regulars' on here (unfortunately for them). btw if you see someone saying they're in or have been to Costa, that means hospital - Costa del NHS - just saying as I know some people get confused when they first come on by all the abbreviations.

Just wanted to say I know what you mean about the singing - I'd hate to give it up but luckily for us it's actually considered to be good for asthma (I think in some places they even have special classes for asthmatics to learn), so you can do something you like and call it therapy! What sort of singing do you do - are you studying it atm or is it a serious 'extra-curricular'?

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Ok cool thank you :). That's a big reassurance to learn singing can help asthma! When my peak flow was tested I was told it was relatively normal, so there could be a connection there. I started singing when I was 10 and have gone on to complete my final examination (post grade 8). But no I'm not studying music, I am actually studying primary education and hoping to eventually teach music. But I am in a choir, which is why this has obviously worried me as to how it will effect that. It's great to know it can actually help though! So thank you for that reassurance How long have you been a singer for?

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You're welcome - good to see another singer! I have the same with PF (though again I am strange) - according to charts I should be a 6ft 3 man! I also play the oboe (though haven't for a bit) which is supposed to help as well - think it's the breath control and improved elasticity for both things? If you get well controlled probably good to try and work out what your actual best PF is, as I bet it is higher than predicted after 10 years of singing - it's quite possible that the 'normal' reading you got is actually lower than it should be.

Just so you know, hope you won't need this info - for some people, and you may or may not be one of them, PF isn't always a reliable indicator of how things are going, so if you're having difficulties, reliever isn't working but your PF isn't too bad don't wait and think 'oh, PF is ok', get help. Hopefully you won't be in that situation, but just thought I should say in case! This also applies if in general you feel like you aren't controlled but PF seems ok - go back to your dr.

I've been a singer for about 19 years now(!) - started at 6 in my local church choir and haven't had much of a gap since then! Mostly choir singing, don't really do solo right now - I feel like I need more technique as I've never had many lessons.

[Annista]

Hi Alice Rose

I just thought you might like to know that at least one hospital in London has a therapist who teaches asthmatics to sing (she's the daughter of one of my colleagues) so it clearly has some benefits and is well worth keeping up.

[angievere]

Hi Alice-Rose, Welcome to the forum. You really mustnt worry about A&E - you might never need to go and also IF you were poorly enough to land up there you will be in the best place to get relief from your asthma! Hope things improve for you.

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Thank you all, hopefully it won't come to the point when I would have to be hospitalized. Going back to my singing, I am definitely determined to keep it up and I'm so glad to know it could help improve the asthma. It's lovely to talk to another singer who is also asthmatic! It sounds like it hasn't prevented you carrying on. Thank you for the advice Philomela- I am still undergoing tests at the moment, I've been asked to keep a record of everything and I am returning to the asthma clinic in a couple of weeks time for an update. I will let you all know how it goes, and thank you again for your support! I will definitely be keeping up with the site.