Learning to live independently with asthma

[Erin001]

Hi everyone, I hope your all ok

I am new here and I have had asthma since I believe year 2 could be earlier but I am not sure I am now I year 11 this year my asthma has been manageable the odd scare days but I'm doing well for me this winter

I have had 2 hospital admissions in recent years and paramedics out at least once a year in winter time and I have paramedics mostly in the middle of the night I wake up suddenly not able to breathe

I live with my mum and every time I have had problems and need paramedics my mum has been there to call the ambulance while I'm trying to breathe and I was wondering how you live independently with asthma

Methods of getting help when you can't breathe and on your own

anyone here a similar age to me

Any stories or advice for an asthmatic nearing the time to go into the adult world and live independently

Thx in advance

[Minushabens]

I'm afraid that I'm a long way from your age, but try not to worry too much

Moving into the adult world is a stressful time for any young person, & the range of anxieties and stresses can quickly pile up.

Obviously we don't know what your life plans are, but let's assume you have university in mind, you will still have more than 2 years to learn, grow and get support.

It's probably fair to say that most of us on here have had to face living alone or working or travelling without an immediate "rescue point". I suspect, particularly if your asthma is generally well managed, that the joys you will find in growing up, developing your own independence, living, working, travelling or studying will quickly outweigh anything your asthma can throw at you.

Asthma has to be taken seriously, but don't allow it to dictate how you live any more than you have to. Make sure that you understand as much of it as you can, know what sets it off the best you can & avoid those triggers, make sure you always carry a blue inhaler (I'm still young enough to remember that wild student parties were a trigger!!), and of course make sure you register with a GP & get to know the surgery a little.

But...this is your life. The only one you'll get, so go & live it, enjoy it & be what you want to be.

Over the next phase of your life, if you have any practical questions about day-to-day management, just ask away on here.

[Erin001 in reply to Minushabens]

Ok thank you lovely response

I am planning on going to college to study health and social care because I want to be a nurse

My asthma isn't that controlled but can be depending on time of year

My main worry is having an attack in the middle of the night because that's when most bad attacks happen

Thx for advising me this site I think will help me a lot

[Minushabens in reply to Erin001]

What medication are you on? If it's more likely to be a problem at night, it might be that something like montelukast is worth a try if you're not already on it?

Good luck with the nursing!

[Erin001 in reply to Minushabens]

I am on ventolin and seretide 4 puffs each time I take either of them and yes I take montelukast

This year my asthma has been settled and controlled but past years I have had many problems with asthma day and night

Thx

[Hidden in reply to Erin001]

What dosage of seretide are you on, Erin, if you don't mind me asking?

[Erin001 in reply to Hidden]

4 puffs evohaler 250

[Hidden in reply to Erin001]

8puffs daily of the fluticasone (steroid) component is fine but I'm fairly sure 8puffs of serevent is twice the usual max dose (check the leaflet to confirm?) Sometimes used for severe airway obstruction but usually avoided long term (& you say your asthma is well controlled anyway). Can I suggest you check this with someone.

[WheezyAnne]

I lived alone and 150 miles from my parents for ten years. I programmed the GP numbers into the phone, and rang friends when I needed a lift to the emergency GP who always admitted me. I kept a hospital bag ready at all times, with enough undies and nighties to last a week, so I did not need to ask anyone to do my washing for me. I also have a phone upstairs within reach.

I am concerned about the waking up suddenly not able to breathe. This has never happened to me as I have my allergies under control with anti histamines, and my severe Asthma is usually caused by bacterial infections. I have got to know my body, to take note when I need to use more Duo Resprimat, and or Ventolin, and therefore get in touch with the Respiratory Team.

It is very important you monitor yourself and control your Asthma. Do you take your Peak Flow measurements regularly? Do you contact the your GP when you start to see a downward trend and increased use of your reliever? Do you use a spacer? What meds are you on? Do you have an Asthma Action Plan?

Why are you waking up suddenly having difficulty breathing? Have you been checked for Sleep Apnea? (not that I know much about that)

My Asthma was better for a decade, once I left home, but for me that was a long time ago.