Starting Prednisolone

[Jems1995]

Has anyone ever had to ring their surgery/GP to let them know they have started Pred?

Today is the first time that I have had to do this and I was wondering what the normal protocol for this should be.

[emmasue]

It depends on the relationship that you have with your GP. I would probably ring, just ask for a telephone appointment. Once you have done this a few times, you might feel more confident to be able to take it without telling the GP every time. Good luck. x

[Jems1995 in reply to emmasue]

My GP told me that I was fine after ending up in A&E twice in 2 days. I knew I wasn't right but e didn't listen to me so it took me longer to recover.

I don't fully trust my GP.

[emmasue in reply to Jems1995]

Then I would keep him updated more often. If possible, look for another GP who you do trust. If not, you will have to build up that trust based on evidence. That is what I had to do with my GP. It took several years, but now I trust my GP and he trusts me. I wish it weren't so difficult, but it takes making a nuisance of yourself for them to truly understand your condition. And it is not just asthma. Good luck and I hope you get better support.

[Hidden]

I used to phone in and tell reception that's all at first..you know when to use your rescue pack? measure your peak flow and see if you are under 80% your top score or feel breathless etc..I think it is a precautionary call. Good luck thenx

[Jems1995 in reply to Hidden]

Yeah I know when to use my rescue pack I've just never put myself on them before. I've always left it too late and ended up in A&E.

[Hidden in reply to Jems1995]

Ahhh now I understand..well prevention my friend is the best way..do you have an action plan? I like mine, I have a little booklet with the usual asthma test, then 2 pages of peak flow and a journal plus at the end the green, yellow, orange and red alerts^^ with what to take etc.. it is very self-explanatory and saved me a lot of trouble.

[Hidden in reply to Jems1995]

Hi I have never had to ring my doctors to let them know I am using my predisilone. If you know when to take them make sure you do. Even if you are not sure it's much better to be safe than sorry. You won't have an problems with steroid use if you are only on a normal dose from time to time. It's much better than ending up in hospital. x

[Hidden]

Sounds like a decent GP who is concerned. Most have mine only ever ask what I have taken....rather than what I am about to take

[Jems1995 in reply to Hidden]

They haven't suggested that I tell them. It was my consultant at the hospital who suggested that I tell them. My GP has tried to say I'm fine when I've been in A&E.

[QuietChest]

I always let them know I have changed dose but usually wait till PM to call when they are less hectic