How often do you have your asthma review? I'm confused with my medication and can't access help.

[hygge]

My reviews are yearly but I'm finding I'm still getting to know the foibles of my condition, how it effects me and what is a serious episode.

I have tried to get a doctor's appointment this morning but as I'm not needing urgent attention I can't. I've asked for an asthma review with the nurse but I can't access that as I'm not due until May 2018. The nurses are busy with the flu jab administration at the moment.

Whilst I understand and I'm not in an urgent state I am confused over my medication. (on Symbicort SMART regime - put on that because of 3x pneumonia last year - and using ventolin out of preference to get me up the long steep hill twice daily) I've never had an asthma attack but I think I was close to one a couple of days ago after being very out of breath on the hill and subsequent lasting soreness of what feels like my trachea.

I'm wondering if I need to be pushier with the receptionist? How do you get them to listen to you and get them to understand that although it isn't an emergency now, it could be?

[Hidden]

Hi I feel for you as I am in the exact same position as you are but I also have mild copd as well as asthma. I have a once yearly review. If I have questions about it I can't see a doctor coz they keep refusing to talk about it saying they haven't time and the nurse knows more than they do anyway. They tell me to make an appointment with the nurse but they are so busy and understaffed that there are never any available.

What I have done is ask for a nurse to call me. Ok it's not the same but better than nothing. I have also asked my pharmacist who is really helpful. If you are in the UK don't forget they are experts in drugs and their interactions and it's definitely worth asking them.

I do share your frustration though but don't have any answers I'm afraid. x

[Hidden]

You could try contacting the Asthma UK helpline and talking to one of the Asthma nurses there. They might be able to help with your immediate concerns.

[hygge in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! I called asthmauk and spoke to a nurse. She gave me plenty to talk about when I do grt an appointment and I now know to say that my asthma is not controlled and I need help. This should have more urgency than requesting a review. Interestingly I've learned about post nasal drip through talking to so I have another quest to try to solve in helping me breathe better!

I understood more from AsthmaUK than in any consultation in my surgery.

[Hidden in reply to hygge]

You're very welcome:-).

All the best

[Chip_y2kuk]

Can you not get an advice call with the asthma nurse or a gp, that's how I try to deal with all my issues sometimes it takes 5-7 mins on the phone with the right person (some times you've got no choice but to go in)

But if your after some advice then it's worth asking the receptionist for an advice call