Ct scan tomorrow.

[Zstar]

Evening all, I am a brittle asthmatic and was hospitalised 5 weeks ago and I am still struggling. Nebs, steroids, permanent antibiotics plus normal medication.

I have ct scan tomorrow as my consultant is worried I may have a blood clot on my lung as well. I am a bit worried one of the reasons is it has never taken me this long to recover, I am also worried what it might showed on the scan and last of all I really don’t want to stay in hospital again ( consultant told me to take an overnight bag just in case) and it’s my sons birthday this week. Anyone got any advice thanks x

[IChoose]

Well ... I've kind of been there, but not. With me, the concern was heart failure with a severe asthma exacerbation. Ultimately I was referred to a cardiologist and, yes, I do have cardiovascular issues as of last year at least.

I promise you it's better to know. I was 53 when I got the news and my first thoughts were,"not fair, too young" and "my affairs are not in order." I'm 1 week from 55 and in much better health now than I was then, plus ive lost over 20 pounds due to dietary changes and extra walking for my heart. I decreased caffeine and really don't like to have stressful people in my life. I do see life a little bit different now, and in a positive way, I think. I started reminding myself that every day is a gift. I could not take cardizem as it agragavated my asthma flare at the time.

When my allergist first suspected heart failure I was uninsured so I could not follow through. About 4 months later a cardiologist discovered abnormal ekg and then we went forward with the usual tests.

I hope that you are seeing a pulmonologist. They have training beyond allergists for the care of asthmatics. I still miss my old neb cocktail of brovana, ipratropium and pulmicort. I had an allergist who gave it to me but he passed away a few years ago and since then it's been more steroids. It absolutely stresses the heart when the asthma is out of control. And we all know the oral steroid side effects.

Please check in and tell us how the test results went. I'm pulling for you!

[cherokee6399]

All this what if thinking is living in the future. Today is the present; it is not the past or the future. It is a gift. Past thinking (if only) and future thinking (what if) will only give you worry, anxiety, and fear. I encourage you to read a book called, Anxiety Happens by Forsyth and Eifert as soon as possible. It is available in book form or ebook. It has changed my life. Stay positive and accept whatever is happening to you is happening. All you can do is your best and stop doing the if onlys. Sending some healing thoughts for you and hope you only move forward from this day forward.

[Zstar in reply to cherokee6399]

Thank you for reply. I practice mindfulness everyday and try to remain present at all times. However sometimes it’s really difficult especially when your worried about the impact on others of your illness.

I have ordered the book so I look forward to it arriving and hope I find it as helpful as you have.

Thank you again xxx

[Zstar in reply to Zstar]

Cherokee 6399 thank you for the recommendation for the book it arrived today. I look forward to continuing reading it xxx

[cherokee6399 in reply to Zstar]

That is great. I've read it several times in the past 2 weeks. I hope you find it as helpful as I have. I never thought of myself having anxiety but now I realize everyone does. Asthma attacks, difficulty breathing, coughing jags, can all scare us to death if we allow it.

[Happy-51]

I also have brittle asthma and know how bad it gets and also the long hospital stays.

You have to see it’s not in your hands, if they say you need to stay in you know for your health it’s just got to be.

It’s scary I know, but we can’t avoid it sometimes.

Sorry I know my message is of no help but I’m here and listening.

Let us know how it goes

[Zstar in reply to Happy-51]

Thanks Happy-51. I know it’s just so frustrating is it and I completely get if I need to stay in but it’s just when it happens so frequently.

Thank you again for your message xxx

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Good luck today - I hope it goes well for you and you get the news you want to hear

I’ve also had a suspected PE a few years ago but luckily I was cleared (they decided it was just very badly controlled asthma after an attack, mixed with a virus).

It would explain why it’s taking so long for you to recover, but I completely understand not wanting to be admitted again - especially when you may miss your sons birthday (or loss prep time for it 😞).

Keep calm and take one day at a time. Remember it’s not your fault, all you can do is try to make sure your well for the next one. It’s scary and frustrating but it’s what we have to live with unfortunately

Thinking of you, please let us know how you get on x

[Zstar in reply to EmmaF91]

Thank Emma I really appreciate your message. It’s so helpful having people to talk to who really understand xxx

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Zstar]

How did it go? Are you back home, or have you been made to stay? X

[Zstar in reply to EmmaF91]

The ct scan is not till 6pm, I never knew they did appointments that late. I will definitely let you know. Thank you for your message xxx

[elanaoali]

Just read your post Zztar. I hope and pray it goes well today. Take one day at a time. God bless.

[cherokee6399]

Just wondering how your ct scan went?

[Zstar]

Thank you for your messages, the Ct scan case back clear. I have just got back from the consultant and he has said that sometimes it can take this long and maybe a lot longer for someone who has such serve asthma to recover. So continue with steroids, Nebs and all other meds and see him again in 2 weeks time.

Thank you again for all your messages I really appreciate it xxx

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to Zstar]

Woohoo! I’m so glad you’ve been given the all clear for an embolism! I know you’re probs not happy cause you’re still not great but it must be such a relief that you’ll be at home for your sons birthday.

Look after yourself and keep breathing 😉 xxx

[Zstar in reply to EmmaF91]

Thank you so much, it is a massive relief to not have something else as well and I am so happy not to be in hospital again.

You look after yourself too xxx