Goodbye to my consultant today

[elanaoali]

Today was my final appointment with my respiratory consultant after a tough time last year. Now I have been signed off back to my doctors and asthma nurse.

My asthma is really good at the moment apart from other associated conditions. Acid reflux hasn't resolved but seeing an gastroenterologist who has ordered tests. Rhinitis and post nasal drip due to dust mite allergy and hay fever. (Dymista nasal spray and prescribed antihistamine)

So because of these factors and allergies my consultant has decided not to change my inhaler ( Fostair nexthaler 200/6 2 puffs twice a day). He said he didn't want me to get worse again. Then have to take two/three courses of prednisolone to get me right again. Although I do now get a side effect of shaky hands but small price to pay for being well.

I rang asthma UK helpline afterwards just to go over what happened at the appointment. My asthma nurse I saw in January thought I could next month reduce my inhaler. (12 weeks from January flare up). However they too agreed with the consultant that I stay on same dose as on going treatment. What she said as I have many trigger reducing it would half my protection. So really unwise!

Now happy to go forward and stay healthy and well. Spring is coming!

[strongmouse]

That is good news elanaoali. I'd be interested to know what tests your consultant does for acid reflux? Possible test for helicobacter and maybe an endoscopy? I have had those two and both were fine. My acid reflux is just about controlled by medication.

It is easy to think we feel better asthama wise and then cut down the medication only to find we really did need that dose! With allergies I find this time of year the hazel and birch pollen are around and can be quite high so need the medication to stay well.

[elanaoali in reply to strongmouse]

Hi Strong-minded,

Thanks for your reply and your suggestions. The gastroenterologist has ordered an ultrasound, possible cat scan and a PH 24hr test. I have been tested in the past for helicobacter and it was negative. Also I have had an endoscopy last September and had three small erosion. The hope was that continuing medication would help them heal and no more ibrofen/aspirin. I was doing well til Christmas but got worse after that. I am on no medication now as the consultant said as it's obviously not working. I found ginger works well.

Thanks for your wise words on asthma inhalers. I can still rage against the storm. Part of me wants to be back to the days of just a ventolin inhaler I had for 12 years. However I am sensible person and will take my inhaler.

Back to see my asthma nurse in 3 weeks for a catch up as per consultant appointment.

[strongmouse in reply to elanaoali]

I find that there are several foods which I can't tolerate including some spices. No curries for me unfortunately! Recently with increased aciditiy I decided to try old fashioned milk of magnesia and it has helped.

I was also negative to helicobacter, which I was disappointed about. After I developed a duodenal ulcer I discovered that I couldn't tolerate citrus fruit or pork. We were living in Germany at the time and I was taking a lot of both. Weird, but it helped to cut them out of my diet.

[elanaoali in reply to strongmouse]

Hi Strongmouse thankyou for your futher suggestions. My diet is limited already with the list of foods which I can and can't eat. I have painful bladder syndrome too which has a long list of foods I can't eat. Here is a snapshot of my forbidden foods no spicy food, citrus, no preserved foods ie. Bacon or ham, alcohol, onions, yogurt, caffeine, fizzy drinks, dried fruit, chocolate, strong cheese, mayonnaise, sweeteners. I eat red meat but only two times a week. I avoid food with lots of fat in it e.g pork.

Since stopping all medication 11 days ago I still have a constant salty taste in my mouth, sickness (flares up if I eat rich fatty foods). The feeling of heartburn in the center of my chest is a dull ache.

So I wait for my ultrasound and further test to reveal what is wrong with me.

[strongmouse in reply to elanaoali]

It is hard when the list of foods which cause problems lengthens!

Good that you are having an ultrasound.

[elanaoali in reply to strongmouse]

Yes I agree. However being on this restricted but healthy is worth it. The temptation to cheat isn't worth the pain in my bladder or giving me acid reflux symptoms.

[AutumnHedgerow]

Congratulations on your graduation Elan 😊. I see you have an asthma nurse so that must feel reassuring. Not having an asthma nurse and not ever getting to see the same GP makes me feel happy I’m currently under the care of a consultant but am looking forward to feeling well enough to graduate.

[elanaoali in reply to AutumnHedgerow]

Thank you Autumn Hedgerow Yes I am really blessed to have an asthma nurse. A recent addition to my doctors practice in the last year. She really know her stuff! I hope and I pray you get to graduate soon and find consists level of care at your Dr's surgery. It should be an expectation that we all have good primary care.