Diane : I've had copd for years and... - Lung Conditions C...

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Diane

Pugs4love profile image
31 Replies

I've had copd for years and used a nebuliser lots of times I'm thinking of buying my own save me a trip to ae every so often but not sure if it's the right thing to do I've had phenomenon twice ITU twice a coma but I'm worried I might depend on it to much

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Pugs4love profile image
Pugs4love
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31 Replies
mmzetor profile image
mmzetor

I have one at home it is good but I only use it when im really bad and when I have a chest infection, it did save me going to hospital Christmas morning , the thing is not to rely on it all the time , also check gp with do you a prescription for the nebs to put in it before you buy one

I got a neb which I use every day and I put lpratropium steri plus ventolin as well which I use 2to4 times a day

jimmyg23 profile image
jimmyg23

Yes I use one at home but not all the time just when I have chest infection but you need a prescription from your gp to get your nebs

I bought one so I didn't have to go to hospital. Found it useful at first. But know it doesn't work for me because nothing I am given will clear up my breathlessness. And I wasted a lot of money on it. I was told by one of my GP to ask at the respiratory clinic if they could give me one that was after I had bought it.

RibvanRey profile image
RibvanRey

1. Check that your GP approves and will prescribe the meds for you to use in it, because you can't buy them without.

2. Check the Search magnifying glass at the top of the page for Nebuliser as there are lots of posts about them here.

Regards Rib

Bevvy profile image
Bevvy

I got nebuliser for same reason BUT after suggested by GP. You must be certain GP will prescribe nebs for it. Many won't and then would be waste of money.

barbs47 profile image
barbs47

Hi my chest clinic supplied my nebuliser, I have to take it to the hospital every year to have it services. My doctor gives me prescriptions for salbutamol and saline nebs.

2malinka profile image
2malinka

Hi Diane

I have used a nebuliser in the hospital after a chest infection. Then later, Harefield Hospital gave me one. Speaking for myself only, I wouldn't use now as they increased pulse rate to a very high level, gave me the shakes and made my feet swell. I gave the nebuliser back. Now, I rely on breathing exercises to shift the mucus. I was told that they can cause heart problems. I guess it depends on the individual.

Take care

Malika

Linibobs profile image
Linibobs

I bought one a very long time ago when I had an asthma problem. Now with the COPD I've asked for some Meds for it and been refused because they said I would get to rely on it. My hospital is half hour away, it would save a trip and people's time and money. But no!!

Pugs4love profile image
Pugs4love in reply to Linibobs

How do you get meds for it .or don't you use it

Linibobs profile image
Linibobs in reply to Pugs4love

I don't use it, I had Meds years ago when asthma was diagnosed, but I lived in a different town. Where I am now, they give nothing out!

JonathanPittsCrick profile image
JonathanPittsCrick in reply to Linibobs

If you found salbutamol nebs helpful you could request a test for "reversibility" and if this does show an improvement in the breathing measurements you doc would have no reason to refuse to prescribe them.

Pugs4love profile image
Pugs4love in reply to Linibobs

My hospital is about half hour away so I feel like you it would save me time and them time and money

joyce741 profile image
joyce741

Our GP don't like using them now. They say 10 puffs of ventilin has the same affect

Pugs4love profile image
Pugs4love in reply to joyce741

I've try 10 puffs on a ventilin and it isn't the same in my personal apinion

in reply to Pugs4love

I hope you put the 10 puffs into a spacer and not strait in to your mouth. From the inhaler. I was told by my respiratory clinic to put 10 puffs into a spacer and that was like using a nebuliser

Pugs4love profile image
Pugs4love in reply to

No in spacer but it doesn't seem to do a lot any more

in reply to Pugs4love

Yes I have the same problem neither the spacer or the nebuliser helps me

JonathanPittsCrick profile image
JonathanPittsCrick in reply to Pugs4love

The benefit from the nebuliser isn't just from the drug, it's partly the way it calms your breathing - and this, in itself, can be very effective in reducing bronchoconstriction. Plus the humidity can help loosen mucus.

You could try the 10 puffs to get the drug effect and then use water in the nebuliser for a while...

joyce741 profile image
joyce741

I'm not sure either, touch wood not had to try it yet x

LadyoRockee profile image
LadyoRockee

I don't understand why your GPs don't want you using a nebulizer, especially if your lung function is 25% or less. My pulmonologist took me off the handheld inhalers and now I take all 3 of my lung medicine usiing a nebulizer. He told me that his concern was that I couldn't breathe the large particles (and they are large compared to the fine mist that the nebulizer produces) in the inhalers deep into my lungs where they are needed. The fine mist from the nebulizer ensures the meds get down in there where they can do their job. Made sense to me. I own 4 of the machines. One at my sister's, one at my daughter's, one in my apartment, and one in my home. Next week I am buying a portable nebulizer to keep in my car. I am not paranoid at all, am I?

Linibobs profile image
Linibobs in reply to LadyoRockee

Not paranoid ladyoRockee, just aware and careful, if we don't look after ourselves who else will?

Pugs4love profile image
Pugs4love

I feel there's no were to turn

LadyoRockee profile image
LadyoRockee

Diane, I sure wish I could send you one. Medicare pays the rental fee for a year, then you own it! They are a dime a dozen around here except the portables. The portables are a couple hundred dollars and Medicare won't even pay the rental for one. Same with the portable oxygen concentrator. If I want to go to work after I finish school, I will have to cough up 2500 dollars for one! I can't be changing out O2 tanks all day! Who would hire me?? I need one anyway, so I can fly across country to see my mom...can't win for losing!! :)

rubyred777 profile image
rubyred777 in reply to LadyoRockee

Hi LadyoRockee

I see you are from USA. Where are you? I'm from new jersey. I see your on oxygen, and going to school. Thats quite impressive!

If you don't mind me asking, Whats your fev 1? Good to meet you Lady.😊

Rubyxx 😊 😊

LadyoRockee profile image
LadyoRockee in reply to rubyred777

Hi Ruby,

I am in Great Falls, Montana. I am not sure what my Fev1 is. I know it isn't good! I will ask at my next office visit. I think my lung function is around 25%. I have severe emphysema and tomorrow's is my 5 year cancer free anniversary. My lower left lobe was surgically removed due to cancer.In 2012 a bronchoscopy proved I had MAI, a nasty fungal infection! I was on 3 antibiotic for 26 months. A fourth bronchoscopy in August of 2014, deemed me finally rid of the infection. 6 hours after getting home from that bronchoscopy, my daughter took me to the ER. I could barey breathe! My O2 Sat was 60%. I spent 4 days inpatient and was discharged to home with oxygen!! In October 2015, out of no where, the SOB started! My doctor is still trying to figure out why!! I just pray it goes away!! Well, I see I am rambling here, didn't mean to take up so much space.

Bonita

Pugs4love profile image
Pugs4love

I no it's very hard but you might get a very well payed job and become rich I hope thank you for being so caring X

Trouts profile image
Trouts

Hi Diane,

I would say no because when I had my last ambulance they gave me the nebuliser I said the same thing and they said don't get one because you'll find you rely on it and then you will find that it doesn't work anymore, then it's oxygen and that's it. Try to stick with what you're doing and keep well.

I hope this helps.

Regards

Gaynor

Pugs4love profile image
Pugs4love

Thank you for your reply I understand what you mean but whenever I'm struggling breath I think it would be handy but wouldn't like to rely on oxygen either you have been very helpful Diane

Titchy52 profile image
Titchy52

Hi pugs4love and everyone sorry to hear your struggling ,I've just been put on muccodyne syrup its great drying up most of the mucus helping me breath a bit better I'm waiting for my letter to attend pulmonary rehab hope it helps never been to one.

Pugs4love profile image
Pugs4love

Hi i take muccodyen tab I have for about 8 years they are good but don't do to much for me at mo I'm struggling at mo and need a neb but I'm not going in so il have to struggle on lol

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