Rescue pack

[Inamoment]

I have various problems, sclerderma, emphasyma, branch, none of which I can spell! I had my first chest infection a few weeks a go which was fixed with amoxycillin. I had to go to a copd review even though I don't have food. The nurse was talking about a rescue pack, she said it was important to fix an infection quickly if it happens again. Should I ask for one?

[y_not]

Yes, rescue pack usually includes steroids. Each exacerbation has the potential to do more damage to your lungs - catching the infection early reduces the amount of damage.

Best wishes

[Lillian12]

Totally rescue pack is antibiotics and steroids to keep at home. You use them if you get an infection and it's beneficial if you get sick on a weekend or during a holiday I take mine abroad as well just in case

[hypercat54]

Well the only one I can spell is emphysema Nice to meet you. Yes you need a rescue pack as it's very important if you get an infection or exacerbation that you can treat it straightaway even at weekends and holidays when you can't get to see a doctor. x

[Inamoment]

I shall request antibiotics. Not keen on steroids and I don't think I need them. I shall ring them tomorrow. Thanks

[mrsmummy in reply to Inamoment]

They should also work with you to produce a plan as to when they should be taken. Ask the nurse.

[Inamoment in reply to mrsmummy]

OK thanks, I shall remember that when I ring

[mrsmummy in reply to Inamoment]

Also:

blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

[Caspiana]

Yes! Definitely. Catching an infection in the bud is so important. My doctor always makes sure I have at least two packs ready. I take them as soon as I feel dodgy.

Take care ❤

Cas xx 🌿

[Nicosn in reply to Caspiana]

Hi Cas

I'm pretty new on here (I've had chest infection for 2 weeks and still got green phlegm with cough)...I'm learning a lot reading off this site with wonderful and supporting people, and just wanted to know if all doctors know about these packs. I'm sorry for asking but how do you know you have an infection...is it purely on phlegm colour and chest wheezing with a cough?

Nick

[Inamoment in reply to Nicosn]

I don't really do phlegm thank goodness. I was more out of breath than normal and quite wobbly.

[Caspiana in reply to Nicosn]

Hello Nick and welcome.

I think for me signs of infection are lower than usual oxygen levels, fever, phlegm (my lung condition doesn't have this as a symptom so it's unusual for me to have phlegm) increased coughing, pain my chest, increased wheezing, more fatigue than usual, very low energy to name the main signs. Everyone however is a bit different.

I have had a pack for a long time, a couple of years at least so my memory of how I first got one is rather hazy. I think I mentioned that I got an infection weeks before my scheduled hospital visit and told my doctor how hard it was for me to get to another surgery because I was so ill. I think we came to a mutual consensus that it would be in both out interests to catch the infection early.

One thing to note is I live in Japan and doctors are very liberal with giving out medication.

Welcome to the forum. It's nice to have you. 😃

Cas xx 🎶

[Nicosn in reply to Caspiana]

Thanks Cas

I saw my doctor yesterday with a whole list of questions...he confirmed that I was on stage 1 and said I could stay at this level for a long time. He wouldn't give me a rescue pack because I wasn't bad enough even though I reminded him that I will be leaving the UK and working on a small Greek island away from a good hospital/doctor for a good 4 to 5 months. He said that he didn't want me taking antibiotics liberally at this stage because they eventually won't work when I get to a higher stage and need them the most. Trouble is that if I get chest infections then that could damage my lungs and put me on stage 2 or higher...it's catch 22!

I'm really glad I found this site as it reassures me with any questions I have and there's a nice bunch of people on here. 😊

Nick xx

[Caspiana in reply to Nicosn]

Oh dear. I do understand why he doesn't want you to take the antibiotics too soon or too frequently. When you go to Greece will you have some access to medical facilities at least? I would be slightly concerned too. Did He offer advice as to what to do if you feel under the weather?

He is right, you can stay in stage one for a very long time. I know people who have been stable and lived very productive lives.

I do hope your Greek Ταξίδι (taxidi /trip) goes well. And you are right there are so many nice people here. 😍

Take care.

Cas xx 🌹

[Nicosn in reply to Caspiana]

Ahh....thank you Cas, you take care too. Hopefully it wont be long before I go out to Kefalonia and breathe in all that clean air!

Nick xx

[Caspiana in reply to Nicosn]

😄⛵🌳🌴🌲😊

[Nicosn in reply to Caspiana]

😊😎xx

[stone-UK]

Hi

Example of a management plan to go along with a rescue pack,

lothianrespiratorymcn.scot....

[Inamoment]

The practice nurse went through that with me the other day. The problem is they are not easy to answer as my symptoms are quite variable