Problems with meds?

[CornishBrian]

Hi all. Unusual for me to write a post but here goes. Over the last few weeks, several folk have asked if their medications are causing all sorts of side effects, so I thought I might share a thought of mine. Recently, my GP has put me back onto Fostair. She was reluctant at first as according to my notes, I had been taken off them as I had reported it was causing me to cough. I could not remember that as I recollect I was upset that I was taken of it. Any way, I was supplied with Fostair and took it, no problems. Then about six weeks ago, I ended up with a non productive cough....not a real problem but it seemed to hit me harder in my sleep. Eventually, I decided to not have it and see what happens. My cough continued but eventually started to ease off. I also realised that I needed either Fostair or a replacement. My cough had gone but I was struggling with my breathing. Reluctantly, iwent back to my Fostair. Result, breathing back to normal and no cough. The reason....my cough wasn't being caused by the meds but the high pollen levels around. Pollen around at the moment has been moderate and so life is now back on form. My thoughts are: before we blame our meds for biting us on the bum, think about any changes in your lifestyle or the environment.....might save you and your GP some time.

[sassy59]

Good point CB. Xxxx

[judg69]

I agree! Many of us do sometimes focus on all the possible side effects and tend to downplay the hopefully positive benefits of the medication, judg69

[Hidden]

This is so true CornishBrian . I've just had a couple of bad weeks following a change in my rescue meds which had me wondering whether that was my problem or not. I was unable to concentrate on anything, had headaches, felt really down, yet my breathing improved. It had me wondering whether I'd had a mini stroke, early signs of dementa, or clinical depression. In the end I decided that it was just old age catching up with me and I would probably have to live with in the future.

Suddenly the mist cleared and I seem to be my old self again today, even got my sense of humour back again. Was my changed meds responsible? I won't know until I have to use them next time. If I feel bad then at least I will know that it's only temporary.

[Ern007]

Hi CB = Lots of problems can cause a cough, Not just medications. I take Ramipril which has cough in it's list of side effects.. In any case a Dr would normally weigh up the pros and cons before prescribing or stopping...

[garibaldon]

If it’s any comfort pollen affected my breathing too this year for the 1st time. I’m told, tree pollen is the biggest culprit at this time of the year. Not realising the true cause I was at the point of self medicating with streriods but held back ‘cos I hate their side effects. Fortnight later, Bingo, back to ok mode again.

I figured hay fever is now affecting my lung and not my upper respiratory bits like it used to. I also find the envioroment , temperature , humidity, air pollution, etc..etc all play a huge part in the function of my lungs and living with COPD.

[1Celticlioness in reply to garibaldon]

I also have this problem with environment temperature etc plus im chemically sensitive all effects me, this also includes various medication im intolerant to a whole lot of medications like morphine and the variations of morphine, I have taken into account the tree pollen straight after its the grass pollen plus the various mould spores when people start doing their gardening, I was very lucky many years ago I did that course "Expert Patient Program " I learned a lot from that my understanding is that the NHS stopped doing it it really should be brought back.

[katieoxo60]

That's a good tip, I find my cough is worse when temperatures and pollen are high. However I think doctors should be more careful about drug side effects in individuals according to patients history and not be eager to be dismissive of the patients reaction, especially where numerous drugs are available for a specific illness. Of course having had more than one adverse severe reaction to drugs myself, I am a bit biased. Long term use of some drugs can also cause problems or what might be construed as drug reactions. I beleive the doctor should consider the fors and againsts and discuss with the patient.

[undine]

good point well made - but would expect no less from a fellow Cornish person .... thank you xxx

[CornishBrian in reply to undine]

Hope you make yer pasties with skirt..

[undine in reply to CornishBrian]

can't make them now but always used 'chuck' which may well be skirt but Mum and Grandma always called it 'chuck' have a shop made pasty every week now not the same but no one to make one for me sob sob ,.....

[CornishBrian]

At least you don't put cream on first on her scones....a nasty English trick.,

[Boudica1]

Its very easy to forget the pollen count as its only in the spring and summer but another thing people often over look is dust. All kinds of dust from house and house dust mites to what ever dust the wind is blowing around. Soft furnishings and curtains and blinds are shocking dust and pollen collectors and a real problem for those with severe Asthma and other lung conditions. I found that out with my eldest child (chronic asthmatic) and had to keep things in his bedroom to a bare minimum. A chest of draws that could be wiped down with a damp cloth, no spray polish at all in the house. Hard flooring again to keep the dust down, cleaned with a damp mop. The mattress on his bed and curtains hoovered once a week. Mattress some of you may be wondering? house-dust mites. Anything that could not go through the washing machine had to have a regular visit to the freezer (after being placed in a plastic bag), even Teddy had to go in from time to time. Now you're thinking this woman's nut's but freezing kills the dust mite's. All these tip's came from the countries top lung Dr at the time, 1990s and were echo by a school (boarding) for children with Chronic Asthma and eczema that my son was very lucky to get into as main-stream schools were a complete night-mare. He still has Chronic Asthma as an adult and is on all the normal meds inhalers, high dose Prednisolone (60mg daily) a nebulizer and if things get really bad a Ventolin injection that he can self administer. But at least the eczema's gone. Now he worries about me and my Asthma and C.O.P.D, strange how the boot is on the other foot.