Chest is being a little *ahem* snitch

I have severe asthma-although-possibly-not (long story but I’m happy to divulge if anyone is interested) and although my lung function was in the normal range at my last clinic appointment, it was reduced for me. This was my first appointment at the new clinic in a different county so all that really happened was a good chat with the consultant, a drop-in with physio (proper appointment next time), and the addition of theophylline to my other meds, which has helped with my asthma symptoms, and the doc said he needed to gather the info from my previous investigations to get the full picture and make sure he doesn’t make me repeat any tests unnecessarily where possible.

Since then, my asthma symptoms have been on and off but better, but I can’t push my peak flow back above 80% of my usual. I got a chest infection and had 7 days of amoxicillin, a couple of nebs at A&E after a trip to out-of-hours and then 7 days of co-amoxiclav which I finished two days ago. Since yesterday my sputum — which I struggle to expectorate generally — has been more yellow than usual and I’ve had general infection symptoms other than lung ones. I’ve got clinic on Monday and honestly can’t wait because I’m irritated.

I’ve been using my saline nebs — only normal saline, but lots of it; I have successfully used hypertonic in the past in hospital but when my lungs are twitchy it can make things worse, so I just use longer treatments of normal saline instead — and the active cycle, which the resp physio took me through at the last clinic appointment. It helps a bit but quite honestly, I’m a 20yo full-time uni student and can’t be arsed, if you’ll pardon the French. The saline nebs take an hour to run through, and the ACBT is another half hour on top of that, plus I’m not particularly good at it.

I mentioned the Acapella device to the physio last time and she didn’t have one on her at the time, so she showed me ACBT. I’m hoping she’s remembered and has one on Monday, but I worry about seeming pushy if I ask about it again especially as my x-rays are normal.

Not sure what I wanted from this post but a chance to vent is always good!

[corriena]

Keeping your lungs clear is a good way to stop infection.while you are waiting for the acopelo device it would be a good idear to try and do the lung clearing exercises you were shown. It could keep you away from A&E.

[Hidden in reply to corriena]

I am doing them, it’s just a pain in the butt! I usually don’t mind doing my meds at all — it can get annoying, or be difficult if I’m particularly ill, but usually it’s just a thing — but this is something I have to make myself do because it just takes so long!

[peege]

I wouldn't worry about being pushy. It shows you're being proactive and doing the best for yourself. The more help you get now will keep you away fro GP and hospitals in the long term.

[Hidden]

I’m very achy and a bit feverish today and struggling with thick sputum so I’m headed to the GP soon! Agh