Trying new inhaler for copd - Lung Conditions C...

Lung Conditions Community Forum

55,205 members65,970 posts

Trying new inhaler for copd

Itsmeagain1 profile image
30 Replies

Hello everyone my name is jackie I am 2 weeks of my 60th birthday I have stage 4 emphysemia as well as a bone disease I must of been wicked in my previous life !!! My mum and her mum also had this dreadful disease I've had it 15 yrs from day one I was given a steriod inhaler now their saying that proberly wasn't the best thing to give me !!! But we didn't know that then how about trying a triple inhaler instead again they know not a lot with this triple therapy bit like the steriod inhaler so my question why after 15 yrs do we still hardly not hear anything about research into copd if i said i have cancer there is help offered left right and center not so with copd I used to get free transport to pulmonary rehab now sorry haven't got the money yet your offered money if u have cancer not fair my lungs aren't getting any better I can't get the help I need to go to rehab I'm struggling now I'm told to try a new inhaler no info just told might be better I want to be able to live not just to survive who is on this triple inhaler any suggestions pls I'm scared to try this new inhaler

Written by
Itsmeagain1 profile image
Itsmeagain1
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
30 Replies
Damon1864 profile image
Damon1864Volunteer

Hi I know what you mean about money for transport t pulmonary rehab, I was told the same thing, so ended up not being able to get there. I'm on the triple inhaler and not doing to bad

Have a good night and take care of yourself 😊 Bernadette xx

Itsmeagain1 profile image
Itsmeagain1 in reply to Damon1864

Thankyou for your answer have a good night as well hun

judes profile image
judes

Funding is certainly an issue with many things within the nhs I often think that for something like providing transport for pulmonary rehab it would be beneficial to both. Short term expense long term savings.

I can’t say about inhalers as I don’t use one tho lots of medical advances have been made in the last 15 years. What was thought good then may not be the case today. I always regard medicine as much an art as a science.

J

Itsmeagain1 profile image
Itsmeagain1 in reply to judes

Thankyou for replying to me I guess I'm scared as something new can give side effects that frightens me with my breathing not that good

skischool profile image
skischool

I haven't been able to find a triple inhaler that doesn't contain a steroid element,normally 3 stage inhalers contain a corticosteroid.maybe you should check with your consultant to ensure this is one recommended for you?

p.s if it is trimbow it contains a steroid in the form of beclometasone

CDPO16 profile image
CDPO16

Hi Jackie,

I am not on a triple inhaler but am on a kind of equivalent with 3 seperate inhalers, one of which is a steroid. I have stage 4 emphysema. I have been told that while it is now considered that a steroid inhaler is not recommended for the early stages of COPD it is often prescribed for severe stage onwards.

You didn't say who has prescribed the new inhaler for you but I understand your concerns. It may actually help your breathing and the only way to find out is to try it. If you do experience side effects then see your doctor. I have had side effects from some inhalers in the past but not from others.

Best wishes, Carole

Don’t be fobbed off with try a new inhaler I don’t personally like the powdery ones my throats dry and always having to clear throat I use fostaire and blue ventalin and have had copd over 18 yrs just know your own body and with fingers crossed hope to go home today after 15 days in hospital due to be changed onto unsuitable inhaler

johnderby profile image
johnderby

Give the inhaler a try! I have stage 4 COPD and heart problems and have been on Trimbow for about 6 months now. I have noticed an improvement in my breathing . Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Itsmeagain1 profile image
Itsmeagain1 in reply to johnderby

I'm still not sure what I am going to do I'm having myour 1st mri for my back today see how the breathing holds up on that I just can't understand how 15 yrs ago they were so certain I needed a steriod inhaler my doctor was a hour and a half walk away and same back i wasnt having any breathing problems yet immediately I was given this powerful 2 inhalers brown and blue now they want me to take either spirileto respirmat or if i keep on getting accubations and ive only had one !!!! In 15 yrs then put her on trimbow I don't trust the doctors now I'm scared and I feel alone that's not right

skischool profile image
skischool in reply to Itsmeagain1

Spiolto respimat is a duel inhaler that doesn't contain steroids,you will only benefit from an inhaler that contains steroids if you have an inflammatory element to your emphysema with recurrent flare ups ,if you don't then it probably won't help and could over a long period of use give unwanted side effects .

You need to ascertain from your consultant as opposed to your gp or respiratory nurse which is the most suitable for you as only he knows best.

in reply to johnderby

I saw an improvement in my breathing just bad side effects which caused 14 night stay in hospital

Itsmeagain1 profile image
Itsmeagain1 in reply to

Just my point they don't understand how frightening it is to change inhalers glad your better how awful

in reply to Itsmeagain1

Glad to be home I’m as fit as a butchers dog I’m that pumped up with steroids I haven’t sat down I’ve got to spend the next 65 days weaning myself off them .We put our trust in nurses doctors etc to get it right has far as trying new inhalers but I slipped up by not doing checks and unfortunately paid the price .Trimbow as a steroid inflammatory which isn’t good for certain patients.If you think you’re old inhaler isn’t working try something else but don’t be pushed into it

Itsmeagain1 profile image
Itsmeagain1 in reply to

They are trying to push me that's what I am annoyed about even as far as putting new one on my repeat didn't tell me I found out and said put old one back on if I want to change my inhaler I'll tell you I was livid

in reply to Itsmeagain1

My doctor told me they where only human but when on records no inflammatory meds to be given due to uc very poor yes we all make mistakes but you trust these people to know what’s best for us I have always been careful but will have to treble check in future at the end of the day we know our own body

Itsmeagain1 profile image
Itsmeagain1 in reply to

We do know our bodies my doc gave me rescue antibotics so when I know I'm getting a infection i stop it in its tracks without waiting for a appointment then my copd nurse told me no u should see the doctor tell him your going to start taking them she obviously dosent know what rescue means we don't seem eye to eye and that's scary I don't trust people but to not trust someone in the health dept is terrifing if i could move in would i have adema in my ankles doctor juse said elevate your feet eek it's like im not taken seriously it could be heart failure that needs addressing but my doc dosent seem worried I am sorry for rant haven't got anyone to talk to or understand love getting older 😊

in reply to Itsmeagain1

I’m 69 in January I don’t mind your rant get it off your chest lass but anytime you need someone to talk to I’ll be here

Itsmeagain1 profile image
Itsmeagain1 in reply to

Bless you thankyou I know I shouldn't rant but do feel ignored at times I'll try not to bend your ear too often though 😊

in reply to Itsmeagain1

Ok

Itsmeagain1 profile image
Itsmeagain1 in reply to

😆

Bingo88 profile image
Bingo88

Hello Jackie. Welcome to this lovely group. There is a new study posted on here today actually on Emphysema. Sorry i dont know how to share the link. Hope it helps and gives info for you. Let us know how you get on Brian

Hacienda profile image
Hacienda

Hi Hun, I understand all you say. am not on Trimbow, I have in the Past asked my Consultant for it, I was refused. I take Symbicort 400 with Steroid every 12 Hours along with Eklira Genuair, in between Ventolin 20 + times a day, On Oxygen, Oramorph , Salt Pipe (My Choice) Breathing Exercises constantly. I am now feeling very poorly and I know the Emphysema is taking Over Quickly. I have been Stage 4 Severe for 6 years, & Long before I was Diagnosed. I have had 4 "Valves" inserted, they don't work any more. As You say, Not enough is being done in the Research, regardless of BLF saying they are. I have Collected for Many Years Monies, still do, for their research as thousands of others including Breath Easy Groups Do. Though Research Does Take a very Long Time. On our Forum we all try to help and keep each other Lifted. One Member who has got through her Negativity and being Scared of what the Future may Hold is "Emily 61" she is now doing Research into COPD Research to find an Answer, I thank her for this, she is trying her Best for all of us, Bless Her. I do hope you find a Answer yourself and Share with us. Good Luck Hun keep us all posted, Love n Hugs. Carolina. XXXX

peege profile image
peege

Welcome to the BLF!

While I don't have emphysema/copd I sympathise with your concerns. My preventive inhaler was changed from Seretide to Sirdupla, no discussion, just changed out of the blue. I tried to change it back as it didn't work for me but gp refused. Luckily at my annual asthma/bronchiectasis check the nurse explained how Fostair would be perfect for the way I use an inhaler. I was dubious at 1st but my goodness, I've not looked back and rarely need to use the rescue inhaler Ventolin.

You may be surprised that the suggested new inhaler works better for you.

It may seem there are no developments on lung health or research (more money is thrown at cancer research, a lot is raised by CancerResesrchUK), BLF, British Lung Foundation, is a charity (we're so very lucky to have this forum to share experiences, knowledge and information) and research and trials are happening, it's just an extremely slow process.

Wishing you the best whatever you decide. P

PS you may find more info to help in the 'Related Posts' section to the right or scroll down on a phone

Itsmeagain1 profile image
Itsmeagain1 in reply to peege

Many thanks for your reply I'm sorry your gp felt he had a right to do that to you in America they 1st learn first do no harm in think no discussing withdrawing a inhaler breaks that code but I'm glad it turged out ok for you appantly the seretide steriod inhaler I'm on wasn't meant for someone with copd but for asthma eek !!!!!

peege profile image
peege in reply to Itsmeagain1

I believe a lot of folks with copd use the same inhalers as those with asthma and other lung diseases.

Take care. P

Itsmeagain1 profile image
Itsmeagain1 in reply to peege

Yes possibly but my doctor actually told me the one I'm on wasn't supossed to be for copd I've been on seretide 9 yrs I'm not sure if I will change over yet I've got a lot to think about

Fircone profile image
Fircone in reply to Itsmeagain1

Hi, I’m stage 3 emphysema I think, I can’t be sure because I’ve never been told. I was diagnosed 10 years ago and had to try every single inhaler available, I had horrible reactions to all of them, I would get shaky, pains in my chest and left arm, racing heart and severe panic attacks. I was told I had to pick one if I wanted to breathe so I tried the lowest dose of Seretide 50 once a day which I’ve been on ever since. Last year my nurse told me it’s the wrong inhaler to be using for emphysema and I could choose another one. She gave me a list to choose from but like you I’m scared to try a different one. I’m sure the Seretide 50 helps because if I don’t take it I’m really struggling. The thought of having to try all the different inhalers again frightens me so for me it’s rather the devil I know.

Itsmeagain1 profile image
Itsmeagain1 in reply to Fircone

Exactly what I thought they donthink seem to realise how we feel I'm on 250 I don't know what to do they have been wrong up to now haven't they !!!!! I don't trust them now I feel alone

Fircone profile image
Fircone

Like you I don’t know what to do either....I suppose I will eventually have to try one or more likely all of them. How long does one try a new inhaler for before improvements are noticed?

Itsmeagain1 profile image
Itsmeagain1 in reply to Fircone

I don't know I'm on my own so do not want any reactions as I'm over an hour away from a hospital if i have a side effect after docs have closed I'm such a scaredy cat now anything worries me why can't something just do what it's supossed to do without side effects which scare me more than this rotten disease

You may also like...

New Inhalers

was diagnosed with COPD 7 years ago & had a lung wedge for cancer 6 years ago. Now have had x-ray,...

New Inhaler

him to help me to breath better or a closer appointment so he changed my inhaler to Trimbow 172/5/9...

Update on New Inhaler

‘unfortunately I think your smoking related copd has moved on’ so now I’m back on steroids for 5...

Trouble with inhalers

long tale.I have been using inhalers for COPD for well over 10 years now and up until recently I was

Inhaler

knowledgeable about COPD and I think he just prescribed again what I’d had before. I’ll still try...