Emphysema,new inhalers

[pekingeselover]

Been in hospital 3 times in the past 3-4mths with breathing difficulties due to my bi-apical severe emphysema and lung bulla. Seen a consultant at the hospital today and he is taking me off of the Elipta Trelegy inhaler and replacing it with the Fostair (green dust cap) to be taken twice a.m and twice p.m, also being put on Spiriva, 2 puffs a.m, and still to take my ventolin as and when required. He said there might also be a element of asthma but wants to see me again in around 8wks for breathing tests. Anyone had any improvement with using this combination of inhalers?

[anng18]

Hi Peking,

This is interesting. I have severe/very severe emphysema. I was put on Fostair about 3 and a half weeks ago and told to take emergency inhaler, as needed etc. . Prior to this I had spiolta, which is a mixture of spiriva and olodaterol.

I found the Fostair very hard going and had to also have my Spiolta. The two together were great, but I was frightened I was going to overdose myself, as no one had told me to do this.

However, coming up to 4 weeks on the Fostair, it appears to have started working, without me taking Spiolta.

I think the combination you have been given is definitely worth a go. It would work for me, based on my experimentation, but we are all a bit different.

My mother did not get on with Elipta Trelegy and it certainly did not improve her breathing.

Let us all know how you get on. I'm particularly interested, as our ailments sound very similar.

Good luck and I hope it improves your breathing.

[Lorlynsue in reply to anng18]

I was on Elipta Trelegy +Ventolin as and when req but didn’t feel it doing anything for my shortage of breath,copd nurse put me on Trimbow 87/5/9 2 puffs in morning 2at night b4i use it I take a puff of ventolin this was 3 wks ago and I can honestly say I can breath a lot better and not out off breath as much

[Gladwyn in reply to Lorlynsue]

I was on Trimbow but it wasn't doing anything for me so nurse put me on to Trelegy ellipta. which is a lot better. I also use Ventolin accuhaler 200. Funny how we are so different 😀

[pekingeselover in reply to Gladwyn]

At present i aint doing myself any favours by still smoking, i have cut down and im hoping i

will be able to stop altogether at some point. The consultant mentioned other tests,and a possible operation if i quit, i think he was hinting at having a bullectomy, he said that could help improve my breathing for between 3-5 yrs although there is no guarantees. I have a large bullae in the top of one lung,and some smaller ones at the top of the other. Ive got some nicotine patches ready for when i decide on a day that i want to try and stop smoking altogether,and also have some lozenges.

[Gladwyn in reply to pekingeselover]

Stopping the cigs is the best thing you can do to help

Yourself ... but you know that. I was a heavy smoker 40 plus a day for years then I made an appointment with a hypnotist and from that day never smoked a cigarette again or missed it.

[Lorlynsue in reply to Gladwyn]

As long as they work for you Gladwyn,stay good

[Bluenotes in reply to Lorlynsue]

I have just been put on trimbow 87/5/92 , took first dose this morning . I presume it takes a while to have any effect , how long before you noticed a difference . ??

[Wolffers]

Hi! Most definitely, Elipta did not work for me at all, it’s much easier to cope with using Spiriva, a steroid inhaler called Zenhale and the Ventolin as needed. Am in Canada, so I think the Zenhale may be a different name brand?🤷🏻‍♀️ Good luck and take care!😁