Ok. Went to the doctors today. Basically, because I stopped taking ventolin because it didnt work, they've put me back on it for a while to see if it works. Then, after about a month, if the systoms arent relieved by the ventolin, other options will be discussed (the possibility of getting a preventative inhaler, and so on, I guess).
Came away feeling slightly dissappointed that I was on the same medication, given that fact that it hasnt worked for me in the past. However, I understand the argument - they need to know to what extent it works or doesnt work before any other options can be discussed. Have to take ventolin twice a day for a week and then just use it when I get an attack - seems reasonable, tho it does suggest it is being used as a preventative as well as a relief medication.
Have to say I find that if I'm feeling rough one or two doses of ventolin don't seem to do much today it has taken 5 doses of 2 sprays before I started to feel as though I could actually breathe. So maybe a build up in your system may be bettter to start with.
sorry to hear your appointment was dissappointing can happen like this sometimes.
just wonderin if they've asked u to start keeping a pf diary at all. this can help your doctor ascertain how your asthma is am and pm and during the day when you start getting symptoms if u record it b4 taking your inhaler and then a while after to see if there's any significant improvement. keeping a diary of symptoms and when they happen and possible causes can also help your doctor in getting you back on track controlwise.
does your gp's have a dedicated specialist asthmanurse? might b worthwhile trying to get an appointment with her if so as they have more time than gp's
hope your asthma starts behavin soon
scampy
Hey guys.
Thanks for the replies.
Took the inhaler last night and this morning. There has been the slightest improvement after taking it on both occassions. Havent been asked to keep a diary, but it sounds like a really good idea so I may do it anyway!
I think there could be an allergic element to it in my case. Not sure why, just a feeling really. Going back to my gp soon so I'll ask her then I think.
I dont know if ventolin offers one more protection the more it is used like a preventer does. I think my gp is just seeing what the effect of it is right now and then see what happens, I guess.
Anyway! Thanks again for the replies and the support - I really appreciate it.
p
Hi Pete,
Hope you get controlled and feel better soon. Ventolin is a short acting drug, and last about 4 hours usually, so taking it regularly would give you a fairly continuous cover which should hopefully keep the symptoms at bay, taking it infrequently I don't think would give you any protection at all outside of the time immediately after you take it. If you're finding you need to take it regularly, it may be worth either getting a preevnter, or getting a long acting beta agonist which lasts for 12 hours, which would give you longer cover than a short acting drug like ventolin. Anyway, hope you get osrted soon!
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