Hello all, I thought I'd share my recent hospital experience. I had to go into hospital last week as an emergency and ended up having surgery (not related to asthma). However, managing a hospital environment is very difficult.
My top recommendation is to be forearmed with information about your needs and care. My husband is well versed in what helps and hinders with regard to my asthma and multiple allergioes. I keep an up to date health record of dates, symptoms and allergies etc on my computer so that I - or he - can print it off. It saves a lot of time and protects against forgetting something in an emergency. Know what you might need to take. Keep a list of prescribed medication and over the counter ones you take.
I picked up my personal ioniser to wear and current medication. My husband later brought in a plug in ioniser which I find creates a small 'bubble' around me and cuts down a lot of smells.
Once I was round from the anaesthetic if anyone came near me with a strong cleaners I patiently explained that I reacted to them and it could bring on an asthma attack or a migraine, which would not be helpful. The majority of staff listened and many in fact said they knew someone who reacted in a similar way. Note 2 - be prepared to educate people about your needs in a quiet way which is not agressive. I managed to avoid any exacerbation of asthma but unfortunately had a migraine (doctor prescribed effective medication).
It didn't work all the time, but it made a big difference. I'm now back home, recovering and trying to manage the high pollen levels!!
Asthma is pants and can be disabling. Hospitals are required to make reasonable adustments. They deal with hundreds of patients daily but you are the expert in your own illness and a partner with them in treating and managing it. It helps to have at least one person, partner, friend, who can advocate for you. My dear husband brought in home made soup until I came home.
Take care and stay as well as possible.
4 emergency hospital trips since February 
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Emergency Medications
