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hello (asthma)

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Shibley Posted: 07-08-2009 1:45 PM

Please post here, if you are carer of a patient with, or a patient with, asthma.

As themes develop over time, they will probably be separated into separate threads.

 


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Dawn replied on 07-12-2009 5:34 PM

Hi! This is my first time on this site I have had the three weeks from hell and am feeling really low.  I am a 42 year old widow and I have brittle asthma which is normally bad but over the last few weeks has been uncontrollable.

About five weeks ago I had a Groshong long term catheter inserted because my veins no longer work to gain access. It was ok for the first three weeks and then I had to go into A&E at my local hospital which was a disaster. They didn't know how to use it properly, were touching it with non sterile equipment and then it got blocked. I have loads of questions about the line but no one to ask so I am becoming increasingly worried about it which is probably not helping.

I am on 24 hour oxygen, nebs at regular intervals, high dose steroids (steroid resistant), terbutaline drip through a syringe driver are amongst some of my drugs but nothing seems to stabilise the asthma. Does anyone else have problems keeping their asthma stable.

I am trying to work full time but finding it really difficult at the moment but I love my job and it means I get out of the house and meet people as I live on my own this is really important to me.

Can anyone offer some advice? 

 

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Shibley replied on 07-12-2009 5:53 PM

Hi Dawn,

Welcome onto our forum!  I hope you find it a rewarding experience.

As such, the bad news is that we cannot offer you specific medical advice for obvious reasons.

The good news is that we can offer you much other support, ranging from friendly support, to lifestyle adjustments, and a safe journey through the benefits system.

I am sure that you will make no shortage of friends here, because of their individual experiences (not necessary stuff you can get easily from a textbook.)

 

Kindest regards.


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SusieQ replied on 07-13-2009 10:31 PM

Hi Dawn,

Welcome and glad that you have found us.

I do have some asthma underlying my COPD, but it is easily controllable unlike yours, which sounds horrendous, you poor thing.  Can you talk to your GP or your Consultant about the line?

Good for you for continuing to work - guess your employers and colleagues are understanding and supportive about your condition - wonder whether you just need to rest up for a while, rather than push yourself.  Easier said that done - I am slowly learning to pace myself and listen to my body.

So sorry that cannot help in any way, but do hope that you will soon start to improve a little and feel less down.

Sue

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michelle replied on 07-16-2009 3:34 PM

Hi Dawn

I have bronchiectasis as well as asthma. My asthma has been very bad this year. I have alt of allergies that trigger

my asthma. This year in particular has been bad for birch tree pollen, Have you ever been tested for allergies? Also i take magnesium supplement to help airways. Apparently people with breathing problems have a shortage of magnesium. it well worth a try, you cannot over dose on it. The worst that can happen if you were not short of it and took magnesium you would get diorrhea

michelle

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Shibley replied on 07-16-2009 6:20 PM

As you will have noticed, Michelle, there's also a BLF Forum for bronchiectasis. Spread the news thanks!


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Erasmus090806 replied on 08-15-2010 8:12 PM

Hi Dawn

Sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time with your asthma.

I too have difficulty controling my asthma.

Have you ever thought of a portacath?  They have a smaller infection risk as they are not constantly accessed. I get around untrained staff using it by taking charge of it's care myself or my husband does.

Working with any lung condition has it's own very unique work based problems. A very understanding and well informed employer can be a godsend. I myself became self employed when my condition became non compatible with standard working conventions.

It is important to pace yourself very carefully, stay positive and become a genius in finding the compromise in just about every situation!

I hope you find things easier to manage/ come to terms with in the future.

Erasmus

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