Thanks i too have many health condtions and asthma is among the least of my worries. i have a non-functioning pituitary and have had 3 adrenal crises (coma) since diagnosis in June and five hospital admissions when they caught me in time, if it happe

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Thanks i too have many health condtions and asthma is among the least of my worries. i have a non-functioning pituitary and have had 3 adrenal crises (coma) since diagnosis in June and five hospital admissions when they caught me in time, if it happens overnight my carers find me out of it. in the day i get confused , fail to recognise family and get diorientated and hallucinate, if mum can get some hydrocortisone into me quick we can do it without hospital but if i am too far gone for tablets i have to have a 100mg emergency injection which i carry but it is a deep inta muscular one so a paramedic needs to do it and that means hospital monitoring, so that is my life threatening condition. I also have hashimotos thyroiditis and need levothyroxine which incidentally was what started the wheezing, i have long history of severe depressive disorder with psychotic episodes so when something goes physically wrong they automatically assume it is in my head.now i have a lot of pain they give me oramorph and codeine but they think it is psychosomatic, i know when i am low on steroids by the pain and confusion, haveing something rare is no fun no one understands.I need carers 3x a day for my physical and mental health needs, i am slowly making progress but it is slow.I had to fight for the synacthen test to prove my body does not make adrenaline when i failed the test they repeated it 3 times, i felt like shouting out 'i told you i was ill' So the asthma is just an 'extra' thing and i have said anything else goes wrong i am giving up i have had enough of hospitals i now have 10 different expert nurses and doctors on my case they tell me i'm unlucky to have so much wrong, at 45 it is little consolation not being able to drive, look after my own kids, cook, shop, go out alone . I really thought my time was up in intensive care and i wish it had been i am worn out and my medication is so complex it is managed by carers. I live alone and one day someone is not going to find me in time. but it will be no great loss i am a burden to all especially the NHS even the ambulance drivers recognise me now, yes i will write questions for next week but first tomorrow i have to go 50 miles to see a specialised endocrinologist so i need my questions for him first. my mind is bewildered and confused another sign i am low on steroids, i am on them for life but we can't agree on the dose. and during the asthma episode they stopped my hydrocortisone and put me on prednisolone which gave me diabetes temporarily. thanks for listening JaneTo: asthma From: chip.fx550@...Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:37:59 +0000Subject: Re: Jane

Hi Jane,

I see you have an appointment with a respiratory nurse coming up? I suggest you make a list, beginning now, of all your worries and concerns, all of them! Respiratory nurses are usually very knowledgeable, sympathetic and understanding, she/he will be most willing to talk you through your worries and maybe it'll help ease your concerns somewhat.

We asthma antiques can sometimes forget what a `first attack' is like and how frightening it can be. Myself for instance, I get more angry than concerned, in fact due to my other little health issues, my asthma is often placed low of the list of things to bother about. But to a new sufferer it can be the most frightening time of ones life.

But take heart, all on this site will help with advice, support and guidance where possible. You are not alone.

So question your respiratory nurse till she runs out of breath before you! Check out the asthma sites on the web and learn as much as you can about your own triggers, attacks and medication. Maybe soon you'll begin to feel more confident in your approach to asthma, and this in itself will help.

Good luck and best wishes.

Cheers from Mike (Chip) Chapman

Cornwall. UK

Subject: Re: Hello I am new, worried about another visit to Intensive CareTo: asthma Date: Wednesday, 25 January, 2012, 20:49

I have an appointment next Tuesday with the respiratory nurse, i have to take my peak flow chart which shoots up and down it is no where near the straight line i believe i should achieve by now. then in 2 weeks to see the respiratory consultant to see what he makes of me,I have no idea what my triggers are but am being careful not to use aerosols in cleaning products, toiletries and perfumes just in casethey said i had a chest infection last time.thanks Jane>> Hello, I was really terrified when I had my first attack also. I think maybe you need to talk to your pulmonologist, if you have one yet, or his nurse, and even this website, and find out things you need to know,

most of us have been through that at one time or another, you are just beginning, and it is very scary, but, with time you will calm down, and learn how to deal with this new disease. OH, that sounds awful, new disease, sorry, that is the first word that came to mind. I think if you ask lots of questions on here, that maybe we can all help you to understand this asthma, and help you to feel better about it.   willothewispl@...> > > > ________________________________> > To: asthma > Sent: Monday, January 23, 2012 3:34 PM> Subject: Hello I am new, worried about another visit to Intensive Care> > >  > Hello

I am a new asthmatic just since Boxing day when i had such a bad attack I ended up on intensive care which was totally teffifying.> > I am scared of having another attack, obviously i have inhalers serotide and ventolin and have to take peak flow morning and evening.> > I still get wheezy at night when i use the ventolin as needed. I wonder if i should buy a nebuliser just in case, it came on so quick last time. I have got a finger testing device so i can see my sats usually 93-94%. > > I live alone and feel vulnerable> > advice welcomed poppy>