Pred Advice
sgbl88 posted:
I requested a burst of pred from my allergist yesterday, and that it be a large one.
I have been flaring every few weeks since October. I have never really been in my green zone since then (up to the borderline or just below and then every few days I might pop above it for one time). I have had three fairly serious bouts of bronchitis coughing up blood with two of them. One of those I was on antibiotics for 30 days. The third I was bad enough at the office that they gave me a breathing treatment with O2. I have had several pred bursts or mederol dose packs. The largest burst was in January and started with a solumederol shot (I don't know how many mgs) followed by 5 days of 40 mgs pred.
I did have new allergy testing which revealed several new allergens. I had a reaction to the testing requiring extra antihistamine (I had brought my antihistamine with me and took it immediately after testing then had my Xolair shot) and breathing treatments. I have also had a reaction to two of my shots since starting the new serum. The first reaction was thought to have been to the Lysol a patient's mom sprayed in the cluster waiting room. (She got a call from the office manager, but after the second reaction I feel bad for blaming her.) In my reactions I turn red or blotchy, get dizzy and nauseous, had chills during one, and get sob. My pulse O2 also drops to the lox 90's and dips into the high 80's. It has taken two nebs each time for my pulse O2 to come up to where they would let me leave. They have never had to use the Epi-pen on me.
Questions:
Do you think it is time for more pred?
How much would you recommend?
Do you have any other ideas?
I am generally pretty faithful with scheduled breathing treatments being done on time and waking up at night to neb. That is why I am up now.
I did talk to my primary at church Sunday night. He is fully aware of how I have been sick the last nine months and is willing to write a script for a 2 week burst. I am sure that would take care of this stuff, but I don't really want to take that much pred if there is something smaller that would work. I like that my allergist is more conservative in her dosing, but I really want to knock this thing out this time and stop fooling around with small bursts only to have to repeat them. I end up taking more pred in the long run.
Thank you for you suggestions.
Sonya
I have been flaring every few weeks since October. I have never really been in my green zone since then (up to the borderline or just below and then every few days I might pop above it for one time). I have had three fairly serious bouts of bronchitis coughing up blood with two of them. One of those I was on antibiotics for 30 days. The third I was bad enough at the office that they gave me a breathing treatment with O2. I have had several pred bursts or mederol dose packs. The largest burst was in January and started with a solumederol shot (I don't know how many mgs) followed by 5 days of 40 mgs pred.
I did have new allergy testing which revealed several new allergens. I had a reaction to the testing requiring extra antihistamine (I had brought my antihistamine with me and took it immediately after testing then had my Xolair shot) and breathing treatments. I have also had a reaction to two of my shots since starting the new serum. The first reaction was thought to have been to the Lysol a patient's mom sprayed in the cluster waiting room. (She got a call from the office manager, but after the second reaction I feel bad for blaming her.) In my reactions I turn red or blotchy, get dizzy and nauseous, had chills during one, and get sob. My pulse O2 also drops to the lox 90's and dips into the high 80's. It has taken two nebs each time for my pulse O2 to come up to where they would let me leave. They have never had to use the Epi-pen on me.
Questions:
Do you think it is time for more pred?
How much would you recommend?
Do you have any other ideas?
I am generally pretty faithful with scheduled breathing treatments being done on time and waking up at night to neb. That is why I am up now.
I did talk to my primary at church Sunday night. He is fully aware of how I have been sick the last nine months and is willing to write a script for a 2 week burst. I am sure that would take care of this stuff, but I don't really want to take that much pred if there is something smaller that would work. I like that my allergist is more conservative in her dosing, but I really want to knock this thing out this time and stop fooling around with small bursts only to have to repeat them. I end up taking more pred in the long run.
Thank you for you suggestions.
Sonya
Sonya
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11 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Pred AdviceI requested a burst of pred from my allergist yesterday, and that it be a large one. <br /> <br />I have been flaring every few weeks since October. I have never really been in my green zone since then (up to the borderline or just below and then every few days I <u>might</u> pop above it for one time). I have had three fairly serious bouts of bronchitis coughing up blood with two of them. One of those I was on antibiotics for 30 days. The third I was bad enough at the office that they gave me a breathing treatment with O2. I have had several pred bursts or mederol dose packs. The largest burst was in January and started with a solumederol shot (I don't know how many mgs) followed by 5 days of 40 mgs pred. <br /> <br />I did have new allergy testing which revealed several new allergens. I had a reaction to the testing requiring extra antihistamine (I had brought my antihistamine with me and took it immediately after testing then had my Xolair shot) and breathing treatments. I have also had a reaction to two of my shots since starting the new serum. The first reaction was thought to have been to the Lysol a patient's mom sprayed in the cluster waiting room. (She got a call from the office manager, but after the second reaction I feel bad for blaming her.) In my reactions I turn red or blotchy, get dizzy and nauseous, had chills during one, and get sob. My pulse O2 also drops to the lox 90's and dips into the high 80's. It has taken two nebs each time for my pulse O2 to come up to where they would let me leave. They have never had to use the Epi-pen on me. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0"><br /> <br />Questions:<br />Do you think it is time for more pred?<br />How much would you recommend?<br />Do you have any other ideas?<br /> <br />I am generally pretty faithful with scheduled breathing treatments being done on time and waking up at night to neb. That is why I am up now.<br /> <br />I did talk to my primary at church Sunday night. He is fully aware of how I have been sick the last nine months and is willing to write a script for a 2 week burst. I am sure that would take care of this stuff, but I don't really want to take that much pred if there is something smaller that would work. I like that my allergist is more conservative in her dosing, but I really want to knock this thing out this time and stop fooling around with small bursts only to have to repeat them. I end up taking more pred in the long run. <br /> <br />Thank you for you suggestions.<br /> <br />Sonya
love_eyeore responded:
Sonya-
I can't help but wonder what is keeping you flared. You have probably heard me say before that if you don't figure out what is triggering your asthma, it doesn't matter how much you treat symptoms-it won't resolve.
The thought I have this morning is what about seeing a pulmonologist in addition to your allergist, and perhaps it's time for a bronchoscopy.
I don't know that the pred would solve this, if something else is triggering it.
-Jess
I can't help but wonder what is keeping you flared. You have probably heard me say before that if you don't figure out what is triggering your asthma, it doesn't matter how much you treat symptoms-it won't resolve.
The thought I have this morning is what about seeing a pulmonologist in addition to your allergist, and perhaps it's time for a bronchoscopy.
I don't know that the pred would solve this, if something else is triggering it.
-Jess
Report This| Share this:Pred AdviceSonya-<br />I can't help but wonder what is keeping you flared. You have probably heard me say before that if you don't figure out what is triggering your asthma, it doesn't matter how much you treat symptoms-it won't resolve.<br /><br />The thought I have this morning is what about seeing a pulmonologist in addition to your allergist, and perhaps it's time for a bronchoscopy. <br /><br />I don't know that the pred would solve this, if something else is triggering it. <br /><br />-Jess
Veritas_Woman responded:
Ugh! that sounds absolutely miserable. I'm sorry to hear you've been having so much trouble! I'm still of course very new to all of this so unfortunately I don't have much advice but I wanted to drop in and let you know that I'll add you to my prayer list and send an electronic {HUG} Hang in there! I hope you get answers soon!
Report This| Share this:Pred AdviceUgh! that sounds absolutely miserable. I'm sorry to hear you've been having so much trouble! I'm still of course very new to all of this so unfortunately I don't have much advice but I wanted to drop in and let you know that I'll add you to my prayer list and send an electronic {HUG} Hang in there! I hope you get answers soon!
sgbl88 replied to love_eyeore's response:
Thank you Jess.
I think it started with acid reflux (when I got the laryngitis) which I do believe is under control at the moment at least. Then cedar is my winter allergen and my reaction to that was actually bigger the second time I was tested than the first time, then the new allergies I had developed (all grasses) were very high this spring, and of course the lovely weather around here (storms, heat, humidity...).
I think that once it got started it was pretty severe and I never really got it under control (up and down on Advair levels for one and too short of pred bursts second) so I just declined again once the higher doses of meds stopped.
Oh, I did change antihistamines to generic allegra if you remember talking to me about that (that might have been during your H1N1 bout). I don't think the generic allegra worked for me. I am back on my high dose of Zyrtec and that seems to be helping. Also, there was the air freshener thing at church. I have worked that out with the janitor's wife, and she understands and doesn't use them as much anymore (at least in the back of the church, I still won't go in the front of the building).
I have been thinking about seeing a pulmonologist. I just am not sure how to ask my allergist for the referral.
Any ideas? My allergist is sort of proud of her reputation. She has worked hard to earn the reputation as being the best in our area - a fellow in both AAAAI and ACAA , an associate professor at the med school, and lectures across North America. I feel like I would insult her asking for a referral to a pulmo. I could ask my GP, but sometimes he doesn't "pick" the best drs to refer to. He did when he picked her and my pain management dr and maybe my first ENT (not on our insurance anymore), but other than that it is pretty much the luck of the draw.
Thank you for your thoughts. They mean a lot to me. I have been missing you around here.
Have a blessed day (even where you are and get out of there
).
Sonya
I think it started with acid reflux (when I got the laryngitis) which I do believe is under control at the moment at least. Then cedar is my winter allergen and my reaction to that was actually bigger the second time I was tested than the first time, then the new allergies I had developed (all grasses) were very high this spring, and of course the lovely weather around here (storms, heat, humidity...).
I think that once it got started it was pretty severe and I never really got it under control (up and down on Advair levels for one and too short of pred bursts second) so I just declined again once the higher doses of meds stopped.
Oh, I did change antihistamines to generic allegra if you remember talking to me about that (that might have been during your H1N1 bout). I don't think the generic allegra worked for me. I am back on my high dose of Zyrtec and that seems to be helping. Also, there was the air freshener thing at church. I have worked that out with the janitor's wife, and she understands and doesn't use them as much anymore (at least in the back of the church, I still won't go in the front of the building).
I have been thinking about seeing a pulmonologist. I just am not sure how to ask my allergist for the referral.
Any ideas? My allergist is sort of proud of her reputation. She has worked hard to earn the reputation as being the best in our area - a fellow in both AAAAI and ACAA , an associate professor at the med school, and lectures across North America. I feel like I would insult her asking for a referral to a pulmo. I could ask my GP, but sometimes he doesn't "pick" the best drs to refer to. He did when he picked her and my pain management dr and maybe my first ENT (not on our insurance anymore), but other than that it is pretty much the luck of the draw.Thank you for your thoughts. They mean a lot to me. I have been missing you around here.
Have a blessed day (even where you are and get out of there
).Sonya
Sonya
http://exchanges.webmd.com/fragrance-and-odor-issues
http://exchanges.webmd.com/pediatric-asthma-parent-support
http://exchanges.webmd.com/politics-and-health-debate-exchange
Report This| Share this:Pred AdviceThank you Jess.<br /> <br />I think it started with acid reflux (when I got the laryngitis) which I do believe is under control at the moment at least. Then cedar is my winter allergen and my reaction to that was actually bigger the second time I was tested than the first time, then the new allergies I had developed (all grasses) were very high this spring, and of course the lovely weather around here (storms, heat, humidity...). <br /> <br />I think that once it got started it was pretty severe and I never really got it under control (up and down on Advair levels for one and too short of pred bursts second) so I just declined again once the higher doses of meds stopped. <br /> <br />Oh, I did change antihistamines to generic allegra if you remember talking to me about that (that might have been during your H1N1 bout). I don't think the generic allegra worked for me. I am back on my high dose of Zyrtec and that seems to be helping. Also, there was the air freshener thing at church. I have worked that out with the janitor's wife, and she understands and doesn't use them as much anymore (at least in the back of the church, I still won't go in the front of the building).<br /> <br />I have been thinking about seeing a pulmonologist. I just am not sure how to ask my allergist for the referral. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/chagrin.gif" align="top" border="0"> Any ideas? My allergist is sort of proud of her reputation. She has worked hard to earn the reputation as being the best in our area - a fellow in both AAAAI and ACAA , an associate professor at the med school, and lectures across North America. I feel like I would insult her asking for a referral to a pulmo. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/chagrin.gif" align="top" border="0"> I could ask my GP, but sometimes he doesn't "pick" the best drs to refer to. He did when he picked her and my pain management dr and maybe my first ENT (not on our insurance anymore), but other than that it is pretty much the luck of the draw.<br /> <br />Thank you for your thoughts. They mean a lot to me. I have been missing you around here.<br /> <br />Have a blessed day (even where you are and get out of there <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/wink.gif" align="top" border="0"> ).<br /> <br />Sonya
sgbl88 replied to Veritas_Woman's response:
Thanks for the prayers. Going to the Great Physician is the most helpful in any health situation.
Sonya
Sonya
Sonya
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Report This| Share this:Pred AdviceThanks for the prayers. Going to the Great Physician is the most helpful in any health situation.<br /> <br />Sonya
Some other thoughts:
At one point my action plan changed from increasings Advair level to adding Alvesco. My allergist did change that back at my re-test apointment when I was wheezey there. I don't the Alvesco worked for me at all.
Also, I have changed for Astelin to the Astepro (which I hate). I do get a lot of drainage with the Astepro that I didn't have with the Astelin. Is it possible that I am allergic to the new base formulation, or is all all those artificial sweeteners bad for a person's nose? That stuff is SWEET!!!
I think that is all for now.
Thanks everyone.
Sonya
At one point my action plan changed from increasings Advair level to adding Alvesco. My allergist did change that back at my re-test apointment when I was wheezey there. I don't the Alvesco worked for me at all.
Also, I have changed for Astelin to the Astepro (which I hate). I do get a lot of drainage with the Astepro that I didn't have with the Astelin. Is it possible that I am allergic to the new base formulation, or is all all those artificial sweeteners bad for a person's nose? That stuff is SWEET!!!
I think that is all for now.
Thanks everyone.
Sonya
Sonya
http://exchanges.webmd.com/fragrance-and-odor-issues
http://exchanges.webmd.com/pediatric-asthma-parent-support
http://exchanges.webmd.com/politics-and-health-debate-exchange
Report This| Share this:Pred AdviceSome other thoughts:<br /> <br />At one point my action plan changed from increasings Advair level to adding Alvesco. My allergist did change that back at my re-test apointment when I was wheezey there. I don't the Alvesco worked for me at all.<br /> <br />Also, I have changed for Astelin to the Astepro (which I hate). I do get a lot of drainage with the Astepro that I didn't have with the Astelin. Is it possible that I am allergic to the new base formulation, or is all all those artificial sweeteners bad for a person's nose? That stuff is SWEET!!!<br /> <br />I think that is all for now. <br /> <br />Thanks everyone.<br /> <br />Sonya
love_eyeore replied to sgbl88's response:
Sonya-
I hear your concern about stepping on your allergists toes. I have been there myself as a patient. What I want to tell you though is that the most important thing to both you and your doc should be YOUR HEALTH. You are well aware of the damage that steroids and chronic inflammation causes to lung tissue and to the body in general. Thus, by not doing everything you possibly can you are just hurting yourself. In 2006 I self referred to National Jewish in that I called them myself and asked to be seen. I had to get a referral from my pulmo, who didn't think the trip would help, and I def. stepped on their toes by doing this. HOWEVER, that trip saved my life. LITERALLY. Ironically the covering physicans when my current pulmo is no in the hospital rounding are those docs who I didn't want to make the referral. The 1st thing they said when they saw me post National Jewish is how happy they were that i had gone, and what a huge success it was. No hard feelings at all. You have to do what you have to do for you. lol-what a sentence.
I can also offer you the perspective I have as a nurse practitioner. I am MORE than happy to offer my patients any referral they request, as I see that I can learn from the specialists to not only help this kiddo, but also kids in the future. My specialty is NOT pulmonary, so it's never an insult to refer out to a different speciality. Just like your Allergist is not a Pulmonologist, so it's not like you are asking for a referral to another allergist-Tell her you think she is the BEST ALLERGIST there is, but you want to see Pulm for a totally different perspective. The other thought I have is that if she is closed off to learning from other providers than I would be very wary of seeing her. As a health care provider you have to learn everything you can from every source that you can. She needs to keep her knowledge current-and the way to do that is seeking outside support. If she is to proud to do this, than no matter how much you like her, she scares me as a provider.
The bottom line is that it is your health, your life, and your quality of life that we are talking about. That is more important than stepping on anyones toes! FAR MORE!!
Take care and keep me posted.
-Jess
I hear your concern about stepping on your allergists toes. I have been there myself as a patient. What I want to tell you though is that the most important thing to both you and your doc should be YOUR HEALTH. You are well aware of the damage that steroids and chronic inflammation causes to lung tissue and to the body in general. Thus, by not doing everything you possibly can you are just hurting yourself. In 2006 I self referred to National Jewish in that I called them myself and asked to be seen. I had to get a referral from my pulmo, who didn't think the trip would help, and I def. stepped on their toes by doing this. HOWEVER, that trip saved my life. LITERALLY. Ironically the covering physicans when my current pulmo is no in the hospital rounding are those docs who I didn't want to make the referral. The 1st thing they said when they saw me post National Jewish is how happy they were that i had gone, and what a huge success it was. No hard feelings at all. You have to do what you have to do for you. lol-what a sentence.
I can also offer you the perspective I have as a nurse practitioner. I am MORE than happy to offer my patients any referral they request, as I see that I can learn from the specialists to not only help this kiddo, but also kids in the future. My specialty is NOT pulmonary, so it's never an insult to refer out to a different speciality. Just like your Allergist is not a Pulmonologist, so it's not like you are asking for a referral to another allergist-Tell her you think she is the BEST ALLERGIST there is, but you want to see Pulm for a totally different perspective. The other thought I have is that if she is closed off to learning from other providers than I would be very wary of seeing her. As a health care provider you have to learn everything you can from every source that you can. She needs to keep her knowledge current-and the way to do that is seeking outside support. If she is to proud to do this, than no matter how much you like her, she scares me as a provider.
The bottom line is that it is your health, your life, and your quality of life that we are talking about. That is more important than stepping on anyones toes! FAR MORE!!
Take care and keep me posted.
-Jess
Report This| Share this:Pred AdviceSonya-<br />I hear your concern about stepping on your allergists toes. I have been there myself as a patient. What I want to tell you though is that the most important thing to both you and your doc should be YOUR HEALTH. You are well aware of the damage that steroids and chronic inflammation causes to lung tissue and to the body in general. Thus, by not doing everything you possibly can you are just hurting yourself. In 2006 I self referred to National Jewish in that I called them myself and asked to be seen. I had to get a referral from my pulmo, who didn't think the trip would help, and I def. stepped on their toes by doing this. HOWEVER, that trip saved my life. LITERALLY. Ironically the covering physicans when my current pulmo is no in the hospital rounding are those docs who I didn't want to make the referral. The 1st thing they said when they saw me post National Jewish is how happy they were that i had gone, and what a huge success it was. No hard feelings at all. You have to do what you have to do for you. lol-what a sentence. <br /><br />I can also offer you the perspective I have as a nurse practitioner. I am MORE than happy to offer my patients any referral they request, as I see that I can learn from the specialists to not only help this kiddo, but also kids in the future. My specialty is NOT pulmonary, so it's never an insult to refer out to a different speciality. Just like your Allergist is not a Pulmonologist, so it's not like you are asking for a referral to another allergist-Tell her you think she is the BEST ALLERGIST there is, but you want to see Pulm for a totally different perspective. The other thought I have is that if she is closed off to learning from other providers than I would be very wary of seeing her. As a health care provider you have to learn everything you can from every source that you can. She needs to keep her knowledge current-and the way to do that is seeking outside support. If she is to proud to do this, than no matter how much you like her, she scares me as a provider. <br /><br />The bottom line is that it is your health, your life, and your quality of life that we are talking about. That is more important than stepping on anyones toes! FAR MORE!!<br /><br />Take care and keep me posted. <br /><br />-Jess
abbymay16 responded:
Sonya,
While I agree with everything the others have said, I can share my experience. If I don't get a pred burst of at least 12 days my asthma responds as you describe--its gets better but not great and then worsens. I have not found the 4-5 day burst of 40mg does a thing for my lungs.
A typical burst for me is 12 days...3 days at each dose (40, 30. 20,10)....that seems to really settle down the inflammation and keep it that way.
I can't remember which meds you are on--so I was wondering about nebulized pulmicort. I add it to my flovent at the first sign of a flare and I have reduced my need for pred to next to none. Usually once I am on the pred (in those times when the action plan doesn't work) a day or two I drop off the pulmicort, but in severe flares like the one I had this spring triggered by burning the doc told me to continue the pulmicort until I came off the pred and then gradually taper off...worked like a charm as there was still smoke in the air which likely would have triggered the need for MORE pred.
As for requesting a referral to a pulmo--if your doc is really a good one and has your best interest at heart, I bet they would not feel like you were stepping on their toes. My internist is a big fan of 2nd opinions...he feels another set of eyes might see things differently and find a solution.
In the end I agree with Jess--in the end its your health and your life and you have to make decisions on when to call in another doc when you feel its time.
You have had such a tough go of things recently it might just be time to see a pulmo to see if they have any suggestions.
Hang in there,
Mattie
While I agree with everything the others have said, I can share my experience. If I don't get a pred burst of at least 12 days my asthma responds as you describe--its gets better but not great and then worsens. I have not found the 4-5 day burst of 40mg does a thing for my lungs.
A typical burst for me is 12 days...3 days at each dose (40, 30. 20,10)....that seems to really settle down the inflammation and keep it that way.
I can't remember which meds you are on--so I was wondering about nebulized pulmicort. I add it to my flovent at the first sign of a flare and I have reduced my need for pred to next to none. Usually once I am on the pred (in those times when the action plan doesn't work) a day or two I drop off the pulmicort, but in severe flares like the one I had this spring triggered by burning the doc told me to continue the pulmicort until I came off the pred and then gradually taper off...worked like a charm as there was still smoke in the air which likely would have triggered the need for MORE pred.
As for requesting a referral to a pulmo--if your doc is really a good one and has your best interest at heart, I bet they would not feel like you were stepping on their toes. My internist is a big fan of 2nd opinions...he feels another set of eyes might see things differently and find a solution.
In the end I agree with Jess--in the end its your health and your life and you have to make decisions on when to call in another doc when you feel its time.
You have had such a tough go of things recently it might just be time to see a pulmo to see if they have any suggestions.
Hang in there,
Mattie
Vive Bene, Spesso L'Amore, Di Risata Molto
(live well, love much, laugh often)
Report This| Share this:Pred AdviceSonya,<br /> <br />While I agree with everything the others have said, I can share my experience. If I don't get a pred burst of at least 12 days my asthma responds as you describe--its gets better but not great and then worsens. I have not found the 4-5 day burst of 40mg does a thing for my lungs.<br /> <br />A typical burst for me is 12 days...3 days at each dose (40, 30. 20,10)....that seems to really settle down the inflammation and keep it that way.<br /> <br />I can't remember which meds you are on--so I was wondering about nebulized pulmicort. I add it to my flovent at the first sign of a flare and I have reduced my need for pred to next to none. Usually once I am on the pred (in those times when the action plan doesn't work) a day or two I drop off the pulmicort, but in severe flares like the one I had this spring triggered by burning the doc told me to continue the pulmicort until I came off the pred and then gradually taper off...worked like a charm as there was still smoke in the air which likely would have triggered the need for MORE pred.<br /> <br />As for requesting a referral to a pulmo--if your doc is really a good one and has your best interest at heart, I bet they would not feel like you were stepping on their toes. My internist is a big fan of 2nd opinions...he feels another set of eyes might see things differently and find a solution.<br /> <br />In the end I agree with Jess--in the end its your health and your life and you have to make decisions on when to call in another doc when you feel its time.<br /> <br />You have had such a tough go of things recently it might just be time to see a pulmo to see if they have any suggestions.<br /> <br />Hang in there,<br /> <br />Mattie
Thanks to all of you for your input and support. You are wonderful.
Mattie, I won't go into the specifics of my list, but I am on the highest Advair HFA level, Singulair, allergy and reflux meds as well as albuterol.
My dr's office rescheduled my follow-up for next Wednesday to this Thursday, so I will have a decision by then. I like that she is going to check me out and not just write a script too. I do plan on talking about timing in getting me figured out and if "another great mind" would help that happen faster. I really don't want another doctor. I didn't want my allergist when I was referred to her. I don't want most of the doctors I have already, but it appears I don't have a choice. I need to write that on my list though.
Thanks again everyone. I will keep you posted.
Mattie, I won't go into the specifics of my list, but I am on the highest Advair HFA level, Singulair, allergy and reflux meds as well as albuterol.
My dr's office rescheduled my follow-up for next Wednesday to this Thursday, so I will have a decision by then. I like that she is going to check me out and not just write a script too. I do plan on talking about timing in getting me figured out and if "another great mind" would help that happen faster. I really don't want another doctor. I didn't want my allergist when I was referred to her. I don't want most of the doctors I have already, but it appears I don't have a choice. I need to write that on my list though.
Thanks again everyone. I will keep you posted.
Sonya
http://exchanges.webmd.com/fragrance-and-odor-issues
http://exchanges.webmd.com/pediatric-asthma-parent-support
http://exchanges.webmd.com/politics-and-health-debate-exchange
Report This| Share this:Pred AdviceThanks to all of you for your input and support. You are wonderful.<br /> <br />Mattie, I won't go into the specifics of my list, but I am on the highest Advair HFA level, Singulair, allergy and reflux meds as well as albuterol.<br /> <br />My dr's office rescheduled my follow-up for next Wednesday to this Thursday, so I will have a decision by then. I like that she is going to check me out and not just write a script too. I do plan on talking about timing in getting me figured out and if "<b>another</b> great mind" would help that happen faster. I really don't want another doctor. I didn't want my allergist when I was referred to her. I don't want most of the doctors I have already, but it appears I don't have a choice. I need to write that on my list though.<br /> <br />Thanks again everyone. I will keep you posted.
Dr's apointment report:
First, she found the request to see a pulmo very reasonable saying another pair of eyes is always good. However, she did go on to say that she doesn't have much use for most pulmos because unless you are in the hospital or dragging oxygen around with you they think you are fine. She named three that she likes to work with saying that they are critical thinkers.
Second: blood work and lots of it again.
Oh well, I needed to have my vitamin D checked and had been putting it off. lol
Third: She now thinks acid reflux is the main issue and ordered me to get a wedge (done) and schedule a scope with a GI. YUCK!!! I will do that tomorrow as it is almost 5 here now and I ddin't want to deal with that right when I got home.
Fourth: PFT of 91% (my lowest ever) when I normally run much higher. I have done 118% with pneumonia. Wheezey and prolonged breathing. I am glad that I didn't just have my GP write the script for pred, but had the apointment with the allergist. We had a great visit of about an hour, and covered many bases. Moving forward.
Meds: 40 mg pred for 10 days (hopefull that will work), and I did get Maxair so that I don't have to use a spacer all the time and be so conspicuous.
And you don't have to rinse after using it.
We also talked about my daughter's asthma. She is hilarious. She wants to ignore her asthma most of the time, but when she was getting ready for camp, "MOM!!! I need asthma meds." My thoughts were, "Why? You never take them." However, her showing any interest in taking care of herself with that will be supported. I asked our allergist to put the fear of God in her at her next apointment.
We also discussed the Lysol incident. I told her that I was glad it was me (my attacks tend to build slowly) as opposed to someone who would be instantly critical. She said that her thoughts when told about it were, "Of all the people it had to be her." She did say that the nurses were livid and that the women who sprayed the Lysol was chewed out. I still feel a little bad about that.
I think that is about it. Thanks for your advice and support.
Sonya
First, she found the request to see a pulmo very reasonable saying another pair of eyes is always good. However, she did go on to say that she doesn't have much use for most pulmos because unless you are in the hospital or dragging oxygen around with you they think you are fine. She named three that she likes to work with saying that they are critical thinkers.
Second: blood work and lots of it again.
Oh well, I needed to have my vitamin D checked and had been putting it off. lolThird: She now thinks acid reflux is the main issue and ordered me to get a wedge (done) and schedule a scope with a GI. YUCK!!! I will do that tomorrow as it is almost 5 here now and I ddin't want to deal with that right when I got home.
Fourth: PFT of 91% (my lowest ever) when I normally run much higher. I have done 118% with pneumonia. Wheezey and prolonged breathing. I am glad that I didn't just have my GP write the script for pred, but had the apointment with the allergist. We had a great visit of about an hour, and covered many bases. Moving forward.
Meds: 40 mg pred for 10 days (hopefull that will work), and I did get Maxair so that I don't have to use a spacer all the time and be so conspicuous.
And you don't have to rinse after using it. We also talked about my daughter's asthma. She is hilarious. She wants to ignore her asthma most of the time, but when she was getting ready for camp, "MOM!!! I need asthma meds." My thoughts were, "Why? You never take them." However, her showing any interest in taking care of herself with that will be supported. I asked our allergist to put the fear of God in her at her next apointment.
We also discussed the Lysol incident. I told her that I was glad it was me (my attacks tend to build slowly) as opposed to someone who would be instantly critical. She said that her thoughts when told about it were, "Of all the people it had to be her." She did say that the nurses were livid and that the women who sprayed the Lysol was chewed out. I still feel a little bad about that.
I think that is about it. Thanks for your advice and support.
Sonya
Sonya
http://exchanges.webmd.com/fragrance-and-odor-issues
http://exchanges.webmd.com/pediatric-asthma-parent-support
http://exchanges.webmd.com/politics-and-health-debate-exchange
Report This| Share this:Pred AdviceDr's apointment report:<br /> <br />First, she found the request to see a pulmo very reasonable saying another pair of eyes is always good. However, she did go on to say that she doesn't have much use for most pulmos because unless you are in the hospital or dragging oxygen around with you they think you are fine. She named three that she likes to work with saying that they are critical thinkers. <br /> <br />Second: blood work and lots of it again. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/frown.gif" align="top" border="0"> Oh well, I needed to have my vitamin D checked and had been putting it off. lol<br /> <br />Third: She now thinks acid reflux is the main issue and ordered me to get a wedge (done) and schedule a scope with a GI. YUCK!!! I will do that tomorrow as it is almost 5 here now and I ddin't want to deal with that right when I got home. <br /> <br />Fourth: PFT of 91% (my lowest ever) when I normally run much higher. I have done 118% with pneumonia. Wheezey and prolonged breathing. I am glad that I didn't just have my GP write the script for pred, but had the apointment with the allergist. We had a great visit of about an hour, and covered many bases. Moving forward.<br /> <br />Meds: 40 mg pred for 10 days (hopefull that will work), and I did get Maxair so that I don't have to use a spacer all the time and be so conspicuous. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/grin.gif" align="top" border="0"> And you don't have to rinse after using it. <br /> <br />We also talked about my daughter's asthma. She is hilarious. She wants to ignore her asthma most of the time, but when she was getting ready for camp, "MOM!!! I need asthma meds." My thoughts were, "Why? You never take them." However, her showing any interest in taking care of herself with that will be supported. I asked our allergist to put the fear of God in her at her next apointment. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/wink.gif" align="top" border="0"><br /> <br />We also discussed the Lysol incident. I told her that I was glad it was me (my attacks tend to build slowly) as opposed to someone who would be instantly critical. She said that her thoughts when told about it were, "Of all the people it had to be her." She did say that the nurses were livid and that the women who sprayed the Lysol was chewed out. I still feel a little bad about that.<br /> <br />I think that is about it. Thanks for your advice and support.<br /> <br />Sonya
New subject, ***Symptoms?*** (but I can't start a new thread right now.)
I have been using a symptom tracker on a different web site. They list sweating and headache as symptoms of asthma. Has anyone else heard of this or have an explanation for these as being symptoms? I am still flaring even though I took my last pred on Sunday. I had a Mederol dose pack that my ENT prescribed and since I knew I was still bad I started that on Monday, and my allergist told me to go back to yellow zoning again.
It is hot here. My asthma is bad, and any length of time out side has me sweating (even for quite a while after I come in and just sitting) and gives me a head ache. I have always gotten a head ache and generally feeling sick from being in the heat. I am wondering if this is asthma related.
I think that is about all. If this doesn't make sense, I blame the head ache.
Thank you.
Sonya
I have been using a symptom tracker on a different web site. They list sweating and headache as symptoms of asthma. Has anyone else heard of this or have an explanation for these as being symptoms? I am still flaring even though I took my last pred on Sunday. I had a Mederol dose pack that my ENT prescribed and since I knew I was still bad I started that on Monday, and my allergist told me to go back to yellow zoning again.
It is hot here. My asthma is bad, and any length of time out side has me sweating (even for quite a while after I come in and just sitting) and gives me a head ache. I have always gotten a head ache and generally feeling sick from being in the heat. I am wondering if this is asthma related.
I think that is about all. If this doesn't make sense, I blame the head ache.
Thank you.
Sonya
Sonya
http://exchanges.webmd.com/fragrance-and-odor-issues
http://exchanges.webmd.com/pediatric-asthma-parent-support
http://exchanges.webmd.com/politics-and-health-debate-exchange
Report This| Share this:Pred AdviceNew subject, ***Symptoms?*** (but I can't start a new thread right now.)<br /> <br />I have been using a symptom tracker on a different web site. They list sweating and headache as symptoms of asthma. Has anyone else heard of this or have an explanation for these as being symptoms? I am still flaring even though I took my last pred on Sunday. I had a Mederol dose pack that my ENT prescribed and since I knew I was still bad I started that on Monday, and my allergist told me to go back to yellow zoning again. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/frown.gif" align="top" border="0"><br /> <br />It is hot here. My asthma is bad, and any length of time out side has me sweating (even for quite a while after I come in and just sitting) and gives me a head ache. I have always gotten a head ache and generally feeling sick from being in the heat. I am wondering if this is asthma related. <br /> <br />I think that is about all. If this doesn't make sense, I blame the head ache.<br /> <br />Thank you.<br /> <br />Sonya
Kalmiopsis replied to sgbl88's response:
Symptoms are not causes. Some people get sweating and headaches as symptoms of asthma attacks -- likely from anxiety and lack of oxygen. But sweating and headache from heat are likely caused by the heat, not by the asthma. I had headaches from heat as a child, years before I developed asthma. Are you sure you are drinking enough liquids when it's hot?
Report This| Share this:Pred AdviceSymptoms are not causes. Some people get sweating and headaches as symptoms of asthma attacks -- likely from anxiety and lack of oxygen. But sweating and headache from heat are likely caused by the heat, not by the asthma. I had headaches from heat as a child, years before I developed asthma. Are you sure you are drinking enough liquids when it's hot?
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