Trouble with weather
Laura0711 posted:
I'm having a lot of trouble right now. I think part of it is the very weird weather we are having here in South Dakota. We are having 20 degree swings from day to day for example on Wed. it was 70 degrees and on Thanksgiving it was in the 20s with very strong winds and snow. Today I've been doing nebs every 3-4 hours and only being able to sleep laying down for 2-3 hours at a time. I'm having trouble not only with my asthma but also with my migraines which I've been getting severe headaches every time a pressure system moves through the area which this year is like every other day.
I don't know if should go in to my doctor my peak flows are in my low yellow and red zones.right now it seems like the nebs are working. I know my PCP is very relucant to put me on Pred. because I have Avascular Necrois in my hips from being on so much Pred in the past. Neither my PCP or my Pulmo will give me an action plan even though I have my PCP every time I have problems with my asthma and I ask my Pulmo every time I see him which is every 6 months. I don't know why they won't give me an action plan because all I do now is guess as to what to do, when to go see my doc, when to go in to the ER etc.
I know I'm complaing a little but I need to get this off my chest and it always helps to talk to others who understand what I'm going through.
Thanks,
Laura
I don't know if should go in to my doctor my peak flows are in my low yellow and red zones.right now it seems like the nebs are working. I know my PCP is very relucant to put me on Pred. because I have Avascular Necrois in my hips from being on so much Pred in the past. Neither my PCP or my Pulmo will give me an action plan even though I have my PCP every time I have problems with my asthma and I ask my Pulmo every time I see him which is every 6 months. I don't know why they won't give me an action plan because all I do now is guess as to what to do, when to go see my doc, when to go in to the ER etc.
I know I'm complaing a little but I need to get this off my chest and it always helps to talk to others who understand what I'm going through.
Thanks,
Laura
12 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Trouble with weatherI'm having a lot of trouble right now. I think part of it is the very weird weather we are having here in South Dakota. We are having 20 degree swings from day to day for example on Wed. it was 70 degrees and on Thanksgiving it was in the 20s with very strong winds and snow. Today I've been doing nebs every 3-4 hours and only being able to sleep laying down for 2-3 hours at a time. I'm having trouble not only with my asthma but also with my migraines which I've been getting severe headaches every time a pressure system moves through the area which this year is like every other day.<br /> <br />I don't know if should go in to my doctor my peak flows are in my low yellow and red zones.right now it seems like the nebs are working. I know my PCP is very relucant to put me on Pred. because I have Avascular Necrois in my hips from being on so much Pred in the past. Neither my PCP or my Pulmo will give me an action plan even though I have my PCP every time I have problems with my asthma and I ask my Pulmo every time I see him which is every 6 months. I don't know why they won't give me an action plan because all I do now is guess as to what to do, when to go see my doc, when to go in to the ER etc.<br /> <br />I know I'm complaing a little but I need to get this off my chest and it always helps to talk to others who understand what I'm going through.<br /> <br />Thanks,<br />Laura
amcate responded:
I'm unsure of why they won't give you an action plan either, unless there is not a good option and they don't want to tell you to do something that will hurt you and then be held responsible. I'm just guessing. Normally the allergists folks will give an action plan.
Thankfully, all I've experienced from pred is weight gain and constant lectures from physicians about it. In my case, a low yellow means to start prednisone...anything below 65% peak flow or when the rescue meds aren't lasting the full 4 hours. The allergist told me to piggy back DuoNeb, Xopenex, DuoNeb if the nebulizer isn't working well, and if I have to do it more than twice in a 24 hour period, then go to the hospital.
But that's my plan....I don't know you at all or other medical conditions you have. Have you been to an allergist?
Thankfully, all I've experienced from pred is weight gain and constant lectures from physicians about it. In my case, a low yellow means to start prednisone...anything below 65% peak flow or when the rescue meds aren't lasting the full 4 hours. The allergist told me to piggy back DuoNeb, Xopenex, DuoNeb if the nebulizer isn't working well, and if I have to do it more than twice in a 24 hour period, then go to the hospital.
But that's my plan....I don't know you at all or other medical conditions you have. Have you been to an allergist?
Report This| Share this:Trouble with weatherI'm unsure of why they won't give you an action plan either, unless there is not a good option and they don't want to tell you to do something that will hurt you and then be held responsible. I'm just guessing. Normally the allergists folks will give an action plan.<br /> <br />Thankfully, all I've experienced from pred is weight gain and constant lectures from physicians about it. In my case, a low yellow means to start prednisone...anything below 65% peak flow or when the rescue meds aren't lasting the full 4 hours. The allergist told me to piggy back DuoNeb, Xopenex, DuoNeb if the nebulizer isn't working well, and if I have to do it more than twice in a 24 hour period, then go to the hospital. <br /> <br />But that's my plan....I don't know you at all or other medical conditions you have. Have you been to an allergist?
bresky responded:
Hi I am sorry for taking so long to respond. It is very frustrating when no one gives u an action plan. It took until my 3rd specialist to get one and even then it isn't the clearest. I usually do what I feel works from experience. If I am in the yellow zone for more than 3 days and am symptomatic I will go into see my family doctor. If I am in red zone and unable to speak I go to the ER.
My action plan deals with symbicort I increase it to 2 puffs 4 times a day and when I am back in the green zone for 2 days decrease it to 3 times a day then 2 times a day. I also utilize atrovent puffer every 4-6 hours and ventolin as needed. Could u take a form in with you when u see your pulmo next time?
I am from Manitoba so I understand the weather changes I have been struggling with them to it is very frustrating and not many people understand. Hope u feel better soon.
Bre
My action plan deals with symbicort I increase it to 2 puffs 4 times a day and when I am back in the green zone for 2 days decrease it to 3 times a day then 2 times a day. I also utilize atrovent puffer every 4-6 hours and ventolin as needed. Could u take a form in with you when u see your pulmo next time?
I am from Manitoba so I understand the weather changes I have been struggling with them to it is very frustrating and not many people understand. Hope u feel better soon.
Bre
Report This| Share this:Trouble with weatherHi I am sorry for taking so long to respond. It is very frustrating when no one gives u an action plan. It took until my 3rd specialist to get one and even then it isn't the clearest. I usually do what I feel works from experience. If I am in the yellow zone for more than 3 days and am symptomatic I will go into see my family doctor. If I am in red zone and unable to speak I go to the ER.<br />My action plan deals with symbicort I increase it to 2 puffs 4 times a day and when I am back in the green zone for 2 days decrease it to 3 times a day then 2 times a day. I also utilize atrovent puffer every 4-6 hours and ventolin as needed. Could u take a form in with you when u see your pulmo next time?<br />I am from Manitoba so I understand the weather changes I have been struggling with them to it is very frustrating and not many people understand. Hope u feel better soon.<br />Bre
I normally also vary things somewhat from the formal action plan in accordance with my experience as well, which is why the allergist gives me a stash of pred. I guess he trusts he, and I've seen the same guy for 8 or 9 years now.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood institute put out a very explicit action plan a number of years ago. It is from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program NIH publication 97-4053. Basically, you are green zone if no symptoms and peak flow more than 80%. If you have symptoms or peak flow 50-80% of personal best, then you add rescue drugs 2 puffs or 4 puffs every 20 minutes for up to an hour or one neb treatment. If you have to do this for an hour to get things good again and peak flow above 80%, but they return to normal, then you are in a high yellow zone. You double the inhaled corticosteroids for 7-10 days and take rescue meds every 4 hours the first 2 days. If it fails to return to a green zone after one hour, then you are in a low yellow zone and you take more rescue meds and start prednisone. Red zone is for very severe symptoms, peak flow less than 50% or symptoms are the same or get worse after 24 hours in the yellow zone. Go to ER/urgent care if you remain in red zone 15 minutes after rescue meds (which are double the normal dose in a red zone case). Anyway, I'm just mentioning it in case it helps Laura.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood institute put out a very explicit action plan a number of years ago. It is from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program NIH publication 97-4053. Basically, you are green zone if no symptoms and peak flow more than 80%. If you have symptoms or peak flow 50-80% of personal best, then you add rescue drugs 2 puffs or 4 puffs every 20 minutes for up to an hour or one neb treatment. If you have to do this for an hour to get things good again and peak flow above 80%, but they return to normal, then you are in a high yellow zone. You double the inhaled corticosteroids for 7-10 days and take rescue meds every 4 hours the first 2 days. If it fails to return to a green zone after one hour, then you are in a low yellow zone and you take more rescue meds and start prednisone. Red zone is for very severe symptoms, peak flow less than 50% or symptoms are the same or get worse after 24 hours in the yellow zone. Go to ER/urgent care if you remain in red zone 15 minutes after rescue meds (which are double the normal dose in a red zone case). Anyway, I'm just mentioning it in case it helps Laura.
Report This| Share this:Trouble with weatherI normally also vary things somewhat from the formal action plan in accordance with my experience as well, which is why the allergist gives me a stash of pred. I guess he trusts he, and I've seen the same guy for 8 or 9 years now. <br /> <br />The National Heart, Lung, and Blood institute put out a very explicit action plan a number of years ago. It is from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program NIH publication 97-4053. Basically, you are green zone if no symptoms and peak flow more than 80%. If you have symptoms or peak flow 50-80% of personal best, then you add rescue drugs 2 puffs or 4 puffs every 20 minutes for up to an hour or one neb treatment. If you have to do this for an hour to get things good again and peak flow above 80%, but they return to normal, then you are in a high yellow zone. You double the inhaled corticosteroids for 7-10 days and take rescue meds every 4 hours the first 2 days. If it fails to return to a green zone after one hour, then you are in a low yellow zone and you take more rescue meds and start prednisone. Red zone is for very severe symptoms, peak flow less than 50% or symptoms are the same or get worse after 24 hours in the yellow zone. Go to ER/urgent care if you remain in red zone 15 minutes after rescue meds (which are double the normal dose in a red zone case). Anyway, I'm just mentioning it in case it helps Laura.
amcate,
Thanks for the info. I will look up the page you are talking about and take it with me when I see my Pulmo next time I go in.
Thanks,
Laura
Thanks for the info. I will look up the page you are talking about and take it with me when I see my Pulmo next time I go in.
Thanks,
Laura
Report This| Share this:Trouble with weatheramcate,<br /> <br />Thanks for the info. I will look up the page you are talking about and take it with me when I see my Pulmo next time I go in. <br /> <br />Thanks,<br /> <br />Laura
No problem. It is an action plan from about 10 years ago, so hopefully you can find it. I've heard in the USA they've changed some recommendations since then, but you can't teach an old dog new tricks. I prefer to stay with what I know.
Report This| Share this:Trouble with weatherNo problem. It is an action plan from about 10 years ago, so hopefully you can find it. I've heard in the USA they've changed some recommendations since then, but you can't teach an old dog new tricks. I prefer to stay with what I know.
Hi Amcate,
I had no trouble finding it and the last two days have been bad for me with my asthma acting up a lot. Last night I didn't get to bed until about 3 am and tonight I was woken up with shortness of breath at 1 am. I have been sort of following the action plan for now and I might make an appoinment to see my pcp tomorrow if I don't get better tonight.
Thanks,
Laura
I had no trouble finding it and the last two days have been bad for me with my asthma acting up a lot. Last night I didn't get to bed until about 3 am and tonight I was woken up with shortness of breath at 1 am. I have been sort of following the action plan for now and I might make an appoinment to see my pcp tomorrow if I don't get better tonight.
Thanks,
Laura
Report This| Share this:Trouble with weatherHi Amcate,<br /> <br />I had no trouble finding it and the last two days have been bad for me with my asthma acting up a lot. Last night I didn't get to bed until about 3 am and tonight I was woken up with shortness of breath at 1 am. I have been sort of following the action plan for now and I might make an appoinment to see my pcp tomorrow if I don't get better tonight.<br /> <br />Thanks,<br /> <br />Laura
I'm glad you could find it and your following up with the PCP. I have normally found Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology folks to be better with asthma than a PCP, but in your case it's complicated because the avascular necrosis.
In the first few years of having asthma, I didn't like the action plans they gave me as they were too vague and I didn't have the experience to know how to judge it. I liked this action plan since it's so explicit and it bases what you should do on the response you're getting from the rescue drugs. It was much easier for me to understand and follow. I think the current recommendation in the USA are more aggressive with starting prednisone earlier, though...but this action plan gets a person in the ballpark.
Good luck tomorrow.
In the first few years of having asthma, I didn't like the action plans they gave me as they were too vague and I didn't have the experience to know how to judge it. I liked this action plan since it's so explicit and it bases what you should do on the response you're getting from the rescue drugs. It was much easier for me to understand and follow. I think the current recommendation in the USA are more aggressive with starting prednisone earlier, though...but this action plan gets a person in the ballpark.
Good luck tomorrow.
Report This| Share this:Trouble with weatherI'm glad you could find it and your following up with the PCP. I have normally found Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology folks to be better with asthma than a PCP, but in your case it's complicated because the avascular necrosis. <br /> <br />In the first few years of having asthma, I didn't like the action plans they gave me as they were too vague and I didn't have the experience to know how to judge it. I liked this action plan since it's so explicit and it bases what you should do on the response you're getting from the rescue drugs. It was much easier for me to understand and follow. I think the current recommendation in the USA are more aggressive with starting prednisone earlier, though...but this action plan gets a person in the ballpark. <br /> <br />Good luck tomorrow.
Hi Amcate,
I've been getting worse over the last 3 days with my peak flows being down in 100-200's and doing nebs every 2-3 hours. I left a message for my Dr. today and talked to her about what is going on. She deceied to put me on 50mg of Pred for 5 days. Hopefully this helps knock it down but if not I'm suppose to see her.
Laura
I've been getting worse over the last 3 days with my peak flows being down in 100-200's and doing nebs every 2-3 hours. I left a message for my Dr. today and talked to her about what is going on. She deceied to put me on 50mg of Pred for 5 days. Hopefully this helps knock it down but if not I'm suppose to see her.
Laura
Report This| Share this:Trouble with weatherHi Amcate, <br /> <br />I've been getting worse over the last 3 days with my peak flows being down in 100-200's and doing nebs every 2-3 hours. I left a message for my Dr. today and talked to her about what is going on. She deceied to put me on 50mg of Pred for 5 days. Hopefully this helps knock it down but if not I'm suppose to see her. <br /> <br />Laura
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, a nurse, or have any license that would legally allow me to give professional advice. This is from my own experience with my own asthma. I also don't have any diseases that prednisone caused or could make worse, other than emotional stuff with the pred side effects. In your case, you have avascular necrosis, so it could be different for you.
I don't know what your personal best is, so I'm assuming the predicted values here, which my guess is still puts you pretty low percentage wise. Also, the nebs aren't lasting 4 hours it sounds.
If it were me, I would have already started prednisone because in my experience taking some early on helps prevent me from having to take a lot later one when I'm more severe. For me, 50 mg for 5 days is not enough. Of course, my allergist once said I was "steroid resistant", but actually they do work, I just have to take large doses.
I don't know if you're the same, though. Anyway, hope you get to feeling better.
I don't know what your personal best is, so I'm assuming the predicted values here, which my guess is still puts you pretty low percentage wise. Also, the nebs aren't lasting 4 hours it sounds.
If it were me, I would have already started prednisone because in my experience taking some early on helps prevent me from having to take a lot later one when I'm more severe. For me, 50 mg for 5 days is not enough. Of course, my allergist once said I was "steroid resistant", but actually they do work, I just have to take large doses.
I don't know if you're the same, though. Anyway, hope you get to feeling better.
Report This| Share this:Trouble with weatherDisclaimer: I am not a doctor, a nurse, or have any license that would legally allow me to give professional advice. This is from my own experience with my own asthma. I also don't have any diseases that prednisone caused or could make worse, other than emotional stuff with the pred side effects. In your case, you have avascular necrosis, so it could be different for you.<br /> <br />I don't know what your personal best is, so I'm assuming the predicted values here, which my guess is still puts you pretty low percentage wise. Also, the nebs aren't lasting 4 hours it sounds. <br /> <br />If it were me, I would have already started prednisone because in my experience taking some early on helps prevent me from having to take a lot later one when I'm more severe. For me, 50 mg for 5 days is not enough. Of course, my allergist once said I was "steroid resistant", but actually they do work, I just have to take large doses. <br /> <br />I don't know if you're the same, though. Anyway, hope you get to feeling better.
I am definitnely weather affected to a degree I near hybernate. Very depressing. Only my Dr's understand it. I am allergic to the environment and so have major episodes. in certain areas.
Report This| Share this:Trouble with weatherI am definitnely weather affected to a degree I near hybernate. Very depressing. Only my Dr's understand it. I am allergic to the environment and so have major episodes. in certain areas.
I have started on oxygen which helps now. I use symbicort, spiriva, singular and prednisone and the breathing is terrible. I no longer can take the pred because it affects me emotionally and i lost all my support system. problem is my O2 Sat remains 97 - 100 but on exam there is no air exchange. I find I get depressed. The whether affects me. Stores with odors is difficult. the perfumes or carpets I just can't breath and require my oxygen. It is some support to hear others going through similar things.
Report This| Share this:Trouble with weatherI have started on oxygen which helps now. I use symbicort, spiriva, singular and prednisone and the breathing is terrible. I no longer can take the pred because it affects me emotionally and i lost all my support system. problem is my O2 Sat remains 97 - 100 but on exam there is no air exchange. I find I get depressed. The whether affects me. Stores with odors is difficult. the perfumes or carpets I just can't breath and require my oxygen. It is some support to hear others going through similar things.
I can understand about the pred affecting a person emotionally. I'm on day 5 of a burst, and for some reason lungs aren't responding as beautifully as they should. Mind has not been good, but I can still function. I'm in the green zone, but barely (normally I'll be at 90% of personal best or better with pred). So, I'm trying to decide if I should go off of it tomorrow or not, but probably will. Anyway, it is a difficult thing especially when others don't understand....take care of yourself.
Report This| Share this:Trouble with weatherI can understand about the pred affecting a person emotionally. I'm on day 5 of a burst, and for some reason lungs aren't responding as beautifully as they should. Mind has not been good, but I can still function. I'm in the green zone, but barely (normally I'll be at 90% of personal best or better with pred). So, I'm trying to decide if I should go off of it tomorrow or not, but probably will. Anyway, it is a difficult thing especially when others don't understand....take care of yourself.
Helpful Tips
Remember to clean your rescue inhaler
For patients using albuterol rescue inhalers, remember to wash the mouthpiece as directed. The typical recommendation is washing it once ... More
Was this Helpful?
30
of
44 found this helpful
Helpful Resources
Related News
Related Drug Reviews
- Drug Name User Reviews
Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information, visit the Duke Health Asthma and Allergies Center
Other Asthma Information
More Related Exchanges
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us
First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.