Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Really worried after appt with nurse

7 replies

Mh0296 · 30/10/2014 11:01

I've just had an asthma review with the nurse (first time since changing GP surgeries). When I told her about my asthma, she seemed worried that it was not controlled with the medication I'm on. I take the symbicort steroid inhaler 2x puffs morning/evening, but am still using my blue inhaler fairly regularly. Also am waking up every evening with a 'sore' chest (in the middle sort of radiating outwards, very tight) and breathlessness which stops me going back to sleep. I am often breathless throughout the day as well. She wasn't happy that at old surgery I had been given lots of antibiotic/oral steroid courses without proper follow up.
This has really scared me, she is talking about referral to a specialist after the next appt (in one month) if nothing improves. She says if it is asthma, asthma meds will control it but seeing as they aren't it could be something rarer like fibroids.
Anyone with any advice? I have been sitting here googling symptoms since I've got back and it's freaking me out!

OP posts:
IMurderedStampyLongnose · 30/10/2014 23:22

Hi,sorry you are worried.am not sure about other possibilities,but I have asthma and your symptoms sound like mine when my asthma isn't well controlled.Your preventive dose is quite low so it's possible you just need a stronger preventative inhaler.You really shouldn't need the blue inhaler daily with well controlled asthma,hopefully an increase in preventative meds should help you.has the nurse arranged for you to get better preventatives?

Bugsylugs · 30/10/2014 23:26

If you are needing your blue inhaler 3 or more times a week your asthma is not well controlled but as stampy said you are not on a high step of the treatment ladder. Hopefully that has been adjusted if not see GP or someone who can adjust, by the way what is your usual peak flow and do you monitor it? Do you smoke? Do you work in a chemical/ dusty environment?

Mh0296 · 30/10/2014 23:56

Thanks for replying!
Symbicort upped to 2 puffs twice a day, I used to be on the SMART plan but never really undersood it and am sure I was not doing it properly... I don't smoke, don't work in a dusty/chemical environment. Peak flow this morning was 370 and am going to start recording it at home as well to see if I can spot any triggers.
I feel a bit more confident dealing with 'just' asthma (it's reassuring to hear you have the same symptoms!) but it has been pretty much the same for the past year (not very well controlled, reliant on blue inhalers) and the nurse's suggestion that something a bit more sinister could be going on has just panicked me I suppose!

OP posts:
deplorabelle · 31/10/2014 12:45

Yes that could easily be not very well controlled asthma, and whatever else you do, asking them to help you adjust the preventative regime would be something to try.

Mh0296 · 31/10/2014 17:21

Phew, this is making me feel better! I guess I am just a panicker!
Will definitely ask nurse about preventor inhaler at next appt.
Does anyone know how to calculate what a normal peak flow is?

OP posts:
IMurderedStampyLongnose · 02/11/2014 13:00

Hi,sorry have just seen this.there is apparently no "normal" peak flow.Your reading will depend on your height,fitness level etc.What you need to do is monitor yours long term so you have an idea of what your average reading is at a time when you feel well.Then you will be able to gauge how well you are doing at other times based on that.Your GP should be able to give you a chart to plot your readings on.Hope you feel better.x

deplorabelle · 02/11/2014 17:37

I don't find peak flow a very good indicator of my asthma to be honest. I'm struggling to breathe today but peak flow is nearly normal

New posts on this thread. Refresh page