Add yet another DX and meds for me :(

[michelleric]

Well, now it is Asthma.  I had a virus about 2 months ago, and this cough/shortness of breath/chest pressure has stayed with me.  I have a history of asthma, but have been "fine" for the last 6 years or so.  I have been having lots of trouble breathing, and PCP has had me on now 3 rounds of prednisone, inhalers, etc.  No improvement, sent me to a pulmonologist yesterday.

I have been also having extreme upper back pain that wraps around me, feels like the MS hug I had in the past.  I think it is realized to asthma now.  I even went to the ER 2 weeks ago, and that is when I knew I had trouble. ( I NEVER NEVER go to the ER.)

So, there it is.  This doc yesterday, said that this is now full blown asthma, triggered by the virus I had. He  gave me some high duty meds, which I pray they help.  I am having a pulmonary function test next week, and he wants to do more tests after I am breathing better.  I told him I almost canceled the appt because I was feeling better.  He said if this is you feeling better, than we have a bigger problem than I thought!  Oy.

So that is it.  Yet more meds, and more DX.  I applied for SS disability so I guess here is another thing for my list.  It is now in lawyers hands, so I really hope it will work out.  My job put me on a "short term leave" which I havent told anyone yet.  Makes me sad, so I will continue to ignore it for now.

Thanks for listening,
Michelle

[michelleric]

Thanks Summer and Ren,

Good to know about the meds Summer.  I am also on the "blue" inhaler, mine is Ventolin.  Sounds like you have a wonderful Pulmonologist who is watching over you. Mine also thinks I have allergies that are triggering this, and in the future wants to test me.

So wierd, I proudly told him I have no allergies and have never had allergies.  He said he absolutely disagrees with me, and that indeed I do have allergies. I again disagreed, he laughed and said we will see.  (I know I am a "problem" patient, who knows I am NOT a doctor but I DO like to play one on TV).

Ren, thanks for the supportive message. My head knows and knows about the work situation, but then my heart takes about and makes me very upset.  Oh well, this too shall pass, or change.

Thanks again,
Michelle

[rendean]

{{{Michelle}}},
So sorry to hear of yet more "stuff"' added to your plate!! At least you are getting treatment for it . so glad you decided not to cancel that  pulmonary appt.!

I truly understand about the job issue.  It strikes such a deep chord. We have discussed this before but remember , your job is NOT who you are. You are a fantastic mother, wife , friend, daughter, aunt, etc. You are an involved person in your community. you are not just your job. I know, I have heard this lecture a few times, and some days it's still hard to swallow but you are not defined by your job title but by your good works and actions.

Hang in there.  And , please , please go to all your follow-up appointments!!!!

Hugs,
Ren

[summerluvr]

I have asthma.  I sort of had it since I was a kid, but never treated it other then a rescue inhaler.  

The first neuro I ever saw when I started to get sick wanted to put me on propafol (sp?) to treat my "anxiety" tremors in my hands.  but I told him I had asthma and he didn't really believe me so sent me to the pulmanologist, who ordered the challenge testing, and I didn't even make it a few rounds before started having an asthma attack. I never went back to that nuero.  

since then (about 3 years?) my pulm.  has treated my asthma, and watched me get sicker and go from doctor to doctor.  He even told me he was worried about me, and scheduled more follow ups than he normally would for asthma just to check up on me.  When I finally got diagnosed he was shocked (everyone including myself) and now sees me very regularly, because he worries about me, "not just about my asthma" but my general health.

I am now prone to pneumonia so I try and take all my inhalers regularly.  

I was on advair, but I was getting many cankers and dry mouth issues on it so I'm on another separate steroid, and a separate long lasting ventolin. Then I have the blue rescue inhaler butI only need it when I have missed my other inhalers for whatever reason, or am sick.

Singular did nothing for me!

I also take a nose spray (steroid) when my allergies kick in because I get this post nasal drip that flairs my asthma, I didn't even realize it but I was a constant throat clearer and coghing that the asthma doc picked up on it right away!

So yes, a bit of a ramble.... sorry!  But there are good docs out there, and asthma is controllable!  I feel much better now.  I always thought I got out of breath from say walking upstairs because I was getting fat.  Turns out not so much, it was my poorly controlled asthma.

[michelleric]

Thanks all.  Yes, I am on Advair and Singulair now.  2 of my kids also take those as well, so I need to be careful not to mix them up!

Sarah, thanks for the reminder of rinsing the mouth out afterward.  I forgot about that.  I have had thrush in the past, and it was awful.  I will be sure to rinse well!

Oh well, just add asthma to the growing list.  I was also dx with Osteoarthritis a few weeks ago, by a orthopedic knee surgeon,and have NO cartilage on either lateral sides of my knees.  I also have bone spurs as well. Had cortisone shot, and am currently in PT.

I really do think I "might" not be denied this time with SS? We will see.

Thanks again,    ~ Michelle

[Lulu54]

Good morning, Michelle.  This sure stinks - your list of dx's just keeps growing.  It's time to knock this off!  

Seriously, I am glad you have an answer for this one and I hope they get you cleared up.

hugs, L

[Sparkysarah]

If it is not one thing it is another..poor you. I had a pulmonary lung function test today and it was fine and didn't take long.  I am sure you are fed up that your asthma has returned but  hopefully the treatment will get it under control.

My daughter has asthma and uses 2 inhalers and has suffered from oral thrush several times so be sure to rinse your mouth out well after using them.

Sorry to hear your news and hope you feel better soon

Love Sarah x

[sllowe]

Geez. Any relief from the inhalers? Advair? That's what I use and it really helps w/inflammation. Though I have to say the more I use it, the more I have to.

Sorry yet another layer of meds for you :( and leave from work. I hope you find some peace w/that must be hard.

Thinking of you,
-Shell

[figuerpa]

Michelle,

I am sorry that your asthma has returned. I know a few people with asthma and I know they suffer when it flares up.

I truly hope it gets better for you and hoping it will help with your SS application.

Take care and don't cancel those appointments.

Hugs,
Paula