Information

[CherryTat]

I have to ask if you are on a preventative inhaler, rather than just a rescue inhaler. A rescue inhaler will open the airway passages, but doesn't get at the root of the problem. An inhaled corticosteroid might be a good option, if you are not already on one. I also am wondering if something like Singulair might be an option at well? It's a leukotriene inhibitor, which is another direction of attack towards asthma. I would strongly suggest seeing either a pulmonologist (an asthma specialist) or an allergist. Hope you feel better soon!

I just assumed that she was, but I should no better than to assume!!! Nancy is right, you should be on a preventative inhaler.

[writerlady]

Home now - totally exhausted and jittery at the same time. Hoping I don't have to go back.

We used to have a portable neubulizer for both of the boys when they were really little. Don't have it any more, but DH was suggesting one yesterday

That's probably a good idea! I hope you do better and don't have to go back... (((hugs)))

[stonelion]

Regarding the jittery feeling. I got that from Albuterol (rescue inhaler). When I was switched to Xopinex, that completely disappeared. Xopinex is more expensive however I am told that it is as effective as Albuterol but without the blood-pounding effects. I do not believe it is made in a form that can be used with a nebulizer. You may want to ask your doctor about that. I agree that you should see an asthma specialist.

[Sandi0805]

Hope you feel better soon!!!!

[Keling]

I have to ask if you are on a preventative inhaler, rather than just a rescue inhaler. A rescue inhaler will open the airway passages, but doesn't get at the root of the problem. An inhaled corticosteroid might be a good option, if you are not already on one. I also am wondering if something like Singulair might be an option at well? It's a leukotriene inhibitor, which is another direction of attack towards asthma. I would strongly suggest seeing either a pulmonologist (an asthma specialist) or an allergist. Hope you feel better soon!

Yes, I have the Symbicort inhaler, as well as the rescue inhaler, and two different allergy medicinces. I saw an allergist just before we moved to the UK, but DH thinks it might be an idea to get re-tested to see if some of my allergies have worsened, and which ones. Bermuda Grass is really high right now (among other things), and within an hour of my leaving the hospital and being outside, I was getting tight again.

However, I do have a combo sinus/ear/broncitis, as well, and colds, etc. are a known trigger for me. So I'm also on antibiotics now. (well, have been for a few days...)

DH is an RN (30 yrs!) and we're well acquainted with asthma and all of it, thanks to my boys, and my dad, who has severe allergies and asthma, just like me.

[Keling]

Thanks everyone - my boys are a little disappointed as this weekend is the Bermuda Annual Exhibition (like a county fair), and because of being sick and my various allergies, DH thinks I should stay far away from all the animals! Bit disappointed myself, but my SM is going to take the boys on Saturday morning, instead..

[immom2anc]

Hugs & healing thoughts heading to you!! Good luck! Get some good meds!!!

[deerewife]

Regarding the jittery feeling. I got that from Albuterol (rescue inhaler). When I was switched to Xopinex, that completely disappeared. Xopinex is more expensive however I am told that it is as effective as Albuterol but without the blood-pounding effects. I do not believe it is made in a form that can be used with a nebulizer. You may want to ask your doctor about that. I agree that you should see an asthma specialist.

My dd does much better on xopinex but our insurance won't cover it, nice huh! The Proventil rescue inhaler she does use still costs us over $75 - but we do get samples and some freebies.

[deerewife]

And yes - please get a portable nebulizer - it's saved us from many ER visits. Another thing you may want to do is get rechecked by your asthma doctor. Your dosage may need to change with your location and allergies. I know my dd has had to increase her daily preventative dose as she's aged and grown plus in her increased activity. But alas, we still have many scary days.

[gine]

Sorry to hear this, hope you feel better soon


HUGS!!!

[Retiree3]

My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you.

[scraptag]

oh Sara, hope you're feeling better soon.

[1grandma]

It is so late here, the next day in fact. I hope you are home and feeling lots better! How are the hospitals in Bermuda?

[Ayla]

Regarding the jittery feeling. I got that from Albuterol (rescue inhaler). When I was switched to Xopinex, that completely disappeared. Xopinex is more expensive however I am told that it is as effective as Albuterol but without the blood-pounding effects. I do not believe it is made in a form that can be used with a nebulizer. You may want to ask your doctor about that. I agree that you should see an asthma specialist.

Yes, it is available in a form to use in a nebulizer...we use it frequently in the ER. It is the same as albuterol, just with the molecule that causes the jittery feeling and rapid heart rate removed. Oral steroids can also cause the jittery feeling...and if that's the cause, it's just something you have to deal with until the course of steroids is over.


I am glad to hear that you are on inhaled steroid though. I see way too many people in the ER who think it is perfectly acceptable to use their rescue inhaler 5 or 6 or more times every day and never be on anything else. General guidelines say that if you use a rescue inhaler more than twice a week, your asthma could be poorly controlled. I agree with having repeat allergy testing, if the original round of it was done in England. You could very well have developed allergies to plants and things that weren't prevalent in England, since you last lived in Bermuda. (Sorry if I'm an asthma nazi, but that was one area I specialized in when I worked as a case manager for an insurance company).



HOpe you're feeling better soon!

[CherryTat]

Regarding the jittery feeling. I got that from Albuterol (rescue inhaler). When I was switched to Xopinex, that completely disappeared. Xopinex is more expensive however I am told that it is as effective as Albuterol but without the blood-pounding effects. I do not believe it is made in a form that can be used with a nebulizer. You may want to ask your doctor about that. I agree that you should see an asthma specialist.

Yes, it is available in a form to use in a nebulizer...we use it frequently in the ER. It is the same as albuterol, just with the molecule that causes the jittery feeling and rapid heart rate removed. Oral steroids can also cause the jittery feeling...and if that's the cause, it's just something you have to deal with until the course of steroids is over.


I am glad to hear that you are on inhaled steroid though. I see way too many people in the ER who think it is perfectly acceptable to use their rescue inhaler 5 or 6 or more times every day and never be on anything else. General guidelines say that if you use a rescue inhaler more than twice a week, your asthma could be poorly controlled. I agree with having repeat allergy testing, if the original round of it was done in England. You could very well have developed allergies to plants and things that weren't prevalent in England, since you last lived in Bermuda. (Sorry if I'm an asthma nazi, but that was one area I specialized in when I worked as a case manager for an insurance company).



HOpe you're feeling better soon!

I blame a lot of that on doctors Nancy. A person should not be getting refills of a rescue inhaler and be on nothing else!!! The doctor should be aware of this and do something to fix it. Ugh, this is what I hate about being a nurse- seeing all the incompetent care out there. Having said that it also boils me when I come across patients who do not know what the meds they are on are, or what they are for??? What's up with that? I wouldn't take something unless I knew what it was, would you?

[Ayla]

I blame a lot of that on doctors Nancy. A person should not be getting refills of a rescue inhaler and be on nothing else!!! The doctor should be aware of this and do something to fix it. Ugh, this is what I hate about being a nurse- seeing all the incompetent care out there. Having said that it also boils me when I come across patients who do not know what the meds they are on are, or what they are for??? What's up with that? I wouldn't take something unless I knew what it was, would you?

I agree wholeheartedly. Too many doctors don't take the time to properly educate their patients, both to their health conditions themselves and to the risks and benefits of controlling/not controlling it and the meds they take. We get it all the time...."I've been here before...my list should be in your computer." They don't think that things every change, and we need updated lists! I give out little cards all the time for people to record their meds, and tell them to take ALL their pill bottles, not just their list, to the doctor when they go for follow up. But then I could get going on diabetes, the over use of antibiotics, etc, etc, etc lol.

[Keling]

Yes, it is available in a form to use in a nebulizer...we use it frequently in the ER. It is the same as albuterol, just with the molecule that causes the jittery feeling and rapid heart rate removed. Oral steroids can also cause the jittery feeling...and if that's the cause, it's just something you have to deal with until the course of steroids is over.

I am glad to hear that you are on inhaled steroid though. I see way too many people in the ER who think it is perfectly acceptable to use their rescue inhaler 5 or 6 or more times every day and never be on anything else. General guidelines say that if you use a rescue inhaler more than twice a week, your asthma could be poorly controlled. I agree with having repeat allergy testing, if the original round of it was done in England. You could very well have developed allergies to plants and things that weren't prevalent in England, since you last lived in Bermuda. (Sorry if I'm an asthma nazi, but that was one area I specialized in when I worked as a case manager for an insurance company).

HOpe you're feeling better soon!

No - thank you! The testing was done here in Bermuda, but because we were away and now back again, I'm probably more sensitive to stuff than before. I'm planning on making an appointment with my GP about the asthma stuff and the referal to get the allergy testing re-done. When I went for my 'emergency' visit at the GP for the antibiotics, I had to see one of the other GPs.

Asthma is so prevalent here in Bermuda, because we don't have a winter - things grow and pollinate all year round! Plus, the humidity levels make the country a giant sponge of molds and mildews. You just can't get away from it - its in the air all the time.

[paulaj]

prayers going out to you for a speedy healing.

[scrapsakes]

oh no {{{sara}}} that's one of my fears since dh has it bad too take care, girl!!

[Keling]

I blame a lot of that on doctors Nancy. A person should not be getting refills of a rescue inhaler and be on nothing else!!! The doctor should be aware of this and do something to fix it. Ugh, this is what I hate about being a nurse- seeing all the incompetent care out there. Having said that it also boils me when I come across patients who do not know what the meds they are on are, or what they are for??? What's up with that? I wouldn't take something unless I knew what it was, would you?

I agree wholeheartedly. Too many doctors don't take the time to properly educate their patients, both to their health conditions themselves and to the risks and benefits of controlling/not controlling it and the meds they take. We get it all the time...."I've been here before...my list should be in your computer." They don't think that things every change, and we need updated lists! I give out little cards all the time for people to record their meds, and tell them to take ALL their pill bottles, not just their list, to the doctor when they go for follow up. But then I could get going on diabetes, the over use of antibiotics, etc, etc, etc lol.

Can I say that this was perfectly NORMAL in the North of England when we lived there. The doctors HATED patients who asked questions about what the plans were, what medications/treatments were being recommend, and why....