Asthma- newly diagnosed

Amelia,

I will tell you that my allergist who had been treating me for a number of years had been doing different tests on me the summer and fall before I was diagnosed with severe asthma five years ago.  I have pretty much always had allergies and I am now 56.  That summer and fall I just couldn't get rid of bronchitis.  Then one November day I had a follow-up appointment with her, I had left work early because my chest was so tight, I couldn't concentrate, which I now know that when the breathing doesn't work, neither does the brain.  By the time I got to her office, I was in the middle of a full blown asthma attack.  So, we had our diagnosis.  It was pretty frightening having to have not only the breathing treatments for the first time but also several injections of epinephrine.

I don't know if that helps you at all.  Did he do a nebulizer treatment on you or have you get a nebulizer?  Most asthma patients need a nebulizer, if they are not severe patients, they need them for emergencies.  Unfortunately, I need mine a lot.  I am not a medical professional, this is just my opinion as a severe asthma patient.  If you do have asthma, I just want you to be prepared in case of an emergency.  Never hesitate to call 911 if you think it is something you can not control.  An asthma attack can get out of control so quickly and the paramedics can start working on you immediately and get you stabilized.

If I can answer any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask.  I also want to welcome you to HealingWell.  We are like a big family here and I hope you will keep us posted.

Take care!

Carla

Amelia,

It is said that most asthma patients seem to do better when they are treated by an allergist.  I, myself, believe this.  Allergies and asthma tend to go hand in hand any way.  By now my allergist knows me well enough to trust that I know what is going on and I can call in and say I doing this, this and this and I don't think I need to come in.  She will just call and order what I need.  On the other hand, I know when I need to go in and they always take me right in.  When you have severe asthma, it is good to build up a good relationship with your doctor.

So, if you do indeed have asthma, first of all you need to find the right doctor and I would highly recommend an allergist.  It will take some time to build up that relationship with a new doctor like I have with my allergist.  I think I must have the most wonderful allergist in the world.  She has saved me so many ER visits.  My attacks that get out of my control are during the day, which is unusual.  I can call her office and let them know that I am having an attack that I have done everything I can for and it's out of control.  They will have me come on in and she will work with me for three or four hours or however long it takes to get me stabilized.  She knows I hate the ER.  I don't think many doctors do that these days.  I haven't had to do that in over 15 months.  I'm in control!

Amelia, I hope you get the care you need.

Take care!

Carla