Guest guest Posted August 5, 2000 Report Share Posted August 5, 2000 , Hi, it is nice to have you in our group! I had asthma (sever) since I was four, about fourteen years now. Like I said in my other email that at that time, children did not have asthma. My mother and I spent thousands of nights trying to fight and control my asthma attacks. Since we had no help from doctors, the only thing I could do was drink lots of hot tea or coco. When I was in fifth grade I was in the hospital for a week. The doctors wanted to keep me longer but I did not want to spend Easter in the hospital so they finally let me go. I have been rushed into the emergency many times too. I have been using a nebulizer since I was about eight (when I finally found a doctor that would admit I had asthma). Nebulizers can do miracles. They will not cure it, or improve it in one day. They work a lot better then inhalers. I have been on every asthma inhaler and not that many have worked for me. Right now I am taking Broncho Saline and Albuterol Sulfate for the nebulizer. Inhalers I am taking Pulmicort Turbuhaler and Albuterol. For pills, I am taking Singulair and Deltasone. In the past I have taken Intal, Asthmacourt, Tilade (do not recommend, tastes REALLY bad!!), Acculate, and many others. When my asthma acts up I usually have to be put on stairoids or will be in the hospital. I also will have to do five to six nebulizer treatments daily for two weeks+. Cindi, something that you will realize and learn to deal with is that an attack can happen when ever it wants too. Your health could be 100% one minute and the next, BOOM, asthma attack. Here are a few things that can help when you are having problems. Carry your inhalers every where you go. Keep them handy in your house even. When you feel your chest tighten, ache, out of breath, or wheezing, take them! Even if the inhaler worked, take it easy for the rest of the day. A tiny attack can come back just as easy as a severe one. Note: Make sure you follow your directions on taking the inhalers. Taking to much can cause your asthma to act up more. This goes for nebulizers. I can not stand up and take a nebulizer (you are not suppose to stand up), if I stand up just to get something, stand up for a few seconds, I get an overdose and I faint. This goes for inhalers and nebulizers. When you are having problems, you must act immediately on loosing your chest up. To do this you can run a hot steam vaporizer. Set the vaporizer next to you. When you breath the hot steam it will help loosen your chest. Drink hot liquids and try to eat hot foods (soup, warm apple sauce, hot pudding, etc.). Since you are an adult, it will take more then one cup of hot tea for it to feel it working. Stay away from cold drinks and food. Coldness will make your lungs tighten up more, cause more chest pain, and can make the weezing worse. If you do not have a hot steam vaporilzer, I highly recommend that you purchase one. Hot steam vaporilzer is my number one choice. They make a cold steam vaporizer, so make sure you DO get the hot steam. You can get one in almost any store. Also, vapor rub helps. Rub it on your chest and the vapors you breath does the same thing the vaporizer does. Vapor Rub might not help all the time though. Keep a journal on your attacks. When you have one, right how you feel in the morning, noon, evening, and before you go to bed. Write down if you wake up in the time with problems. Write down what you did to help and if it did help. Write down the medication you used. You will not have to do this all the time. Just the first few attacks you have. The point to this is to help you understand YOUR asthma. Many people have severe asthma, but everyone's is differnet. Once you understand your asthma, you will be able to tell when you are going to have an attack before you have a chest pain, swallow or heaving breathing, and even before you start wheezing. When you can tell when you are going to have one, you can get prepared. If you prepare good enough, the attack may be mild or you may not have one all together. Oh, one important thing you must do. If you start feeling as if you are coming down with something, doesn't matter what it is, a cold, sinuses, etc. go see your doctor and get on medication. ANY illness, no matter how mild it is, can cause a serve asthma attack! If you have allergies then you must have medication for it. Allergies can cause an attack too. If you do not know if you do have allergies, talk to your doctor about getting tested. My asthma is very tricky since I went five years without treatment. Five years suffering with chronic severe asthma. I know when I will have an attack. Okay, I have to explain what else I know now. I am going to explain it the best way I can. Asthma comes in stages. One attack may be prevented or taken care of by an inhaler, one attack may be prevented or taken care by a vaporizler, one attack may be prevented or taken care of by resting. When you understand and know your asthma, you will be able to say, " Hmmm...the attack is like this, so doing my inhaler and vaporilzer will work the best. " You also will be able to tell if ANYTHING is going to help. Soon as you have the attack you will be able to groan and say, " Dammit, nothing is going to help. The nebulizer is useless. The inhalers are useless. " When this happens, go to the doctor or emergency. The only thing will help you then is stairoids or being in the hospital. Coming this aware of your asthma will take time and you many never become this aware. If you record it, it will help you. I am this aware because I did not have a choice. You will even be able to tell when you must stop an activity. You will known before hand that if you do not stop, an attack will happen. Oh, I just remembered, since the doctor gave you a nebulizer, did he/she give you a peak flow? A peak flow shows your level of air and how bad your attack is. You blow into this tube three times. Take the highest number (starts at 0 to a high number like 900). With the peak flow, there will be a small chart which will tell you by your weight and height (i think) what is normal for you. If you blow below that number, then you must start using your nebulizer and call your doctor. That is a HIGH sign telling you that you are having problems or are going too. Some people use nebulizer every day there whole life, I don't. The reason for this is because I am so aware of my asthma that I can prevent an attack. Everything that I have told you works for me. But, please keep in mind that my asthma very tricky. With no help from doctors those years, I stopped using one of my lungs. I only use one lung and will always use only one. I can be sitting next to you and have a severe attack and you will not be able to tell. My body is so use to it that it does not react like most people do. Your doctor will be able to give you exercises. For me, the exercises did not work since I use only one lung and that my body is so use to it. Make sure you tell the doctor you want exercises for your asthma. These exercises will make your chest, chest muscles, lungs, etc. strong. Cindi, I highly recommend you using a vaporlizer (hot steam of course!), finding out if you have allergies and getting medications for it, peak flow, keeping a journal so you will come to understand and aware of your attacks. Well, everything I have mention above, I highly recommend. LOL. Okay, I gave you a lot of information and tips. I could go on forever with this. But, the email is pretty long. If you have ANY questions, exercises, ANY medications, what to do when the doctor wants to do something you are not comfortable, etc. you can ask me. I can tell you about everything you ever will need to know. Good luck, love, leigh __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2000 Report Share Posted August 5, 2000 In a message dated 8/5/00 1:21:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time, country_desire@... writes: << LOL. Okay, I gave you a lot of information and tips. I could go on forever with this. But, the email is pretty long. If you have ANY questions, exercises, ANY medications, what to do when the doctor wants to do something you are not comfortable, etc. you can ask me. I can tell you about everything you ever will need to know. >> Leigh This was a great post. Both of my sons have had asthma since they were 5 years old, they are 25 and 29 now. I was amazed when you said your doctors wouldn't admit it and treat it, that certainly was not the case for my boys. And my exhusband had it too, from about age 10 and he is 50 now. There was never any question of diagnosis around here. So your doctors must have been pretty behind the times. That is sad because it certainly made your condition worse. Geesh more people develop asthma as children than they do as adults. So sorry you were a victim of such ignorance. I have printed out your email for both of my sons. The oldest still has a great deal of trouble with his, uses a neb and all, but the youngest has very little trouble. But this is great advice for them and I plan to also forward it to my ex - he still has trouble with his asthma. You did a great service today by writing down all these valid points. It certainly has always helped my older son to analyze and sort out his attacks as well. Glad you have a good handle on it now. Hugs, Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2000 Report Share Posted August 5, 2000 > TLS wrote: > > , > > Hi, it is nice to have you in our group! Thank you for the welcome, Leigh > I had asthma > (sever) since I was four, about fourteen years now. > Like I said in my other email that at that time, > children did not have asthma. My mother and I spent > thousands of nights trying to fight and control my > asthma attacks. Since we had no help from doctors, > the only thing I could do was drink lots of hot tea or > coco. Wow, I cannot imagine that. I've been dealing with this for four months, and that's has been too much! I drink lots of hot tea, one of the few things that seem soothing. Also soup. I have cravings for chocolate, but that seems to trigger small attacks, along with dairy products. Man, I miss milk and cheese! > When I was in fifth grade I was in the hospital > for a week. The doctors wanted to keep me longer but > I did not want to spend Easter in the hospital so they > finally let me go. I have been rushed into the > emergency many times too. I have had two runs to the ER, but so far no hospitalization. But my doctor is threatening it. He knows how much I don't want to be there.... > I have been using a > nebulizer since I was about eight (when I finally > found a doctor that would admit I had asthma). > Nebulizers can do miracles. They will not cure it, or > improve it in one day. They work a lot better then > inhalers. I've had nebulizer treatments in the ER and my doctor's office. The doctor finally ordered a machine for me yesterday, to do four times a day. But the coughing is what is really getting to me. I'm oxygen now 24/7, which really seems to help, plus Robitussan cough syrup. I'm finally getting some sleep. > I have been on every asthma inhaler and not > that many have worked for me. Right now I am taking > Broncho Saline and Albuterol Sulfate for the > nebulizer. yep, this is what I'm using too... > Inhalers I am taking Pulmicort Turbuhaler > and Albuterol. Yes, me too. Pulmicort is an unusual delivery system, isn't it? I'm also on Seravent and AzmaCort. > For pills, I am taking Singulair and > Deltasone. In the past I have taken Intal, > Asthmacourt, Tilade (do not recommend, tastes REALLY > bad!!), Acculate, and many others. I haven't been on oral meds for over 3 years. The last ones I had were Theodur. > When my asthma > acts up I usually have to be put on stairoids or will > be in the hospital. Yes, I'm on my fifth round of steriods...Prednisone. I know how toxic this stuff is to the rest of your body, but they really do make me feel better. > Cindi, something that you will realize and learn to > deal with is that an attack can happen when ever it > wants too. Your health could be 100% one minute and > the next, BOOM, asthma attack. I'm finding this out. I haven't been on any meds or inhalers for two years, until this past March. Then I got a cold and sinus infection, and, like you said, Bamm! I had a bad asthma attack, that only got worse. Now, I've have pneumonia for the second time in 4 months, plus had bronchitis. It's like my lungs and airways are saying " ENOUGH!! " > Here are a few things that can help when you are > having problems. > Carry your inhalers every where you go. Keep them > handy in your house even. When you feel your chest > tighten, ache, out of breath, or wheezing, take them! I've started doing that. I'm not having a big problem with feeling tightness in my chest, or with wheezing. Everyone tells me that I'm getting air to the bottom of my lungs, it's that it just doesn't go anywhere after that! I had two pulmonary function tests, and the first one was very low scores, and the second one was still low, but with some improvement. Not sure what all that means, tho. > Even if the inhaler worked, take it easy for the rest > of the day. This is what I do need to learn. I'm one of those who is constantly on the go. Fortunately, I just " retired " from my job. It's a good thing, or I would be taking a lot of sick time off. > A tiny attack can come back just as easy > as a severe one. Something else I need to learn. I have been ignoring most of my attacks until they get severe. My doctor is not pleased with me. *S* > Note: Make sure you follow your > directions on taking the inhalers. Taking to much can > cause your asthma to act up more. This goes for > nebulizers. I can not stand up and take a nebulizer > (you are not suppose to stand up), if I stand up just > to get something, stand up for a few seconds, I get an > overdose and I faint. This goes for inhalers and > nebulizers. No, I have to be sitting for both as well. Do you get shaky or jittery after a nebulizer treatment? > When you are having problems, you must act immediately > on loosing your chest up. To do this you can run a > hot steam vaporizer. Set the vaporizer next to you. > When you breath the hot steam it will help loosen your > chest. Drink hot liquids and try to eat hot foods > (soup, warm apple sauce, hot pudding, etc.). Hot steamy showers have been my god-send. Hot soups and tea. I hadn't thought about warm applesauce. Although I have been eating hot rice or mashed potatoes. Both have been soothing to my stomach too. > Since > you are an adult, it will take more then one cup of > hot tea for it to feel it working. Stay away from > cold drinks and food. Coldness will make your lungs > tighten up more, cause more chest pain, and can make > the weezing worse. Yeah, I've discovered this. Raw foods, too, such apples or salads. > If you do not have a hot steam > vaporilzer, I highly recommend that you purchase one. > Hot steam vaporilzer is my number one choice. They > make a cold steam vaporizer, so make sure you DO get > the hot steam. You can get one in almost any store. I did get a cold steam one, and it was better than nothing. But hot shower has been the best thing so far. I let my bathroom get all steamy, and then I take a regular shower, and wash my hair. The combination helps loosen me up, plus clean the dust and stuff off my hair and body. > Also, vapor rub helps. Rub it on your chest and the > vapors you breath does the same thing the vaporizer > does. Vapor Rub might not help all the time though. > Keep a journal on your attacks. When you have one, > right how you feel in the morning, noon, evening, and > before you go to bed. Write down if you wake up in > the time with problems. Write down what you did to > help and if it did help. Write down the medication > you used. You will not have to do this all the time. This is a great suggestion. Maybe I'll get an idea of what might be triggering my attacks. The doctor asked me and I had no clue! > Just the first few attacks you have. The point to > this is to help you understand YOUR asthma. Many > people have severe asthma, but everyone's is > differnet. Once you understand your asthma, you will > be able to tell when you are going to have an attack > before you have a chest pain, swallow or heaving > breathing, and even before you start wheezing. When > you can tell when you are going to have one, you can > get prepared. If you prepare good enough, the attack > may be mild or you may not have one all together. > Oh, one important thing you must do. If you start > feeling as if you are coming down with something, > doesn't matter what it is, a cold, sinuses, etc. go > see your doctor and get on medication. ANY illness, > no matter how mild it is, can cause a serve asthma > attack! > If you have allergies then you must have medication > for it. Allergies can cause an attack too. If you do > not know if you do have allergies, talk to your doctor > about getting tested. I was tested for allergies about 16 years. I haven't had too much problem with them, and Allegra has always seem to help. The doctor thinks my reflux and sinus problems could be contributing to my asthma as well, so I'm also on meds for that. Plus I just ordered a special mattress cover for my bed and pillow. We cleaned the bedroom out completely, moved all the knickknacks and books I had in there. It doesn't help that we have 3 big construction projects going on around my house, stirring up dust and stuff. We are trying to go to our vacation property as often as possible, where it is quiet and has clean air. We will be moving there in two years. > My asthma is very tricky since I went five years > without treatment. Five years suffering with chronic > severe asthma. I know when I will have an attack. > Okay, I have to explain what else I know now. I am > going to explain it the best way I can. Asthma comes > in stages. One attack may be prevented or taken care > of by an inhaler, one attack may be prevented or taken > care by a vaporizler, one attack may be prevented or > taken care of by resting. When you understand and > know your asthma, you will be able to say, " Hmmm...the > attack is like this, so doing my inhaler and > vaporilzer will work the best. " You also will be able > to tell if ANYTHING is going to help. Soon as you > have the attack you will be able to groan and say, > " Dammit, nothing is going to help. The nebulizer is > useless. The inhalers are useless. " When this > happens, go to the doctor or emergency. The only > thing will help you then is stairoids or being in the > hospital. Coming this aware of your asthma will take > time and you many never become this aware. If you > record it, it will help you. I am this aware because > I did not have a choice. You will even be able to > tell when you must stop an activity. You will known > before hand that if you do not stop, an attack will > happen. This is all so new to me, so I have to learn this. I just hate the idea that I may have to deal with this for the rest of my life...... > Oh, I just remembered, since the doctor gave you a > nebulizer, did he/she give you a peak flow? A peak > flow shows your level of air and how bad your attack > is. You blow into this tube three times. Take the > highest number (starts at 0 to a high number like > 900). Yes, I actually have two of them. My peak flow has been pretty good, I have consistently been over 300 for the past 4 weeks... even now. It's my pulse-ox readings that are so low.... > With the peak flow, there will be a small chart which > will tell you by your weight and height (i think) what > is normal for you. If you blow below that number, > then you must start using your nebulizer and call your > doctor. That is a HIGH sign telling you that you are > having problems or are going too. Some people use > nebulizer every day there whole life, I don't. Oh, yukk!!! > The > reason for this is because I am so aware of my asthma > that I can prevent an attack. I hope I can learn this..... > Your doctor will be able to give you exercises. For > me, the exercises did not work since I use only one > lung and that my body is so use to it. Make sure you > tell the doctor you want exercises for your asthma. > These exercises will make your chest, chest muscles, > lungs, etc. strong. They gave me breathing exercises, and I try to remember to them. I had just joined the YMCA a few weeks before I had my first attack. Doing a light workout did make me feel better, but swimming was hard. But my breathing has been so labored that my doctors haven't let me go to the Y since the end of June. I was walking every evening with my husband, but now I can't even do that. > Cindi, I highly recommend you using a vaporlizer (hot > steam of course!), finding out if you have allergies > and getting medications for it, peak flow, keeping a > journal so you will come to understand and aware of > your attacks. Well, everything I have mention above, > I highly recommend. You have given me so many great suggestion.... this is exactly what I needed. > LOL. Okay, I gave you a lot of information and tips. > I could go on forever with this. But, the email is > pretty long. If you have ANY questions, exercises, > ANY medications, what to do when the doctor wants to > do something you are not comfortable, etc. you can ask > me. Okay, one more question. Any suggestions on how to sleep comfortably? Every time I lie down, I start coughing. I use three pillows to prop myself up, and using the oxygen at night (actually I'm on it all the time now...something else I hate), and the cough syrup has helped. Anything else I could or should be doing? > I can tell you about everything you ever will need to > know. You should write a book!!! Most books of this nature are from doctors how don't have asthma. -- Ble§§ings, Cindi " Put a Smile on your Face, make the World a better Place " " My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness. " - The Dalai Lama " ...show me the path of my life. " (Psalms 16:11) " An it harm none, do as ye will. " " Imagine if we were all alike.... how boring! Embrace our diversity. " My Webpage: http://www.angelfire.com/wa/wafstetworld/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2000 Report Share Posted August 6, 2000 " I have had two runs to the ER, but so far no hospitalization. But my doctor is threatening it. He knows how much I don't want to be there.... I know and everyone in our group knows how scaring it is to have a doctor threaten to put you in the hospital. I remember the day pretty well when I had to go in the hospital when I was in 5th grade. The doctor did many testing and I had done about 4 nebulizer treatments. No improvement. She walked in the room and held my hand. She said in a nice soft voice that she has done everything she could. The only thing that could help me is going to the hospital. I forced my tears away until she walked out of the room so my mother and I could talk about it. I bawled my eyes out. I was so scared. Why I was so scared was because exactly a year ago, my close grandmother died in a hospital. So, of course being a little confused child, I thought the same would happen to me. The doctor came back I was still crying. Mother explained and the doctor told me that I could try to go home. But if I feel just a little bit worse, I would go in. I promised her. I did not make it out of the city. I was in for a week. When your doctor threatens, try not to be upset. I know that is hard because I know I am at risk this very second on having to be admitted in. But, hospitals does wonders. They really do. I know that if I would of went home and not of told my mother that I was not going to make that day, I would of died. Try not to be scared. Be glad that people are willing to help and serve you until you are well. I know, easier said then done. " Yes, I'm on my fifth round of steroids... " One year, I was on steroids for about nine months straight. I had another attack and the doctor had no clue what to do. She knew steroids would help, but I had been on them way to long. Steroids is not something new for me. Steroids do wonders. It is my only hope I have to keep me out of the hospital. Not that I don't like hospitals, but if I am in a hospital I am at high risk because of my tricky asthma. If you go in a hospital it does not mean YOU are at high risk. I am just always am. " I haven't been on any meds or in halers for two years, until this past March. Then I got a cold and sinus infection " NEVER STOP USING YOUR MEDS. If you have not had problems for a few months, you can be put on meds that are a little weaker. The list of medications you gave me that you use, that I remember of, you are using at least one prevention meds. The prevention medication must be used no matter what. " I'm one of those who is constantly on the go. " Me too! I hate having to be coped up in the house, but I know that if I don't, I am at high risk. So, I have my mother get me different things, arts and crafts, books, movies, games, etc. I still go crazy. lol " I have been ignoring most of my attacks until they get severe. " I use to do the same thing. That was when I was a kid though. I just ignored the small attacks or warnings because 1. embarrassed 2. friends, relatives, teachers did not understand 3. being told that I am making it up 3. because I did want to be sick. But ignoring the small ones lead you into trouble. " Do you get shaky or jittery after a nebulizer treatment? " Hmm... for in halers, I use to get shaky or jittery. But know my body is so use to them that I am not. In fact, you can only do three puffs, I have to use more then that for the in halers to have an affect. Nebulizer, I can not stand for a second or I will faint. During and after I feel shaky or jittery. Not all the time, well about half of the time. When you are use to doing nebulizers, you will get less shaky and jittery. When you get shaky or jittery that is kind of a good sign. That means your lungs are getting and reacting to the medication. But you must watch it closely, so you do not faint. If you every faint, you must contact your doctor immediately. " Hot steamy showers have been my god-send. " Steamy showers are good. I still recommend a hot steam vaporizer. The good thing with the vaporizer is that you do not have to take a shower. Your lungs will receive the steam it needs in no more then two minutes. " I did get a cold steam one, and it was better than nothing. " Cold Steam Vaporizer does work. It does not work as well as the hot steam. What the cold steam works the best for is putting more moisture in the air. The more moisture you get in your lungs the better. But if the moisture is hot, that is even better. " I was tested for allergies about 16 years. I haven't had too much problem with them, and Allegra has always seem to help. The doctor thinks my reflux and sinus problems could be contributing to my asthma " 16 years ago is a long time for allergies. I have severe allergies as well. I was tested when I was about seven years old. They had five pages of things I am allergic to. I am allergic to every season. I am allergic to tomatoes and tomatoes never affect my allergies. Another thing you have to learn is that allergies is very tricky when you have asthma too. You may not get stuffy, running noses, sore eyes, etc. But you lungs, your asthma can be affected still. A lot of asthma attacks are brought on my allergies. If you don't feel your allergies bothering you, your lungs do. Any illness no matter how mild can/will affect your asthma. Sinus's is a biggy. With sinus's you more and likely have drainage. Drainage (snot) will go to your lungs and affect your asthma. " We cleaned the bedroom out completely, moved all the knick knacks and books I had in there. " When i was a kid, the doctor ordered for me to get rid of the carpet in my room and go with wood floors. She wanted me to get ride of all my stuff animals, pictures, anything that can collect dust. I refused and I still have carpet and any thing else I want in my room. Try telling a little kid that they could not have any toys in their room! what a crock! But having less things in your room is the best. Dust is another biggy. " This is all so new to me, so I have to learn this. I just hate the idea that I may have to deal with this for the rest of my life...... " I felt the same way. But once you know and understand your asthma, it will be a lot easier. A life is not a life without having to 'deal' with something. i do not worry about my asthma right now, i worry a little bit when I am older 70+. You will learn your asthma and then you'll feel better about it. give it time. do what i suggested, start a journal. " My peak flow has been pretty good, I have consistently been over 300 for the past 4 weeks... " Do not stop using your peak flows. When I had no help with my asthma and finally found a doctor, the doctor was utterly shocked. she had me do a peak flow and i could not even move it. after her treating me for a year (i was her challenging patient), i could only blow it up to 100. the highest i have ever blow is 390. my average is about 320. my very severe HURTFUL attack I had yesterday, i could only blow it up to 160. I do not know what your doctor told you what you should be blowing, and i do not mean to scare you, but 300 is low. i do not know your height or weight but still 300 is low. " They gave me breathing exercises, and I try to remember to them. Doing a light workout did make me feel better, but swimming was hard. I was walking every evening with my husband, but now I can't even do that. " Swimming could help if it is a heated pool. Walking is one of the worst things you can do with asthma. " Any suggestions on how to sleep comfortably? Every time I lie down, I start coughing. I use three pillows to prop myself up " The correct position for resting with asthma is sitting up. When you sit up, you allow more blood to run through your system as well as air. That is why when you lay down you start wheezing, chest pain increase, or coughing more. The attack I had yesterday started in the morning and did not get over until the steroids were in my system (around 6 pm). I tried lie down and BOOM! I could not breath. Everything got worse. My face, lips tingled, and my lips and fingertips turned blue. I knew I was suffacating. So, I made myself cry. Crying is bad to do when you are having problems with your asthma. But naturally when a person cries, they breath deeper no matter what. You can not stop yourself from breathing deeper. I knew that I had to get oxygen and get it fast. So I made myself cry. After a few minutes of crying, I started feeling better. Anyways, the best way to sleep is sitting up. If you can not do that, which I completely understand, then go to bed at the right time. Go to bed when your asthma has decreased. Night time brings asthma on big time. Before you go to bed, try to loosen up your lungs. drink your cups of tea, soup, take a shower, etc. oh, massaging your chest can work too. do not force yourself. if you have done all of this, and it still does not work. get up. perhaps you will accidently fall asleep in the chair as you watch a movie. the things i have already mention is really the only thing you can try. like i said before, night time is the worst time for asthma. sometimes, it is just better to stay awake during the night and early morning and then sleep during the day. I have had to do that many times. laying down can cause a severe attack. okay, i know you are probably going to scream when i mention a hot steam vaporlizer, but i just can't help myself, it does wonders. Having a hot steam going while you are trying to sleep and during when you are sleep will help your lungs not to tighten. which could prevent you waking up at 2 in the morning with another attack. i say the best thing is to get one of those beds that you can move it up into a half or full sitting position. i know those cost a lot though. the best i and anyone can tell you is to prop yourself up high and try to loosen your lungs before you go to bed. Don't fight it though. Asthma gets worse at night. There is hardly anything you can do about it. It will come when it wants to without your permission. So, the best thing to do is stay awake as if it was day time and then catch up on your sleep when night and early morn is over. " You should write a book!!! Most books of this nature are from doctors how don't have asthma. " Funny you say that. Actually I am a writer. I have written over ten romance novels. i have thought many times about writing that type of book. In my eyes, you do not fully understand any illness unless you have it. even if you treat and help a person with an illness for several years. doctors that do not have asthma can only tell what they were taught in medical school. first hand is always better. I will write a book about that, but i decided to wait until i am older. i could write a thousand page book easy! Okay I just have to tell you one thing. But first I will say that it sounds like you have a pretty good doctor. Never let a doctor tell you that they are right and you are wrong. Tell your doctor everything and make sure your doctor and you solve it. Only you are experiencing what is going on, not the doctor. Okay, i hope i've helped. feel free to ask any more. keep me up to date too. love, leigh > > " Put a Smile on your Face, make the World a better > Place " > " My religion is very simple. My religion is > kindness. " - The Dalai > Lama > " ...show me the path of my life. " (Psalms 16:11) > " An it harm none, do as ye will. " > " Imagine if we were all alike.... how boring! > Embrace our diversity. " > My Webpage: > http://www.angelfire.com/wa/wafstetworld/ > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2000 Report Share Posted August 6, 2000 > TLS wrote: > > " I have had two runs to the ER, but so far no > hospitalization. But my doctor is threatening it. He > knows how much I don't want to be there.... > When your > doctor threatens, try not to be upset. I know that is > hard because I know I am at risk this very second on > having to be admitted in. But, hospitals does > wonders. They really do. I know that if I would of > went home and not of told my mother that I was not > going to make that day, I would of died. > Try not to be scared. Be glad that people are willing > to help and serve you until you are well. I know, > easier said then done. Oh, I'm not scared. I spent three weeks in the hospital 13 years ago after a near-fatal car accident, and then another week after a pulmonary embolism. I also have ADD and hate the idea of being BORED! I can't have my computer there, be online, all that stuff. Pretty silly, huh? But after having to lay low for so many weeks, when I'm normally very active, I get bored very easily. If it wasn't for me e-mail and the interaction with people that way, I would be bonkers by now. > " Yes, I'm on my fifth round of steroids... " > > One year, I was on steroids for about nine months > straight. I had another attack and the doctor had no > clue what to do. She knew steroids would help, but I > had been on them way to long. Steroids is not > something new for me. Steroids do wonders. It is my > only hope I have to keep me out of the hospital. Not > that I don't like hospitals, but if I am in a hospital > I am at high risk because of my tricky asthma. If you > go in a hospital it does not mean YOU are at high > risk. Wow, 9 months! Did you have any adverse reactions for them? > " I haven't been on any meds or in halers for two > years, until this past March. Then I got a cold and > sinus infection " > > NEVER STOP USING YOUR MEDS. If you have not had > problems for a few months, you can be put on meds that > are a little weaker. The list of medications you gave > me that you use, that I remember of, you are using at > least one prevention meds. The prevention medication > must be used no matter what. The doctor took me off them. But since I'm seeing a pulmonary expert now, he's the same one who treated me for the embolism, I have a feeling I'll never go off of these again..... > " I'm one of those who is constantly on the go. " > > Me too! I hate having to be coped up in the house, > but I know that if I don't, I am at high risk. So, I > have my mother get me different things, arts and > crafts, books, movies, games, etc. I still go crazy. > lol I don't mind being at home, actually I looked forward to being home and doing all the things you listed. But I haven't had any energy to do any of them. I have tons of crafts and needlework projects I want to do, but I'm so tired. I have been working on my genealogy, since I can do most of that on the computer. > " I have been ignoring most of my attacks until they > get severe. " > > I use to do the same thing. That was when I was a kid > though. I just ignored the small attacks or warnings > because 1. embarrassed 2. friends, relatives, > teachers did not understand 3. being told that I am > making it up 3. because I did want to be sick. But > ignoring the small ones lead you into trouble. Yes, yes, yes...... I don't look sick, or at least I didn't, so I'm afraid people think I'm just being lazy. But I hate anyone seeing me with the oxygen on, either. > " Do you get shaky or jittery after a nebulizer > treatment? " > > Hmm... for in halers, I use to get shaky or jittery. > But know my body is so use to them that I am not. In > fact, you can only do three puffs, I have to use more > then that for the in halers to have an affect. > Nebulizer, I can not stand for a second or I will > faint. During and after I feel shaky or jittery. Not > all the time, well about half of the time. When you > are use to doing nebulizers, you will get less shaky > and jittery. When you get shaky or jittery that is > kind of a good sign. That's what the nurse said.... > That means your lungs are > getting and reacting to the medication. But you must > watch it closely, so you do not faint. If you every > faint, you must contact your doctor immediately. I haven't fainted so far. I tend to do the nebulizer while I'm watching a movie, when I'm done I just relax for the rest of the movie. So far so good. > " Hot steamy showers have been my god-send. " > > Steamy showers are good. I still recommend a hot > steam vaporizer. The good thing with the vaporizer is > that you do not have to take a shower. Your lungs > will receive the steam it needs in no more then two > minutes. > > " I did get a cold steam one, and it was better than > nothing. " > > Cold Steam Vaporizer does work. It does not work as > well as the hot steam. What the cold steam works the > best for is putting more moisture in the air. The > more moisture you get in your lungs the better. But > if the moisture is hot, that is even better. That's kind of what I found out..... > " I was tested for allergies about 16 years. I haven't > had too much problem with them, and Allegra has always > seem to help. The doctor thinks my reflux and sinus > problems could be contributing to my asthma " > > 16 years ago is a long time for allergies. I have > severe allergies as well. I was tested when I was > about seven years old. They had five pages of things > I am allergic to. I am allergic to every season. Yes, I'm allergic to every season as well; alder trees, grasses, molds, dust, and rabbit fur..... > I > am allergic to tomatoes and tomatoes never affect my > allergies. Another thing you have to learn is that > allergies is very tricky when you have asthma too. > You may not get stuffy, running noses, sore eyes, etc. > But you lungs, your asthma can be affected still. A > lot of asthma attacks are brought on my allergies. If > you don't feel your allergies bothering you, your > lungs do. Dust really seems to trigger mine. Fortunately, my husband does all of the dusting and vacuuming, as well as all the yard work. I'm fine with dishes and laundry, and was with bed making, but the doctor suggested that even Tim do that, because of the dust mites. > Any illness no matter how mild can/will affect your > asthma. Sinus's is a biggy. With sinus's you more > and likely have drainage. Drainage (snot) will go to > your lungs and affect your asthma. Yep, I feel like I'm drowning in phlegm..... > " We cleaned the bedroom out completely, moved all the > knick knacks and books I had in there. " > > When i was a kid, the doctor ordered for me to get rid > of the carpet in my room and go with wood floors. She > wanted me to get ride of all my stuff animals, > pictures, anything that can collect dust. I refused > and I still have carpet and any thing else I want in > my room. Try telling a little kid that they could not > have any toys in their room! what a crock! But > having less things in your room is the best. Dust is > another biggy. Yes, my doctor recommended getting rid of the carpet too, but I won't. We will be building a new house in two years and I'm researching materials that will be helpful for my asthma and allergies. No carpeting but lots of wood, glass, tile and ceramic. > " This is all so new to me, so I have to learn this. I > just hate the idea that I may have to deal with this > for the rest of my life...... " > > I felt the same way. But once you know and understand > your asthma, it will be a lot easier. A life is not a > life without having to 'deal' with something. i do > not worry about my asthma right now, i worry a little > bit when I am older 70+. You will learn your asthma > and then you'll feel better about it. give it time. > do what i suggested, start a journal. Yes, I will do that..... > " My peak flow has been pretty good, I have > consistently been over 300 for the past 4 weeks... " > > Do not stop using your peak flows. When I had no help > with my asthma and finally found a doctor, the doctor > was utterly shocked. she had me do a peak flow and i > could not even move it. after her treating me for a > year (i was her challenging patient), i could only > blow it up to 100. the highest i have ever blow is > 390. my average is about 320. my very severe HURTFUL > attack I had yesterday, i could only blow it up to > 160. I do not know what your doctor told you what you > should be blowing, and i do not mean to scare you, but > 300 is low. i do not know your height or weight but > still 300 is low. About 6 weeks ago I was only getting to about 170. So I feel I've made progress at the 300's.... > " They gave me breathing exercises, and I try to > remember to them. Doing a light workout did make me > feel better, but swimming was hard. I was walking > every evening with my husband, but now I can't even do > that. " > > Swimming could help if it is a heated pool. Walking > is one of the worst things you can do with asthma. yes, the pool is heated.. it's quite warm. But I felt very tight when I swam. I didn't realize that about walking... I thought that would be good. I walk in the evening when it is cooler and the construction workers are gone. There isn't much I can do, exercise wise. I broke my leg in four places 13 years ago in the car accident. I was told I would never walk again, so I'm happy I can. But it does limit me on what I can do. > " Any suggestions on how to sleep comfortably? Every > time I lie down, I start coughing. I use three > pillows to prop myself up " > > The correct position for resting with asthma is > sitting up. When you sit up, you allow more blood to > run through your system as well as air. Sitting straight up? How do you do that? It's hard, I'm normally a stomach sleeper. I know, that's terrible for your back, too. > That is why > when you lay down you start wheezing, chest pain > increase, or coughing more. The attack I had yesterday > started in the morning and did not get over until the > steroids were in my system (around 6 pm). I tried lie > down and BOOM! I could not breath. Everything got > worse. My face, lips tingled, and my lips and > fingertips turned blue. I knew I was suffacating. > So, I made myself cry. > Crying is bad to do when you are having problems with > your asthma. But naturally when a person cries, they > breath deeper no matter what. You can not stop > yourself from breathing deeper. I knew that I had to > get oxygen and get it fast. So I made myself cry. > After a few minutes of crying, I started feeling > better. Crying made me feel even short of breath the other day. I couldn't catch my breath at all!!! > Anyways, the best way to sleep is sitting up. > If you can not do that, which I completely understand, > then go to bed at the right time. Go to bed when your > asthma has decreased. Night time brings asthma on big > time. Before you go to bed, try to loosen up your > lungs. drink your cups of tea, soup, take a shower, Yes, I have been taking a long hot steamy shower and have my tea while a read before I go to sleep. I have my oxygen on, and that seems to help the coughing too. > etc. oh, massaging your chest can work too. What kind of massaging? With something? > do not > force yourself. if you have done all of this, and it > still does not work. get up. perhaps you will > accidently fall asleep in the chair as you watch a > movie. I have done this several times. But I hate to fall a sleep in the family room. It hasn't been cleaned out like my bedroom has yet. > the things i have already mention is really > the only thing you can try. like i said before, night > time is the worst time for asthma. sometimes, it is > just better to stay awake during the night and early > morning and then sleep during the day. I do this quite often. I'm a night person anyway. Lately my bedroom has gotten quite hot.... the construction cut down all the trees by our house that used to keep us nice and cool. The good side tho, is that they were the dreaded alder trees that I'm allergic too. But my husband has been putting a fan on in the bedroom in the morning when he gets up and keeps the drapes and curtains closed in the whole house. That has kept it cooler. I slept until 3pm today and it felt wonderful! > I have had to > do that many times. laying down can cause a severe > attack. okay, i know you are probably going to scream > when i mention a hot steam vaporlizer, but i just > can't help myself, it does wonders. Having a hot > steam going while you are trying to sleep and during > when you are sleep will help your lungs not to > tighten. which could prevent you waking up at 2 in > the morning with another attack. i say the best thing > is to get one of those beds that you can move it up > into a half or full sitting position. i know those > cost a lot though. the best i and anyone can tell you > is to prop yourself up high and try to loosen your > lungs before you go to bed. Most of my attacks haven't happened at night, but in the morning or afternoon. If I can get to sleep and stay asleep, I seem to to pretty good. It's being up and moving around too much or too fast. Climbing the stairs has been a real killer. I swear, in the next house I'm installing an elevator...... > Don't fight it though. Asthma gets worse at night. > There is hardly anything you can do about it. It will > come when it wants to without your permission. So, > the best thing to do is stay awake as if it was day > time and then catch up on your sleep when night and > early morn is over. Yes, that I am learning very quickly! > " You should write a book!!! Most books of this nature > are from doctors how don't have asthma. " > > Funny you say that. Actually I am a writer. I have > written over ten romance novels. i have thought many > times about writing that type of book. In my eyes, > you do not fully understand any illness unless you > have it. even if you treat and help a person with an > illness for several years. doctors that do not have > asthma can only tell what they were taught in medical > school. first hand is always better. I will write a > book about that, but i decided to wait until i am > older. i could write a thousand page book easy! I don't know, you seem to have a handle on it now, and you advice and suggestions are extremely valuable. You should start writing it now, especially since you are already an established writer. > Okay I just have to tell you one thing. But first I > will say that it sounds like you have a pretty good > doctor. Never let a doctor tell you that they are > right and you are wrong. Tell your doctor everything > and make sure your doctor and you solve it. Only you > are experiencing what is going on, not the doctor. Yes, the pulmonary specialists does seem to know his job well. I think my GP isn't quite up on asthma, which is why she sent me to the specialist, for which I'm grateful. > Okay, i hope i've helped. feel free to ask any more. > keep me up to date too. You have very much. Thank you! -- Ble§§ings, Cindi/Epona in §eattle " Put a Smile on your Face, make the World a better Place " " My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness. " - The Dalai Lama " ...show me the path of my life. " (Psalms 16:11) " An it harm none, do as ye will. " " Imagine if we were all alike.... how boring! Embrace our diversity. " My Webpage: http://www.angelfire.com/wa/wafstetworld/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2000 Report Share Posted August 6, 2000 Hi Cindi & Leigh , > > Hi, it is nice to have you in our group! Welcome to the list! Thank you for the welcome, Leigh Since we had no help from doctors, the only thing I could do was drink lots of hot tea or coco. Actually, this was very common for a long time. That is one of the things that are considered "try at home" things if you can. When my allergies were being wicked, I was never given grief about drinking my Mountain Dew, because the caffeine helps to open up your airways. Nebulizers can do miracles. They will not cure it, or improve it in one day. They work a lot better then inhalers. I would be dead without my nebulizers! I can't use inhalers because of the preservatives, and also they do NOT work fast enough. Instant thrush was a downer big time too! I've had nebulizer treatments in the ER and my doctor's office. The doctor finally ordered a machine for me yesterday, to do four times a day. But the coughing is what is really getting to me. I'm oxygen now 24/7, which really seems to help, plus Robitussan cough syrup. I'm finally getting some sleep. Why are you on oxygen? I have oxygen too, mine is for my allergies, so I don't wear it 24/7! But when I am out and about... it is on, or I get into lots of trouble (with my doctors, but mostly with my friends) because I am begging for ICU admission when I don't wear it while out and about! When it comes to my big allergic reactions, it makes the difference between my staying home, and me having to go to the ER! I have been on every asthma inhaler and not that many have worked for me. Right now I am taking Broncho Saline and Albuterol Sulfate for the nebulizer. yep, this is what I'm using too... > Inhalers I am taking Pulmicort Turbuhaler and Albuterol. Yes, me too. Pulmicort is an unusual delivery system, isn't it? I'm also on Seravent and AzmaCort. For pills, I am taking Singulair and Deltasone. In the past I have taken Intal, Asthmacourt, Tilade (do not recommend, tastes REALLY bad!!), Acculate, and many others. I haven't been on oral meds for over 3 years. The last ones I had were Theodur. I am on Singulair, but I do NOT have asthma! For me... it helps to decrease the severity of my allergic reactions... But when we thought I was pregnant, they were going to make me stop taking Singulair because there is not enough known about the drug to know if it is safe during pregnancy. I was told that it probably would be safe, but no one knows. But if your asthma were to get out of control, it would be more dangerous for both you and your children!!! Asthma is lower airway, my allergies are all upper airway... but if they are not treated right away, or if I am truly "screwed" by my allergies, they pass from the upper airway, and continue down into my lungs... which usually means ICU admission! When my asthma acts up I usually have to be put on stairoids or will be in the hospital. Yes, I'm on my fifth round of steriods...Prednisone. I know how toxic this stuff is to the rest of your body, but they really do make me feel better. Steroids, those are bad words in my book! I was on steroids for 18 months straight, so I have a monster case of Cushings Syndrome. I have been without any steroids other than topical... like hydrocortisone into my ear.... since January 2000! Cindi, something that you will realize and learn to deal with is that an attack can happen when ever it wants too. Your health could be 100% one minute and the next, BOOM, asthma attack. Yah, that is what it is like having all my pretty allergies! And unfortunately, since I am fine one minute and fighting to breathe the next... often I am not believed! Or by the time I am believed, I am in BIG TROUBLE!!! I'm finding this out. I haven't been on any meds or inhalers for two years, until this past March. Then I got a cold and sinus infection, and, like you said, Bamm! I had a bad asthma attack, that only got worse. Now, I've have pneumonia for the second time in 4 months, plus had bronchitis. It's like my lungs and airways are saying "ENOUGH!!" Here are a few things that can help when you are having problems. Carry your inhalers every where you go. Keep them handy in your house even. When you feel your chest tighten, ache, out of breath, or wheezing, take them! I've started doing that. I'm not having a big problem with feeling tightness in my chest, or with wheezing. Everyone tells me that I'm getting air to the bottom of my lungs, it's that it just doesn't go anywhere after that! I had two pulmonary function tests, and the first one was very low scores, and the second one was still low, but with some improvement. Not sure what all that means, tho. > Even if the inhaler worked, take it easy for the rest > of the day. This is what I do need to learn. I'm one of those who is constantly on the go. Fortunately, I just "retired" from my job. It's a good thing, or I would be taking a lot of sick time off. > A tiny attack can come back just as easy > as a severe one. That is me to a "T"! When my allergies are really set off... it takes multiple hours, if not multiple days to break my allergic reactions completely! And I rebound FAST! Those are the times that I am admitted in a heart beat... if I had any energy... I'd be fighting it up one side and down the other!!! Yelling, screaming, etc. but by the time I relent, and allow my friends or whomever to call for ALS assistance... I am so far gone that FUBAR should be my middle name! Something else I need to learn. I have been ignoring most of my attacks until they get severe. My doctor is not pleased with me. *S* I agree! But "Do what I say, not as I do" is my motto! > Note: Make sure you follow your > directions on taking the inhalers. Taking to much can > cause your asthma to act up more. This goes for > nebulizers. I can not stand up and take a nebulizer > (you are not suppose to stand up), if I stand up just > to get something, stand up for a few seconds, I get an > overdose and I faint. This goes for inhalers and > nebulizers. No, I have to be sitting for both as well. Do you get shaky or jittery after a nebulizer treatment? I shake like %$$%* & ^* & !! When I am nebulized with Albuterol! It makes me shake, but 99% of the time, it does NOT help my breathing in the least bit! > Also, vapor rub helps. Granted I do not have asthma... but if I tried to use vapo rub.... I could kiss breathing ever again good bye! Found out I was allergic to eucalyptus and camphor the HARD WAY!!! 911 bound! This is a great suggestion. Maybe I'll get an idea of what might be triggering my attacks. The doctor asked me and I had no clue! I do this, sometimes the ER doctors think it is a good thing, other times I just get treated like a raving lunatic!!! My family doctor, he is just convinced I am a raving lunatic! But I have NO problem telling him what I think of him and his ideas 99% of time. I don't want a different doctor though, because all though we rarely agree.... I do get to have my say, and I get to fight for what I think, I need! He asked me one time which one of us was the doctor.... and my response was... "You are, but I am the one that has to put up with the shit you cause me!, So I will fight for what I believe I NEED!" He doesn't ask stupid questions anymore, because he gets stupid answers back! Many people have severe asthma, but everyone's is differnet. Many people do not consider asthma a serious problem, and don't pay attention when the attacks start. I have actually been to cardiac arrest calls that had started as asthma attack, that no one took seriously! I had the family come into the ER after we pronounced their wife/mom, there had been a big fight going on between the husband and teenage kids, when the attack started, and no one took her seriously... not even when she went down, until they realized that she wasn't screwing around... she was in full cardiac arrest by the time her family took her seriously, and 45 minutes after arrival to the ER, she was pronounced dead... she was 38 years old. The reason for this is because I am so aware of my asthma that I can prevent an attack. I know a lot about allergies... not just from having them, I know about them from both the patient's standpoint, and from the "rescuer" standpoint. Both can be rather scary!! Okay, one more question. Any suggestions on how to sleep comfortably? Every time I lie down, I start coughing. I use three pillows to prop myself up, and using the oxygen at night (actually I'm on it all the time now...something else I hate), and the cough syrup has helped. Anything else I could or should be doing? When little kids get lots of ear infections many doctors will tell the parents to put one end of the crib up on risers... but you can do this to your bed also, and phone books work really good! When my I had a really wicked ear infection and a major respiratory infection that was the only way I was able to sleep, for more months than I care to think about. Between my pillows, and the head of my bed being raised, I was finally able to sleep somewhere other than in my recliner. But that is another idea too. I hope I was of help too, to someone! Have a great night! Funny, I am actually typing this at 0600 (6 am) so it is no longer really night! Love Always, Anne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2000 Report Share Posted August 6, 2000 > " Anne . " wrote: > Welcome to the list! Hi, Anne, and thanks. > > Nebulizers can do miracles. They will not cure it, or improve it in > > one day. They work a lot better then inhalers. > > I would be dead without my nebulizers! I can't use inhalers because > of the preservatives, and also they do NOT work fast enough. Instant > thrush was a downer big time too! My inhalers work some of the time, I haven't seen big improvement with the nebulizer, but I'm using it anyway. So far the only big difference I see is from the Prednisone, cough syrup and oxygen. > Why are you on oxygen? Because I was breathing so hard and my pulse-ox was so low. > I have oxygen too, mine is for my allergies, so I don't wear it 24/7! > But when I am out and about... it is on, or I get into lots of trouble > (with my doctors, but mostly with my friends) because I am begging for > ICU admission when I don't wear it while out and about! I'm finding now I can take it off while I'm sitting quietly, like reading, watching a movie or sitting at the computer. But I still need while I walk or move around. > I am on Singulair, but I do NOT have asthma! For me... it helps to > decrease the severity of my allergic reactions... > But when we thought I was pregnant, they were going to make me stop > taking Singulair because there is not enough known about the drug to > know if it is safe during pregnancy. I was told that it probably > would be safe, but no one knows. > But if your asthma were to get out of control, it would be more > dangerous for both you and your children!!! Are they sure you don't have asthma as well as allergies? I have both. Have you had scratch tests to see what things you are allergic to? Do you have food allergies too? > Steroids, those are bad words in my book! I was on steroids for 18 > months straight, so I have a monster case of Cushings Syndrome. I > have been without any steroids other than topical... like > hydrocortisone into my ear.... since January 2000! I know, I do worry about it. But they do make me feel better. I'm only on them for a week at a time, so I'm hoping that won't be too damaging. > > No, I have to be sitting for both as well. Do you get shaky or > > jittery > > after a nebulizer treatment? > > I shake like %$$%* & ^* & !! When I am nebulized with Albuterol! It makes > me shake, but 99% of the time, it does NOT help my breathing in the > least bit! Do you use something else in your nebulizer then? > > > Also, vapor rub helps. > > Granted I do not have asthma... but if I tried to use vapo rub.... I > could kiss breathing ever again good bye! Found out I was allergic to > eucalyptus and camphor the HARD WAY!!! Oh, wow, your allergies get coming and going..... > Many people do not consider asthma a serious problem, and don't pay > attention when the attacks start. You know, I didn't. I certainly do now! > > The reason for this is because I am so aware of my asthma that I can > > prevent an attack. > > I know a lot about allergies... not just from having them, I know > about them from both the patient's standpoint, and from the " rescuer " > standpoint. Both can be rather scary!! Are you a paramedic? My son starts college this fall, and wants to be a doctor. I keep telling him to hurry up thru college and med school so he can cure his mother. > When little kids get lots of ear infections many doctors will tell the > parents to put one end of the crib up on risers... but you can do this > to your bed also, and phone books work really good! I thought about that, but I share my bed with my husband and he can't handle being propped up like that. > When my I had a really wicked ear infection and a major respiratory > infection that was the only way I was able to sleep, for more months > than I care to think about. Between my pillows, and the head of my > bed being raised, I was finally able to sleep somewhere other than in > my recliner. But that is another idea too. Our recliner is so uncomfortable. I tried using my deck lounge, but that was uncomfortable too. Actually, last night I slept very well, without having to get up every four hours. I feel pretty good now. Don't worry, I am taking it easy. I'm not good enough to do much, but it's a definite improvement. > I hope I was of help too, to someone! > Have a great night! Funny, I am actually typing this at 0600 (6 am) > so it is no longer really night! I know, I was up until 3:30am, went up took my shower, read for a bit, so I think it was about 5am when I finally turned the light off. The sun was just starting to come up..... -- Ble§§ings, Cindi in §eattle " Put a Smile on your Face, make the World a better Place " " My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness. " - The Dalai Lama " ...show me the path of my life. " (Psalms 16:11) " An it harm none, do as ye will. " " Imagine if we were all alike.... how boring! Embrace our diversity. " My Webpage: http://www.angelfire.com/wa/wafstetworld/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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