Guest guest Posted August 14, 2008 Report Share Posted August 14, 2008 Marge, It is best to listen to everyone on this site. I don't know what all the reports and numbers mean but when you blow a 100 on the PF Meter the one you hold yourself at night and blow into to measure your own air flow, 100 would be low. If it was some other measurement then it might be okay. But if you are breathing shallow from the top of your lungs that is not good that was how I was in my first diagnosis and my lungs were in bad shape overall in a pretty bad attack where I should of been hospitalized. Don't want to scare you but you shouldn't be breating shallow; deep breaths down to your diaphram is how you should breath, you don't even realize you are breathing wrong until you learn waht breathing right is. Subject: asthma doctorsTo: asthma Date: Thursday, August 14, 2008, 10:14 PM  I am feeling so bad and so tired of feeling so bad. I was feeling better yesterday and starting this afternoon I am feeling increasingly worse with time. What type of specialist would you say is the best to treat asthma? I have an allergist and a PC. My PC leaves a lot to be desired. I have read where some of you use something to measure how you are breathing. When you talk about numbers, I have no idea what you are talking about. I am thinking one of my doctors should have told me to get one of these, but they have not. I am really beginning to believe these doctors have really left me in the dark. I have been doing some research on asthma and beginning to think maybe I should see another doctor. Any suggestions? Marge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 14, 2008 Report Share Posted August 14, 2008 Yes..the breathing shallow is not good at all. This is what DH has been doing and it has landed him in the hospital many many times. He has chest pain so he won't breathe deep because it hurts and then he doesn't fill his lungs and it leaves him wide open for pneumonia and then the pain gets worse. Very vicious cycle! Rhonda~ --------- asthma doctorsTo: asthma Date: Thursday, August 14, 2008, 10:14 PM  I am feeling so bad and so tired of feeling so bad. I was feeling better yesterday and starting this afternoon I am feeling increasingly worse with time. What type of specialist would you say is the best to treat asthma? I have an allergist and a PC. My PC leaves a lot to be desired. I have read where some of you use something to measure how you are breathing. When you talk about numbers, I have no idea what you are talking about. I am thinking one of my doctors should have told me to get one of these, but they have not. I am really beginning to believe these doctors have really left me in the dark. I have been doing some research on asthma and beginning to think maybe I should see another doctor. Any suggestions? Marge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 14, 2008 Report Share Posted August 14, 2008  - Can I buy a PF Meter or do I need an Rx for it? I can breathe into my lungs, but it causes a 'tickle' that makes me cough. It just doesn't feel right. I know I sound so stupid. I really think I have had this for a long time. I just didn't know what was wrong with me. I have had a couple of wrong dx and now wondering if this has been my problem all along. Thanks, Marge MMR asthma doctorsTo: asthma Date: Thursday, August 14, 2008, 10:14 PM  I am feeling so bad and so tired of feeling so bad. I was feeling better yesterday and starting this afternoon I am feeling increasingly worse with time. What type of specialist would you say is the best to treat asthma? I have an allergist and a PC. My PC leaves a lot to be desired. I have read where some of you use something to measure how you are breathing. When you talk about numbers, I have no idea what you are talking about. I am thinking one of my doctors should have told me to get one of these, but they have not. I am really beginning to believe these doctors have really left me in the dark. I have been doing some research on asthma and beginning to think maybe I should see another doctor. Any suggestions? Marge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 14, 2008 Report Share Posted August 14, 2008 Your doctor should give you a PF meter, but if they haven't you can get them at any home medical place. Amazon has a great digital one (I love mine), and no you don't need a prescription. As for asthma doctors, I see my PCP who is an internist, a pulmonologist and an asthma/allergy/immunology specialist. I also have an ENT when I need him, a gastroenterologist, an endocrinologist & an orthopedic surgeon. My three primary drs -- PCP, pulmonologist & asthma dr -- all confer with each other about treatment and send each other updates. Heck, my orthopedic surgeon won't even consider doing surgery on me without talking to my PCP & pulmonologist first! I think a pulmonologist would probably be a good start for you. He/she should set you up with an asthma action plan, a peakflow meter and decide if your asthma meds are appropriate. An asthma specialist is good too, but there are not as many of them around. You can usually find a good pulmonologist within driving distance. Good luck and take care of yourself!!!! :-) Kathleen > > > Subject: asthma doctors > To: asthma > Date: Thursday, August 14, 2008, 10:14 PM > > >  > I am feeling so bad and so tired of feeling so bad. I was feeling better yesterday and starting this afternoon I am feeling increasingly worse with time. What type of specialist would you say is the best to treat asthma? I have an allergist and a PC. My PC leaves a lot to be desired. I have read where some of you use something to measure how you are breathing. When you talk about numbers, I have no idea what you are talking about. I am thinking one of my doctors should have told me to get one of these, but they have not. I am really beginning to believe these doctors have really left me in the dark. I have been doing some research on asthma and beginning to think maybe I should see another doctor. Any suggestions? > > Marge > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 15, 2008 Report Share Posted August 15, 2008 Hi Marge. My favorite doc is an asthma & allergy specialist. I also see a pulmonologist - who is really not much help. He just takes my money every few months and says follow up with your asthma doc. So....he is pretty much useless, but he is the one who comes to see me in the hospital. So I keep my appointments with him - that way at least he is familiar with what is going on with me. Is your allergy doctor also an asthma specialist. It will say on his card. If not ask for a referral to an asthma specialist. The numbers we keep talking about are called peak flow numbers, and for me (I am what the docs classify as severe) it is imperative that I use my peak flow meter and log my numbers twice a day (more if I am having trouble). Charting your numbers can help predict an acute attack as well providing lots of useful trend information that can be used in adjusting medication and steroid amounts. Peak Flow is the liters per minute you can blow at maximum force, as an asthma attack progresses inflammaton increases and your peak flow will drop. There are all kinds of peak flow meters out there - they are all small and will fit into your purse or car so you can keep it with you - my brand is " & Hambry's " . It is a round cylinder that I blow into on one end & markings up the tube to measure the flow. It is very simple. As far as my numbers are concerned. You should measure your baseline and find an average over a period of several days when you feel good. We did this during a period of quiet/very little asthma activity for me. This was a while back. So my peak goal is 550. Knowing that number, I can look at the colors on my peak flow meter and gauge when to increase rescue/neb meds and/or go to the hospital. Since May my best has been 330 which is in the yellow zone or caution. This morning after using my neb I just blew a 340! WOW!!!! At a flow of 300 (still in yellow - but closer to red) I use my nebulizer immediately then every 6 hours until my flows come up. Below 275 I really monitor and will check my readings at least every half hour or so. Below 250 I increase the albuterol/nebulizer again & if I keep dropping I call an ambulance at 190 or the point when I start barking uncontrollably (I am not a wheezer). This description of my actions is what is called an action plan, and all moderate to severe asthmatics should have spoken with their doctor to set one. Everyone is different and reacts differently to environmental stressors and rescue meds. After a while you will be able to gauge how you are doing without having to blow, but until that time a peak flow meter is a very useful tool. It takes so much of the guess work out of what to do and how you are actually doing. Hope this helped and not confused you more. Madeline > > I am feeling so bad and so tired of feeling so bad. I was feeling better yesterday and starting this afternoon I am feeling increasingly worse with time. What type of specialist would you say is the best to treat asthma? I have an allergist and a PC. My PC leaves a lot to be desired. I have read where some of you use something to measure how you are breathing. When you talk about numbers, I have no idea what you are talking about. I am thinking one of my doctors should have told me to get one of these, but they have not. I am really beginning to believe these doctors have really left me in the dark. I have been doing some research on asthma and beginning to think maybe I should see another doctor. Any suggestions? > > Marge > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 15, 2008 Report Share Posted August 15, 2008 > > From: Marge <maggiemaicomcast (DOT) net> > Subject: asthma doctors > To: asthmayahoogroups (DOT) com > Date: Thursday, August 14, 2008, 10:14 PM > > > > >  > I am feeling so bad and so tired of feeling so bad. I was feeling better yesterday and starting this afternoon I am feeling increasingly worse with time. What type of specialist would you say is the best to treat asthma? I have an allergist and a PC. My PC leaves a lot to be desired. I have read where some of you use something to measure how you are breathing. When you talk about numbers, I have no idea what you are talking about.  I am thinking one of my doctors should have told me to get one of these, but they have not. I am really beginning to believe these doctors have really left me in the dark. I have been doing some research on asthma and beginning to think maybe I should see another doctor. Any suggestions? >  > Marge >Is a PF meteer, is that something like a tube that you blow into and to see how you can blow into it, if not, then tell what it is like. Thanks bernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2008 Report Share Posted August 17, 2008  I would like to thank you all for your advice on an doctors. I tried to find a PF meter yesterday, but in our area all medical supply stores are closed on Saturday. I called every pharmacy within 50 miles an no one had one in stock. The first thing I am going to do tomorrow is find a PF meter. I used the nebulizer for more than the prescribed four days and I still feel like there is something in my airway. I dread calling my doctor because he is so nasty. If my numbers are within the red range, I am going to have to call someone. I may try to get in touch with my allergist. We are supposed to leave for vacation on Wednesday. My husband is not understanding of my issues in any way. I think my anxiety level is high and may be making my asthma worse. As soon as we get back, I am going to find a doctor who understands asthma or I am going to go nuts. Sorry, I apologize for getting OT. Thank you all again, Marge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2008 Report Share Posted August 17, 2008 No, I have not seen this. Thank you again, Marge MMR Re: asthma doctors Hi Marge,Have you seen this?http://www.acamnet.org/site/c.ltJWJ4MPIwE/b.2071557/k.BEDD/Home.htmAlana--- In asthma , "Marge" wrote:>I have been doing some research on asthma and beginning to think maybe I should see another doctor. Any suggestions? > > Marge> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2008 Report Share Posted August 17, 2008 Marge, Google PF Meters you can order them online, there are tons, you don't need the fanciest one just one that works. Subject: asthma doctorsTo: asthma Date: Sunday, August 17, 2008, 9:27 PM  I would like to thank you all for your advice on an doctors. I tried to find a PF meter yesterday, but in our area all medical supply stores are closed on Saturday. I called every pharmacy within 50 miles an no one had one in stock. The first thing I am going to do tomorrow is find a PF meter. I used the nebulizer for more than the prescribed four days and I still feel like there is something in my airway. I dread calling my doctor because he is so nasty. If my numbers are within the red range, I am going to have to call someone. I may try to get in touch with my allergist. We are supposed to leave for vacation on Wednesday. My husband is not understanding of my issues in any way. I think my anxiety level is high and may be making my asthma worse. As soon as we get back, I am going to find a doctor who understands asthma or I am going to go nuts. Sorry, I apologize for getting OT. Thank you all again, Marge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 17, 2008 Report Share Posted August 17, 2008  Thank you . Marge MMR asthma doctorsTo: asthma Date: Sunday, August 17, 2008, 9:27 PM  I would like to thank you all for your advice on an doctors. I tried to find a PF meter yesterday, but in our area all medical supply stores are closed on Saturday. I called every pharmacy within 50 miles an no one had one in stock. The first thing I am going to do tomorrow is find a PF meter. I used the nebulizer for more than the prescribed four days and I still feel like there is something in my airway. I dread calling my doctor because he is so nasty. If my numbers are within the red range, I am going to have to call someone. I may try to get in touch with my allergist. We are supposed to leave for vacation on Wednesday. My husband is not understanding of my issues in any way. I think my anxiety level is high and may be making my asthma worse. As soon as we get back, I am going to find a doctor who understands asthma or I am going to go nuts. Sorry, I apologize for getting OT. Thank you all again, Marge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2008 Report Share Posted August 18, 2008 Thanks Madeline. I bought one today at a local medical supply store. I am averaging 350 to 400. Would you consider that pretty good? I called my allergist. Her office was supposed to call in an antibiotic to try as I have reacted to every spectrum of antibiotic. My pharmacy never got a call, so I have to call the doctor back tomorrow. Also, she wants me to stay on the nebulizer. Marge MMR Re: asthma doctors Marge don't worry about the ot. You can order a basic pf meter online from http://www.drugstore.com/templates/stdplist/default.asp?catid=110504 & aid=336064 & aparam=peak%20flow%20meter & scinit1=gg050108a046631 & scinit2=exact for about $12.oo or an electronic model from http://www.clinicalguard.com/microlife-digital-peak-flow-meterfev1asthma-monitor-p-79.html for $50. The microlife digital can also be ordered as a package deal including software for tracking at http://store.completewellbeings.com/midipeflmepe.html for $80 or the microlife software by itself http://www.digitalpeakflowmeter.com/microlife%20digital%20peak%20flow%20meter%20software.htm for $27. There is another tracking software I have heard a good deal about as well it is http://www.my-peak-flow.com/buy.html and is $30 for electronic delivery or $40 for electronic delivery plus a disk mailed to you. These are all just options to keep you from having to kill a tank of gas & I believe you can get overnight shipping for any of these. I have also seen many on ebay - but am not sure about overnight availability of these on there.Madeline>> I would like to thank you all for your advice on an doctors. I tried to find a PF meter yesterday, but in our area all medical supply stores are closed on Saturday. I called every pharmacy within 50 miles an no one had one in stock. The first thing I am going to do tomorrow is find a PF meter. I used the nebulizer for more than the prescribed four days and I still feel like there is something in my airway. I dread calling my doctor because he is so nasty. If my numbers are within the red range, I am going to have to call someone. I may try to get in touch with my allergist. We are supposed to leave for vacation on Wednesday. My husband is not understanding of my issues in any way. I think my anxiety level is high and may be making my asthma worse. As soon as we get back, I am going to find a doctor who understands asthma or I am going to go nuts. Sorry, I apologize for getting OT. > > Thank you all again,> Marge> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2008 Report Share Posted August 18, 2008 First and foremost everyones numbers are different, and you really can not gauge what your normal is while you are having a flare up because your lungs are not functioning at peak. By all means use it daily (in general I use mine in the morning and evening at the same time every day), if your asthma is getting worse you will notice your numbers dropping. However to find your personal best you will want to make sure to use it for about 3 days in a row when you are feeling well. The proper usage is to sit very straight (or better yet stand) take a deep breath and blow as hard as you can. Do this 3 times & write down the best number of the 3 (not an average). My personal best is 575, but my normal is around 550. Now keep in mind that I have not really had a " quiet " period since my asthma was diagnosed last year, and since May I have not blown anything above 330. Today my numbers are hovering around 250. In general, when my numbers drop to about the 180 mark I will start my " bark " cough & shortly thereafter I will have to go to the ER. There are those that post on here who routinely blow numbers in the 700's (makes me very jealous!) My husband (who does not have asthma) blows a 680. I even know several people who normally only blow in the low 400's. There are many factors. So to answer your question I do think that 350-400 is probably not going to be your personal best because you are having a flare up right now. Just watch your numbers & if they drop dramatically call your doc quickly. I really like my meter because it gives me a visual of exactly how my lung function is doing. I don't have to depend on how I " feel " and that gives me a sense of control (even if it is a false comfort! LOL) Anyway, good luck and happy blowing. Madeline > > > > I would like to thank you all for your advice on an doctors. I > tried to find a PF meter yesterday, but in our area all medical > supply stores are closed on Saturday. I called every pharmacy within > 50 miles an no one had one in stock. The first thing I am going to > do tomorrow is find a PF meter. I used the nebulizer for more than > the prescribed four days and I still feel like there is something in > my airway. I dread calling my doctor because he is so nasty. If my > numbers are within the red range, I am going to have to call > someone. I may try to get in touch with my allergist. We are > supposed to leave for vacation on Wednesday. My husband is not > understanding of my issues in any way. I think my anxiety level is > high and may be making my asthma worse. As soon as we get back, I am > going to find a doctor who understands asthma or I am going to go > nuts. Sorry, I apologize for getting OT. > > > > Thank you all again, > > Marge > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2008 Report Share Posted August 18, 2008 Thank you for this information. A chart came with it to keep track of the numbers. I am going to start it tomorrow because I wanted to start first thing in the morning. I have to continuously clear my throat way down deep. I have some coughing. I have been clearing and coughing so much. it is giving me a headache. Marge MMR Re: asthma doctors First and foremost everyones numbers are different, and you really cannot gauge what your normal is while you are having a flare up becauseyour lungs are not functioning at peak. By all means use it daily (ingeneral I use mine in the morning and evening at the same time everyday), if your asthma is getting worse you will notice your numbersdropping. However to find your personal best you will want to makesure to use it for about 3 days in a row when you are feeling well. The proper usage is to sit very straight (or better yet stand) take adeep breath and blow as hard as you can. Do this 3 times & write downthe best number of the 3 (not an average). My personal best is 575,but my normal is around 550. Now keep in mind that I have not reallyhad a "quiet" period since my asthma was diagnosed last year, andsince May I have not blown anything above 330. Today my numbers arehovering around 250. In general, when my numbers drop to about the180 mark I will start my "bark" cough & shortly thereafter I will haveto go to the ER. There are those that post on here who routinely blow numbers in the700's (makes me very jealous!) My husband (who does not have asthma)blows a 680. I even know several people who normally only blow inthe low 400's. There are many factors. So to answer your question Ido think that 350-400 is probably not going to be your personal bestbecause you are having a flare up right now. Just watch your numbers & if they drop dramatically call your doc quickly. I really like mymeter because it gives me a visual of exactly how my lung function isdoing. I don't have to depend on how I "feel" and that gives me asense of control (even if it is a false comfort! LOL) Anyway, goodluck and happy blowing.Madeline> >> > I would like to thank you all for your advice on an doctors. I > tried to find a PF meter yesterday, but in our area all medical > supply stores are closed on Saturday. I called every pharmacy within > 50 miles an no one had one in stock. The first thing I am going to > do tomorrow is find a PF meter. I used the nebulizer for more than > the prescribed four days and I still feel like there is something in > my airway. I dread calling my doctor because he is so nasty. If my > numbers are within the red range, I am going to have to call > someone. I may try to get in touch with my allergist. We are > supposed to leave for vacation on Wednesday. My husband is not > understanding of my issues in any way. I think my anxiety level is > high and may be making my asthma worse. As soon as we get back, I am > going to find a doctor who understands asthma or I am going to go > nuts. Sorry, I apologize for getting OT. > > > > Thank you all again,> > Marge> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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