Newbie

October 22, 2005

Kenny Brantley in Amarillo is one of the better endos in the whole state, and one of the few endos on our doctor list. You will find the list in "Files" on our site.mdkoster45 wrote:

Thank you for allowing me to join and read up on hypothyroidism. This July, on a routine visit for migraine med renewal, the doc found a nodule on my thyroid. He ordered lab work and an ultrasound and referred me to a local endocrinologist. I'm still waiting to get in (guess there aren't many endos in Amarillo), so am trying to become more informed in the meantime. Thanks again for the info and insights~Melinda in Amarillo

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March 6, 2006

Make a request in writing for a hard copy of the actual lab report. Keep your lab reports forever in some kind of folder or binder. Birth control pills can interfere with thyroid function and thyroid meds. Make sure you take them 4-12 hours apart. If you were borderline, the BC pills could have been "the straw that broke the camel's back." Be aware that $ynthroid is not all there is. It is unfortunate that so many docs have such a cavalier attitude toward thyroid disease. ymalig

wrote: Hi!I'm working on getting acquainted with this forum and I'm excited to get to "know" you guys better.My name's Amy and I'm 31 and was recently diagnosed with Hashi's. My general MD had me on Synthroid since last Spring b/c of a wellness screening our school district puts on every year. I probably would have never known I had an issue if not for that free screening. He never came out and really said what I had; just that my thyroid wasn't functioning as it should and my TSH showed that. It wasn't until Feburary of this year that I had a name to go with my symptoms (I didn't really think much of my MD's treatment of my problem..I just figured I'd take the little pill every day and things would be fine. I had NO idea that there were SOO many resources out

there). I ended up seeing an allergist b/c I had some episodes where one of my eyes would just puff up from outta nowhere (usually while at work) and I'd have a random hive or two. Because I'd had hives before in my life (jr high and some in college w/ facial swelling), I didn't think much of that, the the eye thing out of nowhere was new. The allergist ran a FULL lab workup and sent me the results. My TSH was lower (it used to be around 13 and then gradually went from 8 to 5 to what it was then), but I saw other thyroid-related numbers I didn't know existed til then. "Antithyroglobulin AB" was one of them (it was 188). They didn't check FT4, but did have total (11.6). Anyway, I was a bit intrigued why I'd never heard these before from my regular doc.Long story short, the allergist recommended I see an endo and gave me a referral. I took my lab results to my MD's office and left them

with the medical asst. She ended up calling me (left a message) to say that the doc had written me a year's script for 100 mcg Synthroid (which he'd put me on a few weeks prior to the full workup I had) and that was it. I was a bit mystified why he wasn't as concerned about my numbers as I was. I also had read about the push to change "optimal ranges" to .3-3.0 instead of the standard .5-5.0 for TSH. My doc uses the latter. I'm thinking 1-2 might be better for me. My new endo agrees.So, I had new labs done (tested for FT4 this time, too) and am on 112 mcg Synthroid. I started this regimen about a week and a half ago. I see the endo again in April. The only thing is, I didn't request my labs be sent to me, too, so I'm going to have to change that. Do you think I could call up there and ask for my numbers or would it be better to go by? I'm just curious what

they were.I am sorry for such a long post. I just didn't want to forget anything. I possibly have an autoimmune disease called angioedema (which would explain the random swelling and throat wheezing and hives I've had sporadically in my life0 which was indicative of my compliment levels being off (low) and non-functional. Fun stuff, eh?I've gained almost 40 lbs since 2003 (also the year I married) and have stretch marks . I am hoping my metabolism picks up and that I can get on an exercise regimen (I want to get my cholesterol down, which was also found to be high at the time I was screened). I don't know if my weight gain is a result of being on birth control (Ortho Evra) or the thyroid stuff.Thanks for enduring such a long post. If I've left out anything, please feel free to tell me.Have a great week!!Amy

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March 6, 2006

Hi Jan,

I will be sure to talk with my endo about other options if the new

dosage of Synthroid doesn't do the trick. I know someone who was on

Armour but it made her have palpitations and horrible headaches. I

didn't really discuss any other medication with my doctor, but I

will continue to research it.

As for my BC, it's a patch. I apply one a week at a time for 3 weeks

and then have my pd during the 4th. I was too afraid I would forget

to take the pill daily. I am seeing my gyno on the 14th of April

(same day as my next check up with the endo) and plan to discuss my

recent diagnosis with her and look at my options.

I overwhelmed myself with medical websites and articles at first, so

I'm trying to unwind a bit. Thankfully, Plano ISD has spring break

this week so I have time to decompress and do some more research as

I'd like instead of during every break I had!!

> Hi!

>

> I'm working on getting acquainted with this forum and I'm excited

to

> get to " know " you guys better.

>

> My name's Amy and I'm 31 and was recently diagnosed with Hashi's.

> My general MD had me on Synthroid since last Spring b/c of a

> wellness screening our school district puts on every year. I

> probably would have never known I had an issue if not for that

free

> screening. He never came out and really said what I had; just that

> my thyroid wasn't functioning as it should and my TSH showed

that.

>

> It wasn't until Feburary of this year that I had a name to go with

> my symptoms (I didn't really think much of my MD's treatment of my

> problem..I just figured I'd take the little pill every day and

> things would be fine. I had NO idea that there were SOO many

> resources out there). I ended up seeing an allergist b/c I had

some

> episodes where one of my eyes would just puff up from outta

nowhere

> (usually while at work) and I'd have a random hive or two.

Because

> I'd had hives before in my life (jr high and some in college w/

> facial swelling), I didn't think much of that, the the eye thing

out

> of nowhere was new. The allergist ran a FULL lab workup and sent

me

> the results. My TSH was lower (it used to be around 13 and then

> gradually went from 8 to 5 to what it was then), but I saw other

> thyroid-related numbers I didn't know existed til

> then. " Antithyroglobulin AB " was one of them (it was 188). They

> didn't check FT4, but did have total (11.6). Anyway, I was a bit

> intrigued why I'd never heard these before from my regular doc.

>

> Long story short, the allergist recommended I see an endo and gave

> me a referral. I took my lab results to my MD's office and left

them

> with the medical asst. She ended up calling me (left a message)

to

> say that the doc had written me a year's script for 100 mcg

> Synthroid (which he'd put me on a few weeks prior to the full

workup

> I had) and that was it. I was a bit mystified why he wasn't as

> concerned about my numbers as I was. I also had read about the

push

> to change " optimal ranges " to .3-3.0 instead of the standard .5-

5.0

> for TSH. My doc uses the latter. I'm thinking 1-2 might be

better

> for me. My new endo agrees.

>

> So, I had new labs done (tested for FT4 this time, too) and am on

> 112 mcg Synthroid. I started this regimen about a week and a half

> ago. I see the endo again in April. The only thing is, I didn't

> request my labs be sent to me, too, so I'm going to have to change

> that. Do you think I could call up there and ask for my numbers

or

> would it be better to go by? I'm just curious what they were.

>

> I am sorry for such a long post. I just didn't want to forget

> anything. I possibly have an autoimmune disease called angioedema

> (which would explain the random swelling and throat wheezing and

> hives I've had sporadically in my life0 which was indicative of my

> compliment levels being off (low) and non-functional. Fun stuff,

eh?

>

> I've gained almost 40 lbs since 2003 (also the year I married) and

> have stretch marks . I am hoping my metabolism picks up and

that

> I can get on an exercise regimen (I want to get my cholesterol

down,

> which was also found to be high at the time I was screened). I

don't

> know if my weight gain is a result of being on birth control

(Ortho

> Evra) or the thyroid stuff.

>

> Thanks for enduring such a long post. If I've left out anything,

> please feel free to tell me.

>

> Have a great week!!

>

> Amy

>

> ---------------------------------

> Yahoo! Mail

> Bring photos to life! New PhotoMail makes sharing a breeze.

>

January 26, 2008

Dear , I'm writing in response to your question... or statement of "what's the rate of improvement"? It seems that asthma doctors classify severity of asthma partly on air flow improvement from before and after comparisons of this. If it's over a certain amount it's classified higher...but on the other hand I've had the doc tell me sometimes it'll take a couple of months on more severe cases to get the airflow really up to where it should be.... Shrug.... Just an idea anyway, it really doesn't solve your problem, however, Noah wrote: Hi to all, Newbie here and by way of introduction, a brief history of my asthma: I was diagnosed early as a child (around six years old) after an acute attack where I was rushed to an emergency room and successfully treated. Fast-forward 43 years ahead—yikes--and, with the exception of being issued an inhaler now and then, I've never been to a hospital since, nor treated until recently. My current treatment was precipitated by an attack of acute bronchitis during Christmas last month. My doctor referred me to an allergist who started me on a treatment plan two weeks ago. During my initial visit my allergist gave me a peak flow test and alarmingly I was in the red zone, registering only 250; I should add that I took it sitting down. My

treatment consists of using a nebulizer (comprising a cocktail of Pulmicort Respules and Albuterol Sulfate) four times a day; Advair (500/50) two times a day; Nasacort nasal spray, two times a day; Proventil HFA, two times a day; and Singulair, once a day. After a week of treatment I was up to 325. However, I haven't improved a lick since, which leads me to wonder if the first reading was accurate because I was sitting down. Further, I'm curious as to what the rate of improvement, if any, is normal during treatment? Thanks in advance for your advice!

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January 27, 2008

No, excellent answer. It gives me an idea at least of how long it will take to

reach an

acceptable level. I know I can ask my allergist, but to put it mildly, he seems

crazy; not

kidding. In any event, if he helps me, I can't judge his character.

I didn't mention that my occupation is a full time artist, which obviously isn't

conducive to

asthma...duh. To make matters worse, I have a small dog who I couldn't imagine

letting

go, and also the circulation in my apartment is poor. Other than vacuuming

constantly,

I'm not sure what the best route I should take to improve my work space, i.e.,

purchase an

expensive air purifier--my head's dizzy where to begin to look, or simply

purchase those

dual fans that fit in the window. Thanks for your help!

> Hi to all,

>

> Newbie here and by way of introduction, a brief history of my asthma: I was

diagnosed

> early as a child (around six years old) after an acute attack where I was

rushed to an

> emergency room and successfully treated. Fast-forward 43 years

ahead—yikes--and,

> with the exception of being issued an inhaler now and then, I've never been to

a hospital

> since, nor treated until recently. My current treatment was precipitated by an

attack of

> acute bronchitis during Christmas last month. My doctor referred me to an

allergist who

> started me on a treatment plan two weeks ago.

>

> During my initial visit my allergist gave me a peak flow test and alarmingly I

was in the

red

> zone, registering only 250; I should add that I took it sitting down. My

treatment

consists

> of using a nebulizer (comprising a cocktail of Pulmicort Respules and

Albuterol Sulfate)

> four times a day; Advair (500/50) two times a day; Nasacort nasal spray, two

times a

day;

> Proventil HFA, two times a day; and Singulair, once a day.

>

> After a week of treatment I was up to 325. However, I haven't improved a lick

since,

> which leads me to wonder if the first reading was accurate because I was

sitting down.

> Further, I'm curious as to what the rate of improvement, if any, is normal

during

> treatment? Thanks in advance for your advice!

>

> ---------------------------------

> Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

>

January 27, 2008

Hi ,

Welcome to the group!

325 -

that sounds like one of my higher readings -

I think 340 was my highest.

I don't know if the sitting down reading is accurate -

whenever they tested me, I was always standing.

When I test at home, I am standing.

Of course, the first priority is to get out of a flare, if you are in

one. But, are you taking any of the natural stuff?

Alana

>

> Hi to all,

>

> Newbie here and by way of introduction, a brief history of my

asthma: I was diagnosed

> early as a child (around six years old) after an acute attack where

I was rushed to an

> emergency room and successfully treated. Fast-forward 43 years

ahead—yikes--and,

> with the exception of being issued an inhaler now and then, I've

never been to a hospital

> since, nor treated until recently. My current treatment was

precipitated by an attack of

> acute bronchitis during Christmas last month. My doctor referred

me to an allergist who

> started me on a treatment plan two weeks ago.

>

> During my initial visit my allergist gave me a peak flow test and

alarmingly I was in the red

> zone, registering only 250; I should add that I took it sitting

down. My treatment consists

> of using a nebulizer (comprising a cocktail of Pulmicort Respules

and Albuterol Sulfate)

> four times a day; Advair (500/50) two times a day; Nasacort nasal

spray, two times a day;

> Proventil HFA, two times a day; and Singulair, once a day.

>

> After a week of treatment I was up to 325. However, I haven't

improved a lick since,

> which leads me to wonder if the first reading was accurate because

I was sitting down.

> Further, I'm curious as to what the rate of improvement, if any, is

normal during

> treatment? Thanks in advance for your advice!

>

January 27, 2008

Hi ,

multiple responses to follow -

>>>> I didn't mention that my occupation is a full time artist

What kind of work?

And, will you remember us when you sell your first work for 10

million?

>>>> To make matters worse, I have a small dog who I couldn't

imagine letting

> go,

I had big problems with cats and dogs -

I would go into a major flare after visiting someone who had pets.

To this day, it is unreal to me that a dog or cat would practically

land me in the ER.

>>>> I'm not sure what the best route I should take to improve my

work space, i.e., purchase an

> expensive air purifier

I would definately look into that.

Do you have your mattress and box spring encased?

Any way to get rid of the carpeting?

Can you keep the dog out of the bedroom?

I am sure others will have more suggestions for you.

Alana

January 27, 2008

O.K. I get on this group occasionally to give my two cents worth since I am asthmatic and have been through the " medical " world which I am a part of. After singulair (which made me sleep 12 hours a day), Advair (which didn't help) and couple of episodes in the hospital plus other earlier meds, I decided to take my own action. I gave the MD's and the pulmonologists a chance but, it seems, the advice was not helping after 2 years. I cleaned the heck out of my house, no perfumes or dyes, you know....everything. Then when my primary said " get rid of the cats " , that was it. I started to follow some good common sense. Allergy tests showed no problem with animal oil, dander or whatever they are testing for.

I researched and started an anti-inflammatory diet. For me, it is the Budwig Protocol. This protocol is used mostly for cancer patients but, it is an anti-inflammatory diet which produces all kinds of good results in chronic illness. I started this diet, not quite 100% in September. Guess what. Slowly, I weened myself off of " All " asthma meds and the cats are sleeping in my face, thank you very much. My point is......think about what you are putting into your body, treat it with kindness. I am not saying do an anti-inflammatory diet 100% but, I am sure, once you started implementing a new diet plus your meds, you may see a dramatic difference. I did!

Chico, Pepita, Stinky and Cha-Chi approve of this message (meow!).

Hi ,

multiple responses to follow -

>>>> I didn't mention that my occupation is a full time artist

What kind of work?

And, will you remember us when you sell your first work for 10

million?

>>>> To make matters worse, I have a small dog who I couldn't

imagine letting

> go,

I had big problems with cats and dogs -

I would go into a major flare after visiting someone who had pets.

To this day, it is unreal to me that a dog or cat would practically

land me in the ER.

>>>> I'm not sure what the best route I should take to improve my

work space, i.e., purchase an

> expensive air purifier

I would definately look into that.

Do you have your mattress and box spring encased?

Any way to get rid of the carpeting?

Can you keep the dog out of the bedroom?

I am sure others will have more suggestions for you.

Alana

January 28, 2008

Hi Alana and thanks for the welcome.

From your first query:

>Of course, the first priority is to get out of a flare, if you are in

>one. But, are you taking any of the natural stuff?

I guess you mean " Flare " , as in flare-up. I'm so new to all of this I wouldn't

even know

what the natural stuff entails.

> What kind of work?

> And, will you remember us when you sell your first work for 10

> million?

I'm a painter living in the Bronx which I believe has one of the highest levels

of asthma in

the country. However, I've only lived here for six years. Lol...actually being

a fine artist is

really a vow of poverty!

> I had big problems with cats and dogs -

> I would go into a major flare after visiting someone who had pets.

> To this day, it is unreal to me that a dog or cat would practically

> land me in the ER.

Thankfully I've never had any flare-ups with any pets, but I'm certain it

doesn't help to

have one. I just love animals and couldn't imagine not having one.

> >>>> I'm not sure what the best route I should take to improve my

> work space, i.e., purchase an expensive air purifier

> I would definately look into that.

Already have started, but money is _always_ an issue.

> Do you have your mattress and box spring encased?

Encased, as in plastic? Will definitely look into it.

> Any way to get rid of the carpeting?

Easily and luckily there all area carpets.

> Can you keep the dog out of the bedroom?

Yes. He sleeps lives/sleeps in the den, which is adjacent to my studio.

> I am sure others will have more suggestions for you.

> Alana

You've been so kind; thanks for help.

January 28, 2008

Wow! Excellent advice. Unfortunately I never took my asthma seriously even

though for

years friends and family would remind me ocassionally of my weezing...esp. over

the

phone. The idea of really purging my house--with the exception of my beloved

dog is a

good one. Alana also gave me some excellent pointers on this matter. I've

never heard of

the anti-inflamatory diet, but will Google it for more info.

> After singulair (which made me sleep 12 hours a day),

Lol...that explains my love affair with my bed since I started the new regimen.

Will

definitely consider my options once I attain an acceptable peak flow level.

Thanks Sofia for your Advice.

Think I'll stick to my current regimen until I

>

> >

> > Hi ,

> >

> > multiple responses to follow -

> >

> > >>>> I didn't mention that my occupation is a full time artist

> >

> > What kind of work?

> > And, will you remember us when you sell your first work for 10

> > million?

> >

> > >>>> To make matters worse, I have a small dog who I couldn't

> > imagine letting

> > > go,

> >

> > I had big problems with cats and dogs -

> > I would go into a major flare after visiting someone who had pets.

> > To this day, it is unreal to me that a dog or cat would practically

> > land me in the ER.

> >

> > >>>> I'm not sure what the best route I should take to improve my

> > work space, i.e., purchase an

> > > expensive air purifier

> >

> > I would definately look into that.

> >

> > Do you have your mattress and box spring encased?

> >

> > Any way to get rid of the carpeting?

> >

> > Can you keep the dog out of the bedroom?

> >

> > I am sure others will have more suggestions for you.

> >

> > Alana

> >

>

May 1, 2008

Hi Lee,

I have found that adding Pseudovent 120-400 to my other meds make a big difference for me. This is similar to Mucinex in its effect. That is it clear the mucus build up in my lungs.

Lee

From: asthma [mailto:asthma ] On Behalf Of leeSent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 9:47 AMTo: asthma Subject: Newbie

Hi,I'm new here, by the way my name is Lee. I have asthma since I was a kid but it is controllable though. I started to have a severe attacks 4 years ago. Hospital is always my second home that's what girlfriend always told me, I always got admitted and last year I got hospitalized 3 times and always rushed to the nearest clinic almost every week. I'm taking seretide diskus 50mcg/500 mcg twice a day, flixotide 50mcg, montelukast 10 mg. I'm really having a hard time and it's also affecting my job. Every day I go to work late or on sick leave. I already go through different kinds of test, from pulmo to gastro to cardio to ob gyne, and now I'm having cardiomegaly. I really don't know where to go now. Please give me advice I really need your help. God Bless to all.Lee

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May 20, 2008

Hi ,

Welcome to the group. It's tough to have a child with asthma-many of us

do and it's hard to watch them not feel good. Tell us a little more

about what medications he takes and what he is allergic to and how his

asthma is doing overall. Everyone here shares ideas, so hopefully

you'll get some good suggestions to help him.

Best wishes,

>

> Hi all

>

> My name is and my 4 yo son was dx'd w/ asthma this past

> september. I have had little input from my primary dr. so far. I have

> an appointment w/ a pulmonologist but its not until august. He has

> eczema and allergies as well and its just a big mess. I would like

> some ideas to use until I can get him in to the specialist to keep him

> controlled as much as possible. I would appreciate any input you can

> give me. :-)

>

> Have a blessed day!

>

May 20, 2008

Thanks for the welcome :-)

He is on singular and zyrtec daily, albuterol emergency inhaler and

albuterol on a nebulizer as needed. So far I have been teaching

myself to listen to his lungs w/ a stethoscope to hear the differences

his lungs make when he is in the middle of an attack.

We have had allergy testing done and he is allergic to cats, dogs,

horses,cedar, birch, and several other grasses and weeds (can't

remember off the top of my head). Dogs and horses are his severest

reactions and the cat doesn't bother him (I'm guessing that's because

the cat has always been here and his immune system is acclimated to

it). They " said " he was allergic to milk and tomatoes we did a 3 week

avoidance test on these two items and there was no noticable

difference either way.

The asthma appeared very suddenly. Had finally gotten his eczema clear

last summer and then one morning last september he woke up in

respiratory distress. He was rushed to the local hospital, stayed

there for 2 hours while they worked to stabilize him, transported via

ambulance to a bigger hospital (still on O2) where it was a close call

on getting him restabilized (they almost called lifeflight to take him

to Vanderbilt in Nashville). 3 days later he was released and its been

hit or miss ever since. There were no prior symptoms to the asthma

that I can recall.

I have had to get rid of our dogs (even though they were outside only)

because he could be 20 ft from the dog pen and 10 minutes later he

would have to be on the nebulizer.

All his mattresses (including the bottom) are encased in plastic as is

his pillow. His bedding is washed 2x a week.

I'm kind of lost here, I'm a nursing student but this is beyond what I

have had to deal w/ so far. Granted I may not be asking the right

questions either.

Anything I missed please ask as I would like to learn what I need to

do to keep my son healthy and enjoying his childhood.

Thanks again,

> >

> > Hi all

> >

> > My name is and my 4 yo son was dx'd w/ asthma this past

> > september. I have had little input from my primary dr. so far. I have

> > an appointment w/ a pulmonologist but its not until august. He has

> > eczema and allergies as well and its just a big mess. I would like

> > some ideas to use until I can get him in to the specialist to keep him

> > controlled as much as possible. I would appreciate any input you can

> > give me. :-)

> >

> > Have a blessed day!

> >

>

May 20, 2008

I do that with my DD. I've been too chicken to tell the doc I listen

to her with a stethescope though LOL. Really glad there is somebody

else who does this

catelyn

> > >

> > > Hi all

> > >

> > > My name is and my 4 yo son was dx'd w/ asthma this past

> > > september. I have had little input from my primary dr. so far.

I have

> > > an appointment w/ a pulmonologist but its not until august. He

has

> > > eczema and allergies as well and its just a big mess. I would

like

> > > some ideas to use until I can get him in to the specialist to

keep him

> > > controlled as much as possible. I would appreciate any input

you can

> > > give me. :-)

> > >

> > > Have a blessed day!

> > >

> >

>

May 20, 2008

I do this because 1)every time he has an attack you can't " hear " it

until its already too late and he's sitting there telling you " mommy I

need treatment " 2) the only warning you get that he is fixing to blow

so to speak is that he starts coughing constantly and 3) as a nursing

student its good practice.

> > > >

> > > > Hi all

> > > >

> > > > My name is and my 4 yo son was dx'd w/ asthma this past

> > > > september. I have had little input from my primary dr. so far.

> I have

> > > > an appointment w/ a pulmonologist but its not until august. He

> has

> > > > eczema and allergies as well and its just a big mess. I would

> like

> > > > some ideas to use until I can get him in to the specialist to

> keep him

> > > > controlled as much as possible. I would appreciate any input

> you can

> > > > give me. :-)

> > > >

> > > > Have a blessed day!

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

May 20, 2008

Bless your heart. Asthma is a totally different ball game when it has to do with a child. Have you removed all the stuff toys from his room? Removed carpet from his room and put down hardwood? I'm trying to think what else I was told, OH to use only washable curtains through out your home and pull down blinds not the twist open blinds, use an air purifier in his room and keep his door closed even when he's not in there. Have they given you an asthma action plan for him yet? How about what to do when he goes outside when the pollen count is high? I was told to use my inhaler 30 minutes prior to going outside, I'm also a soccer coach and have 5 out of 13 kids who are asthmatics and won't let them on the field if they haven't used their inhalers

I know how hard it must be to get rid of your dogs, When I had my bad episode a month ago I had to come home and find my kitty a new home, now mind you I grew up around cats and we've always had a cat since we married 19 years ago, so being that sensitive to the kitty was surprising to me. If I think of anything else I'll let you know. Your doing the right things by listening to his lungs and changing his bedding etc! Try not to stress too much

Terry I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much. ~Mother Teddy Bear's Early Learning ProgramEstablished August of 1992

From: asthma [mailto:asthma ] On Behalf Of dragonqueen50Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 7:23 PMTo: asthma Subject: Re: Newbie

Thanks for the welcome :-)He is on singular and zyrtec daily, albuterol emergency inhaler andalbuterol on a nebulizer as needed. So far I have been teachingmyself to listen to his lungs w/ a stethoscope to hear the differenceshis lungs make when he is in the middle of an attack. We have had allergy testing done and he is allergic to cats, dogs,horses,cedar, birch, and several other grasses and weeds (can'tremember off the top of my head). Dogs and horses are his severestreactions and the cat doesn't bother him (I'm guessing that's becausethe cat has always been here and his immune system is acclimated toit). They "said" he was allergic to milk and tomatoes we did a 3 weekavoidance test on these two items and there was no noticabledifference either way. The asthma appeared very suddenly. Had finally gotten his eczema clearlast summer and then one morning last september he woke up inrespiratory distress. He was rushed to the local hospital, stayedthere for 2 hours while they worked to stabilize him, transported viaambulance to a bigger hospital (still on O2) where it was a close callon getting him restabilized (they almost called lifeflight to take himto Vanderbilt in Nashville). 3 days later he was released and its beenhit or miss ever since. There were no prior symptoms to the asthmathat I can recall.I have had to get rid of our dogs (even though they were outside only)because he could be 20 ft from the dog pen and 10 minutes later hewould have to be on the nebulizer. All his mattresses (including the bottom) are encased in plastic as ishis pillow. His bedding is washed 2x a week. I'm kind of lost here, I'm a nursing student but this is beyond what Ihave had to deal w/ so far. Granted I may not be asking the rightquestions either. Anything I missed please ask as I would like to learn what I need todo to keep my son healthy and enjoying his childhood.Thanks again,> >> > Hi all> >> > My name is and my 4 yo son was dx'd w/ asthma this past> > september. I have had little input from my primary dr. so far. I have> > an appointment w/ a pulmonologist but its not until august. He has> > eczema and allergies as well and its just a big mess. I would like> > some ideas to use until I can get him in to the specialist to keep him> > controlled as much as possible. I would appreciate any input you can> > give me. :-)> >> > Have a blessed day!> >> > > >>

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May 20, 2008

Never be afraid to fess up to that, if they are a good dr they will appreciate how involved you are in your child's care like you are! If they don't they are just Overpaid Jerks LOL

Terry I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much. ~Mother Teddy Bear's Early Learning ProgramEstablished August of 1992

From: asthma [mailto:asthma ] On Behalf Of nawiliwili_kSent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 7:27 PMTo: asthma Subject: Re: Newbie

I do that with my DD. I've been too chicken to tell the doc I listen to her with a stethescope though LOL. Really glad there is somebody else who does this ;)catelyn> > >> > > Hi all> > >> > > My name is and my 4 yo son was dx'd w/ asthma this past> > > september. I have had little input from my primary dr. so far. I have> > > an appointment w/ a pulmonologist but its not until august. He has> > > eczema and allergies as well and its just a big mess. I would like> > > some ideas to use until I can get him in to the specialist to keep him> > > controlled as much as possible. I would appreciate any input you can> > > give me. :-)> > >> > > Have a blessed day!> > >> > > > > >> >>

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May 20, 2008

That's how mine come to a head with the coughing, no other sign it's all the sudden bam an attack, although if I pay closer attention to my peak flow #'s I can see one coming. Oh now I'm having a sneezing fit. Haven't had one of these since I started allergy meds. We had a leak from our AC unit downstairs and it got my daycare carpet wet and it stunk. Dh pulled it all back and turned on the fan to dry it out, well now I'm sneezing like crazy. UHH

Terry I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much. ~Mother Teddy Bear's Early Learning ProgramEstablished August of 1992

From: asthma [mailto:asthma ] On Behalf Of dragonqueen50Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 7:32 PMTo: asthma Subject: Re: Newbie

I do this because 1)every time he has an attack you can't "hear" ituntil its already too late and he's sitting there telling you"mommy Ineed treatment" 2) the only warning you get that he is fixing to blowso to speak is that he starts coughing constantly and 3) as a nursingstudent its good practice. > > > >> > > > Hi all> > > >> > > > My name is and my 4 yo son was dx'd w/ asthma this past> > > > september. I have had little input from my primary dr. so far. > I have> > > > an appointment w/ a pulmonologist but its not until august. He > has> > > > eczema and allergies as well and its just a big mess. I would > like> > > > some ideas to use until I can get him in to the specialist to > keep him> > > > controlled as much as possible. I would appreciate any input > you can> > > > give me. :-)> > > >> > > > Have a blessed day!> > > >> > > > > > > >> > >> >>

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May 20, 2008

Terry,

We pulled up the carpet and layed in hardwood in February (I'm still

sore!) in all the rooms except our bedroom and his sisters bedrooms

(he doesn't spend much time in there) He has 3 race car stuffies, a

sock monkey and dorky pig (so named by daddy) that he got at the

hospital. All these things are washed twice a week along w/ the

bedding. All curtains are washable and are washed :-) about once a

month and we don't have any mini blinds They haven't given me any plan

of action pretty much they handed me the scripts and said " give him

this when he has an attack and this stuff over here is taken daily " . I

don't even know if I need to have an epipen for him. Just not getting

any info from docs at this point. It seems to be triggered by his

allergies and he has never shown any symptoms of activity induced asthma.

Thanks

> > >

> > > Hi all

> > >

> > > My name is and my 4 yo son was dx'd w/ asthma this past

> > > september. I have had little input from my primary dr. so far. I

have

> > > an appointment w/ a pulmonologist but its not until august. He has

> > > eczema and allergies as well and its just a big mess. I would like

> > > some ideas to use until I can get him in to the specialist to

keep him

> > > controlled as much as possible. I would appreciate any input you can

> > > give me. :-)

> > >

> > > Have a blessed day!

> > >

> >

>

> _____

>

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May 20, 2008

You said you haven't gotten into an allergy/asthma specialist yet? If not than they will be the one to give you the action plan. Have your DR call that specialist and get him in their sooner, There's no excuse to have a child like this wait 3 months to get in. Sounds like your doing everything you can at this point Sara, you have us to fall back on if you have any other questions or concerns

Terry I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much. ~Mother Teddy Bear's Early Learning ProgramEstablished August of 1992

From: asthma [mailto:asthma ] On Behalf Of dragonqueen50Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:02 PMTo: asthma Subject: Re: Newbie

Terry,We pulled up the carpet and layed in hardwood in February (I'm stillsore!) in all the rooms except our bedroom and his sisters bedrooms(he doesn't spend much time in there) He has 3 race car stuffies, asock monkey and dorky pig (so named by daddy) that he got at thehospital. All these things are washed twice a week along w/ thebedding. All curtains are washable and are washed :-) about once amonth and we don't have any mini blinds They haven't given me any planof action pretty much they handed me the scripts and said "give himthis when he has an attack and this stuff over here is taken daily". Idon't even know if I need to have an epipen for him. Just not gettingany info from docs at this point. It seems to be triggered by hisallergies and he has never shown any symptoms of activity induced asthma. Thanks> > >> > > Hi all> > >> > > My name is and my 4 yo son was dx'd w/ asthma this past> > > september. I have had little input from my primary dr. so far. Ihave> > > an appointment w/ a pulmonologist but its not until august. He has> > > eczema and allergies as well and its just a big mess. I would like> > > some ideas to use until I can get him in to the specialist tokeep him> > > controlled as much as possible. I would appreciate any input you can> > > give me. :-)> > >> > > Have a blessed day!> > >> > > > > >> >> > > > > > > _____ > > No viruses found in this incoming message> Scanned by iolo AntiVirus 1.5.3.5> http://www.iolo.com <http://www.iolo.com/iav/iavpop3> > > > _______________________________________> No viruses found in this outgoing message> Scanned by iolo AntiVirus 1.5.3.5> http://www.iolo.com>

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May 20, 2008

Hi ,

It sounds like you've had a tough time! I'm an RN too and I listen to

my kids lungs all the time when they are having trouble. If you know

what you are listening for, it provides valuable information, so don't

hesitate to tell the doctor what you hear.

There are many studies showing a link between eczema, allergies, and

asthma. My allergiest told me that my sickest asthmatic son, who had

eczema, a parent with asthma and allergies(me!), and had RSV as an

infant, had chances of developing significant asthma that were 3 out of

4. Eczema, allergies, and asthma are all expressions of an overactive

immune system that is determined to fight all manner of harmless things

like pollen and dust.

If his asthma control is still not good and he is needing albuterol

frequently, you need to go back to the doctor and ask about getting him

on inhaled steroids. Don't wait for the appointment with the specialist

in 3 months - have him get you in to see the specialist right away if he

is not willing to prescribe them. Most pediatricians and primary

doctors do feel comfortable prescribing them though. Inhaled steroids

are the gold standard of asthma treatment. Inflammation in the lungs

results in the twitchy overreactive airways that react to even small

stimuli. The steroids will decrease the inflammation and help the lungs

not to be so reactive. When the inflammation is decreased to a minimal

amount, you won't need much albuterol and he should be able to have a

more normal life. This can take awhile and much adjustment of

medication to get to, but that should be your goal. You need frequent

doctor follow up for awhile to adjust his medicine. My doctor has us in

every week or two if we are having trouble until things get better and

then every month and then down to every three months if things are going

well. It feels to me like your doctor is not being aggresive enough

about getting better control, especially given the severity of his first

episode. The specialist will probably do a much better job. My primary

care doctor does not do good followup either, but our asthma specialist

does. You will probably have to be a bit pushy, but insist that he get

seen until you get things in better control.

You also need to have an asthma action plan. The asthma action plan

should have written instructions of his daily meds and then what to do

when he is not doing so well with explicit instructions written down.

Also, when to go to the ER or call the doctor needs to be included.

With adults, peak flow readings are usually included in the plan, but I

think a 4 year old is probably to young to be able to use a peak flow

meter accurately.

Your allergy proofing efforts sound good. Zyrtec is a good

antihistamine. Keep your air conditioner running and don't let outside

air with pollen in the house. A HEPA filter to run in his bedroom at

night might be helpful too. Wash his hair at night if he plays outside,

otherwise when he sleeps at night, his face is right next to all the

pollen on the pillow from his hair. Talk with the allergist about how

long you should avoid the " allergic foods " to see whether they are a

trigger. I wonder if a longer test than 3 weeks might be better, but I

don't know. Food allergies are reported to be a factor in asthma and

eczema too. I don't think you need an epipen unless the food reactions

are showing hives and anaphylactic symptoms, but again, this would be a

decision to make after a discussion with the allergist. One of mine is

anaphylactic to peanuts, so we carry epi and benadryl absolutely

everywhere.

The specialists usually are aggressive about getting control with oral

or inhaled steroids and then gradually step down therapy to the least

amount of medicine needed to keep things in good shape. They also look

for factors that may be complicating the asthma and keeping treatment

from being successful, like hidden allergies, sinus infections, acid

reflux, and other things. The singulair that your son takes is a

leukotriene blocker and is good for allergies and mild asthma, but many

patients with significant asthma must have inhaled steroids also to keep

things under control. There are many different ones to choose from and

most doctors have a preference. There is one that can be given in the

nebulizer for young kids (pulmicort respules) and others can be given

with an inhaler and a spacer when the child is coordinated enough.

Another medicine called cromolyn can also be used(it has inhaler and

nebulizer forms) and is not a steroid, but generally requires several

daily doses to be effective. It has virtually no side effects which is

it's strong point, but may not be as effective as the inhaled steroids.

Sometimes it takes treatment of several issues to get the asthma in good

shape. This is where the specialist advice in really helpful. Make a

list of questions to ask. A good book is The Harvard Medical School

Guide to Asthma. It is written for a layperson by a group of asthma

doctors from Harvard and is very good about explaining asthma, the

medications, and treatment plans. I highly recommend it. It is written

at a fairly high reading level, but as a nursing student, it shouldn't

be a problem for you. It is available at major chain bookstores. There

is a special section on asthma in children.

Hang in there-it's tough to be an allergy and asthma mom! You will

receive lots of support here. We all either have sick kids or asthma

ourselves or both.

Best wishes,

Sounds like you

> > >

> > > Hi all

> > >

> > > My name is and my 4 yo son was dx'd w/ asthma this past

> > > september. I have had little input from my primary dr. so far. I

have

> > > an appointment w/ a pulmonologist but its not until august. He has

> > > eczema and allergies as well and its just a big mess. I would like

> > > some ideas to use until I can get him in to the specialist to keep

him

> > > controlled as much as possible. I would appreciate any input you

can

> > > give me. :-)

> > >

> > > Have a blessed day!

> > >

> >

>

May 20, 2008

I don't have a peak flow monitor... Primary care said that August was

the soonest they could get him in...Of course thats at Vanderbilt

which is the creme de la creme for pediatrics in this area. The

original goal was to get him in on the same day that his dermatologist

appointment was who is also at Vandy, but that didn't work out. The

specialist does have him on standby though if they have an appt

earlier open up... I'm not holding my breath though. I live 2 hours

from Nashville so its a production to load up all 3 kids fight traffic

to get to Vandy, attend appt, keep the other 2 occupied, hopefully not

have to wait forever and a day, keep boredom and hunger from taking

over and fight traffic some more to get home. Needless to say I like

to consolidate appts whenever possible. Not to mention more cost

effective.

On a side note I have noticed that when he gets upset (hurt,tantrum,

etc) he is more prone to have an attack. Not sure if this is pertinent

but I know I didn't mention it earlier.

Thanks again for the welcome and the support, when your running blind

its nice to know that your instincts are on the money :-)

> > > > >

> > > > > Hi all

> > > > >

> > > > > My name is and my 4 yo son was dx'd w/ asthma this past

> > > > > september. I have had little input from my primary dr. so far.

> > I have

> > > > > an appointment w/ a pulmonologist but its not until august. He

> > has

> > > > > eczema and allergies as well and its just a big mess. I would

> > like

> > > > > some ideas to use until I can get him in to the specialist to

> > keep him

> > > > > controlled as much as possible. I would appreciate any input

> > you can

> > > > > give me. :-)

> > > > >

> > > > > Have a blessed day!

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

> _____

>

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> Scanned by iolo AntiVirus 1.5.3.5

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>

> _______________________________________

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May 20, 2008

THANK YOU!!!!!! You have just hit upon one of the things I have been

asking for months

" Also, when to go to the ER or call the doctor needs to be

included. "

This is something that I have been trying to ascertain since the 1st

attack. The reason I wonder about the epipen is due to the fact that

when he is around dogs or horses his reaction is fairly severe

requiring the nebulizer and benadryl/zyrtec for hives with cortisone

cream to cut down itching. We first noticed that he would hive up

around 24 hours after contact w/ dogs & horses around thanksgiving of

last year.Now the reaction time is under 10 minutes. Horses aren't too

bad because we don't have any nor are we around people who do, dogs on

the other hand are another ballgame altogether. My dad can't come over

because he always has dog hair all over him and it sets my son off.

My son was given pulmicort but I am unsure of when exactly to use

it... I know when I need to give it separate from the albuterol but

as to how often depending on the severity? not a clue so I err on the

side of caution wondering if I am cutting my nose off to spite my face.

You mentioned the link between allergies, eczema, and asthma. There

also seems to be a link between these 3 and developmental delays. Both

my youngest dd and my son have eczema and both were delayed. I talked

to the speech therapist about that and she mentioned that she has

quite a few kids that have one or all of these 3 and are

developmentally delayed. Not sure if there are any studies on it (I've

looked but I may not be looking in the right place), it would be

interesting to know why.

I will definitely look for that book!

Thanks again,

>

> Hi ,

>

> It sounds like you've had a tough time! I'm an RN too and I listen

to

> my kids lungs all the time when they are having trouble. If you know

> what you are listening for, it provides valuable information, so

don't

> hesitate to tell the doctor what you hear.

>

> There are many studies showing a link between eczema, allergies, and

> asthma. My allergiest told me that my sickest asthmatic son, who had

> eczema, a parent with asthma and allergies(me!), and had RSV as an

> infant, had chances of developing significant asthma that were 3 out

of

> 4. Eczema, allergies, and asthma are all expressions of an

overactive

> immune system that is determined to fight all manner of harmless

things

> like pollen and dust.

>

> If his asthma control is still not good and he is needing albuterol

> frequently, you need to go back to the doctor and ask about getting

him

> on inhaled steroids. Don't wait for the appointment with the

specialist

> in 3 months - have him get you in to see the specialist right away if

he

> is not willing to prescribe them. Most pediatricians and primary

> doctors do feel comfortable prescribing them though. Inhaled

steroids

> are the gold standard of asthma treatment. Inflammation in the lungs

> results in the twitchy overreactive airways that react to even small

> stimuli. The steroids will decrease the inflammation and help the

lungs

> not to be so reactive. When the inflammation is decreased to a

minimal

> amount, you won't need much albuterol and he should be able to have a

> more normal life. This can take awhile and much adjustment of

> medication to get to, but that should be your goal. You need

frequent

> doctor follow up for awhile to adjust his medicine. My doctor has us

in

> every week or two if we are having trouble until things get better

and

> then every month and then down to every three months if things are

going

> well. It feels to me like your doctor is not being aggresive enough

> about getting better control, especially given the severity of his

first

> episode. The specialist will probably do a much better job. My

primary

> care doctor does not do good followup either, but our asthma

specialist

> does. You will probably have to be a bit pushy, but insist that he

get

> seen until you get things in better control.

>

> You also need to have an asthma action plan. The asthma action plan

> should have written instructions of his daily meds and then what to

do

> when he is not doing so well with explicit instructions written down.

> Also, when to go to the ER or call the doctor needs to be included.

> With adults, peak flow readings are usually included in the plan, but

I

> think a 4 year old is probably to young to be able to use a peak flow

> meter accurately.

>

> Your allergy proofing efforts sound good. Zyrtec is a good

> antihistamine. Keep your air conditioner running and don't let

outside

> air with pollen in the house. A HEPA filter to run in his bedroom at

> night might be helpful too. Wash his hair at night if he plays

outside,

> otherwise when he sleeps at night, his face is right next to all the

> pollen on the pillow from his hair. Talk with the allergist about

how

> long you should avoid the " allergic foods " to see whether they are a

> trigger. I wonder if a longer test than 3 weeks might be better,

but I

> don't know. Food allergies are reported to be a factor in asthma and

> eczema too. I don't think you need an epipen unless the food

reactions

> are showing hives and anaphylactic symptoms, but again, this would be

a

> decision to make after a discussion with the allergist. One of mine

is

> anaphylactic to peanuts, so we carry epi and benadryl absolutely

> everywhere.

>

> The specialists usually are aggressive about getting control with

oral

> or inhaled steroids and then gradually step down therapy to the least

> amount of medicine needed to keep things in good shape. They also

look

> for factors that may be complicating the asthma and keeping treatment

> from being successful, like hidden allergies, sinus infections, acid

> reflux, and other things. The singulair that your son takes is a

> leukotriene blocker and is good for allergies and mild asthma, but

many

> patients with significant asthma must have inhaled steroids also to

keep

> things under control. There are many different ones to choose from

and

> most doctors have a preference. There is one that can be given in

the

> nebulizer for young kids (pulmicort respules) and others can be given

> with an inhaler and a spacer when the child is coordinated enough.

> Another medicine called cromolyn can also be used(it has inhaler and

> nebulizer forms) and is not a steroid, but generally requires several

> daily doses to be effective. It has virtually no side effects which

is

> it's strong point, but may not be as effective as the inhaled

steroids.

>

> Sometimes it takes treatment of several issues to get the asthma in

good

> shape. This is where the specialist advice in really helpful. Make

a

> list of questions to ask. A good book is The Harvard Medical School

> Guide to Asthma. It is written for a layperson by a group of asthma

> doctors from Harvard and is very good about explaining asthma, the

> medications, and treatment plans. I highly recommend it. It is

written

> at a fairly high reading level, but as a nursing student, it

shouldn't

> be a problem for you. It is available at major chain bookstores.

There

> is a special section on asthma in children.

>

> Hang in there-it's tough to be an allergy and asthma mom! You will

> receive lots of support here. We all either have sick kids or asthma

> ourselves or both.

>

> Best wishes,

>

> Sounds like you

May 20, 2008

ok I have tried to post this several times and it is having issues so

here I go again :-)