Asthma symptoms?
I was diagnosed with asthma last year and have been doing well on my treatment plan up until the last few months. I’m wondering if anyone else has these similar symptoms. The first bizarre symptom is bruising and itching. My husband noticed bruising on me and I didn’t even know until he pointed them out. My asthma Dr suggested I see a specialist for it and I did. The problem is, this specialist is saying it’s a secondary issue caused by pulmonary related issues. I let my asthma Dr know and that Dr said I need to see my primary Dr. I’m going around in circles not knowing what is causing these symptoms and not feeling well at all. I’m reaching out to a family friend who is a nurse practitioner for guidance but I can’t believe the Drs are pointing fingers at each other and I’m stuck in the middle not knowing what’s wrong or what to do! If anyone else here has any similar experiences please let me know. Thanks for the replies.
Hi Amber, and thanks for your post. I remember your conversations here in the community
last December 2022, which focused on biologics. It's good to hear the treatment plan you are on currently has been
successful - keep up the good work!
It is unconscionable that three physicians are behaving the way they are. Sadly, this is not unusual! What should be
occurring is the three physicians 'should be' collaborating (with you!), to resolve whatever concerns you may have about
treatment. Since that may not be happening, even with your advocating for yourself, you may want to pick out the physician
with whom you have the best rapport, and in who you place the most trust, and begin to advocate for yourself more emphatically.
I would hope that would be all it takes. What do you think?
I also like the idea of you checking in with your family friend, the nurse practitioner (NP), to solicit her/his opinion.
You may be aware there can be any number of etiologies for skin bruising. These can include the side effects of some medications
all the way through to the aging process, and everything in between. These doctors should know this and be able to advise you correctly.
Instead, I am hopeful the NP will resolve this for you.
I will wish you "good luck!" and ask that you please check back and let us know how this all turns out for you.
Warm regards,
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)
I got my diagnosis about two years ago and like you I’m doing pretty good, yet I also bruise more easily (mainly on my forearms). My pulmonologist suggests this is a common side effect from inhaled steroids (Breo for me). I try to be extra careful. Hi otter, and thanks for joining in the conversation here. We appreciate you sharing your own personal experience managing this disease with the community. Sharing information is a large part of what our community is all about.
Thanks, again!
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)I’m sorry to hear that. I was on that same medication at first and it didn’t work well for my body. I think it was too strong for me. Keep an eye on your bruising. I hope it doesn’t get worse for you. Thanks for your kind words.
Thank you for the kind words. My family friend who is the nurse practitioner did get back to me about my symptoms. Unfortunately she thinks it’s nothing asthma related and is helping me get the help I need. I will need further testing. She is worried about it being lymphoma so I will be very busy for the next few months or longer. Fingers crossed it is not cancer related. I know I can trust her. She did work in the oncology department for a long time so I trust her judgment and opinion. She is referring me to very good hospital with the best drs. Thank you so much for caring about my asthma and my symptoms. I thought they were a little strange for asthma.
Hi again, Amber, and thanks for your response and further explanation. Like you, I am relieved your family friend was able to intervene with guidance and support for you. Now that you are aligned more closely with both a hospital and excellent doctors, I am hopeful you will be provided with appropriate diagnostic studies, results, and an accurate diagnosis. If treatment is necessary, I am also hopeful it will be designed to treat whatever is necessary.
Please do check back and keep us apprised of your progress. We have a genuine concern for your good health.
Warm regards,
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)
Thank you! This community is so sweet. ❤️ I will keep you guys updated on my latest progress on this journey. It may help someone else down the road. Never ignore your body trying to tell you something. If you feel something isn’t right then please don’t stop advocating for yourself!
my heart goes out to you Amber and I will cross my fingers for the best possible outcome! I do want you to know that if, heaven forbid, you do end up having cancer, we do have several other sites run by our company that focus on various cancers. Just like here, there will be articles and friendly people to support you. No matter what happens, you're not alone. Let us know. Sending hugs. -Melissa, asthma.net team Thank you for your kind words and the info. My Dr sent over the referral to the specialist and now I’m waiting for the phone call. If the tests do show something then I will definitely utilize those sites! Thanks for the info.
