Symptoms everyday?

Leon, thanks for clarifying what "SOB" means. (Initially, I thought it was an abbreviated expression of frustration about having asthma symptoms.)


Be well, ... wishing you the absolute best outcomes with your asthma management. I'm glad to read that you're already making strides toward that goal. (I read your latest update!!)
Cheers,
Jacquie

Hi Diva (Jacquie), and thank YOU for acknowledging my remark! Generally, I often try to make certain the acronym abbreviations are explained literally within the text of folks' posts. I am well aware that many of our members are not always familiar with the medical jargon that we use in our comments. I am glad this was helpful for you. I also got a chuckle out of what you thought the abbreviation SOB was referring to - that is also a pretty common inference, so you are not alone there either!
We are always here to assist - if there is anything we can do for you, please let me or any other moderator / team member know. You are always welcome here in our online community, Jacquie!
Warmly,
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)

Hi again, Gideon, and thank YOU for your response to my initial comment from yesterday. I see my good colleague, , has already responded and I agree with what he has said. Had you not been keeping a journal, I definitely would have suggested one. It is a sure-fire method of having what one needs at their fingertips when discussing care with their physician. Too often, some folks visit with their doctor and may be unprepared to discuss what has been on their mind about the disease and treatment. In those instances, they may not derive the full benefit of their scheduled appointment.
I am certain you will do well when you engage your physician in conversation when you next meet on January 12.
It does sound like the medication regimen may need to be reassessed, especially since you've also found that exercise can trigger challenges with breathing.
Please do check back and let us know how this all turns out for you. Naturally, should you need to discuss anything at all related to asthma prior to that time, you can certainly join us here. You are more than welcome to access our community as often and, for as long as you like.

Hi there, welcome. It's unfortunate that you're dealing with asthma now but you are in the right place with us -- this community is full of information and there is always something new to learn!

Two thoughts: First, have you heard of pursed lip breathing? It's a common way to help manage shortness of breath and is simple to do. You may find that practicing regularly, even when you don't have shortness of breath, can help you to feel less "air hungry."

Here is a quick video that demonstrates:

https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/patient-resources-and-videos/pursed-lip-breathing-video

Secondly, you mentioned apnea. Do you have sleep apnea, and are you being treated for that? You might find it helpful to visit our sister site for sleep apnea. Their address is:

sleepapnea.sleep-disorders.net

We're here to support you! Take good care of yourself and let us know how your appointment goes next week. -Melissa, asthma.net team

Hi Gideon - it is WE who appreciate YOU staying engaged with this conversation. You'll get there!
Since today is just January 3, and your appointment isn't until next week (the 12th), it is you who has to evaluate how you are feeling. It's understandable the emotions you are going through having been fit all your life. This may just be a 'bump' in the road until more control can be exerted over the disease.
Since you mentioned you are breathing okay this morning, you may want to be somewhat patient and see how the day rolls out. It's not quite noon yet. So, if your breathing stays quiet, you may not need to reach out.
On the other hand, if your breathing level changes, you probably should not wait. Sometimes, folks try to 'wait it out' but, if the time comes where the breathing difficulty starts to increase - you'll want to give serious consideration to calling the doctor.
I think you will find it very helpful to read this article which focuses on this very topic: https://asthma.net/living/when-to-seek-medical-help. I am sure you will find it makes very practical reading.

It's not easy, we all understand that but, we are here should you need to continue to discuss this as the day moves along.
Warm regards, Gideon,
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)

Happy to help! It can take some trial and error and patience to figure out the best ways to control your asthma, I'm afraid. Stick with it. Once you establish good asthma control, you can start experimenting with your exercise routine. While you may not be able to keep the exact level of intensity you had previously, with time it's likely you'll figure out a routine you can feel good about. Our members here are runners, swimmers, bikers, and all sorts of other things. But the first step is to get to a more stable place. You may also want to talk to your doctor about creating an "asthma action plan" together. This is a standard part of asthma management and would have written instructions on what steps to take if you start having symptoms. It would give you personalized, step by step instructions about what medications to use and when, and what to do if they don't work. Having a concrete plan can help mitigate some of the anxiety and ensure you get the help you need right away, instead of possibly waiting too long and increasing the difficulty/anxiety. Hang in there! -Melissa, asthma.net team

I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with such SOB that's terribly hard to manage. I am glad you called the helpline and they sent you to A&E. Reading your message above had me concerned that it was worsening for you, as the case. How is the cos working? Have they given you different meds as well to help manage the severity? Sending you energy and strength to get through these episodes toward an effectively managed care plan. Thinking of you and hoping the ride home is better than the trip to A&E. Rebecca (comm advc) Ps. Please keep us posted on your state of health and wellness.

Hi again, Gideon, and thank you for acknowledging my comment to you. I am sorry to hear this reached the point that you needed the emergency care (accident and emergency - A & E), but I am glad to hear that you knew enough to get over there. (Sorry for the challenging bus trip!).
Now the immediate struggle is behind you as you are being treated. Since your posted reply was about nine hours ago, I am hoping you are already starting to feel better following treatment.
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)