What do I do now?
So a long story short (ish)…two weeks ago I came down with a chest infection, sore throat etc and was given antibiotics. All cleared up…then last Saturday I started another chest infection, severe breathlessness and was given more antibiotics and steroids to help the asthma on the Monday. By Thursday I wasn’t improving so the dr have yet another lot of antibiotics and increased the steroids but now (Saturday) I’m still very breathless. My o2 is generally staying around 97 though it drops occasionally, as low as 82 but quickly climbs again so I’m getting enough oxygen, my peak flow has only decreased by 15% give or take (400 down to 350). I keep getting very high heart rate ‘episodes’, up to 141 but that’s probably a side effect of so many steroids! I am so woozy, exhausted from trying to get breath, but I don’t feel like going to hospital would be worth it as they will say my oxygen etc is fine…? But at what point do I say I can’t keep fighting for breath anymore?! I’m so fed up!!!!
Hi Libby, and welcome! I see you are a new member here, having joined today, about thirty minutes ago. We are glad to see you already engaging with the community through this, your first post.
You may be aware, we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet (for your own safety), but your concern certainly warrants a reply. Only you can actually tell how good (or bad) these symptoms are for yourself. However, there is a concern about you tiring and feeling woozy from 'fighting' for your breaths. Spiking heart rate episodes, in addition to precipitous drops in oxygen saturation levels can also be concerning.
Since you have been on antibiotics (several courses), and increasing doses of steroids during these two weeks, this may warrant an evaluation by medical staff. Although I understand your concern about going to the hospital and being evaluated solely on an oxygen level (for asthma), I think a detailed history of your last two weeks might speak to a more thorough evaluation and assessment by the hospital medical staff.
Would you consider talking with your treating physician before going to the hospital. The doctor may listen to your narrative and pave the way for you to get over the hospital. What do you think?
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)
Leon has a good idea, Libby. You can even see if your doctor would be willing to write a letter to hospital staff explaining your history and recommended course of action...this can do a lot to get you the care you need. Regardless of what you decide, it is worth following up with your dog as you are still struggling. Please keep us posted! -Melissa, asthma.net team
Hey
- just checking in to see how you have been feeling since May. Have you had a chance to check in with your GP or treating physician, as Leon suggested, or have you had to head straight to the ER for your symptoms? How has your oxygen saturation been since? Hoping you have got a handle on what is happening whether it is severe asthma or some sort of upper respiratory infection again. Thinking of you currently, and hoping you are doing much better. Warmly ~ Rebecca (community moderator) Hi again, Libby, and thanks for providing us with this update. I am so glad to hear you are now home and doing well. I certainly hope this continues for you.
I am sure my good colleague,, will respond to your personally, once she sees your comment. Towards that goal, I tagged her to insure she is aware of your comment.
All the best,
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)Thank you for responding and updating us here in the community. I echo my colleague, Leon's, well wishes. Pleased to learn you opted to head to the hospital when you did. Infections can be very serious. If not treated they wreak havoc on the whole body. And, I am delighted the steroids and antibiotics and inhalers helped. Now it seems you are on a healing journey. Hoping it lasts and you are having a wonderful summer. You're in our thoughts. Warmly Rebecca (community moderator)
Hi again,
- I see my good colleague, , has jumped in here to follow-up with you about your progress since you last shared your present circumstances with the community, over a month ago.
Please do let us hear back from you when you have the time and are able to touch base here. We all have a genuine concern for your good health.
All the best,
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)
