asthma; not doing so good

[Doxie 2]

I've been really short of breath and coughing a lot for about a week and a half, ever since I was outside with my son having his senior pictures taken. It was very windy and cold that day and I think that's what set off this attack. I haven't been able to go to the gym, just walking across the house winds me, so I made an appt with my allergist. The guy I really liked is no longer there so I have a new lady. At least she read my file before she came in the room, unlike my PCM who never reviews anything, he's even the one that gave me the referral for the band and I have to remind him each time I see him. I think I will like her too.

She was very concerned because my pulse-ox was very low when I got there, 83 (normal is between 95-100). After she listened to the lungs I had to do an albuterol treatment with the nebulizer. I finally got my level up in the mid 90's but I told the nurse if I didn't concentrate it kept falling and I shouldn't have to work so hard to breathe. I was prescribed prednisone for 10 days as well as to do 4 nebulizer treatments a day (more if needed) and I was sternly talked to about not using my CPAP at night. I get supplemental oxygen with it and haven't been using it. She put a call into the medical supply company to bring me something so I can use the oxygen machine without the CPAP if I need to. I asked her was the prednisone going to make me gain weight, she said for only 10 days it shouldn't but I should watch my salt and sugar intake while I'm taking it. I really hate having to take steroids. I guess I have also been taking some of my medications incorrectly and got instructions on that.

I have to go back on Thurs and will probably get some blood work done but for what, I don't know. I'll ask her then and I will also have to go do those fun lung function tests again and when I'm better I have to get the flu and pneumonia shots. I'll probably have to get tested for allergies again at some point and maybe do allergy shots again. I asked my PCM months ago if my asthma meds were working ok because I didn't feel like they were. He pretty much dismissed me. At least the allergist said we will see if we might need to make some changes once I'm back under control. Living at a high altitude doesn't help any either. I just want to be able to go to the gym again and hopefully not gain any weight from this ordeal.

PS. I'm in the process of selling my house in TX and it has been stressful ~ offer, counter, counter back...etc and now I'm putting a new roof on it..... It's been on the market since May '07 and I'm just glad to finally be selling it, it has been rough making the mortgage and paying rent here. Maybe some of this stress coupled with that cold wind is what sent me on that downward spiral. and I have the hubby trying to add his 2 cents from Iraq...yikes. I can't wait until Mar 10 for closing!

Edited February 24, 2009 by Doxie
add the PS

[Fluffy_Gurl 3]

I'm sorry you aren't feeling well. i truely understand where you are at though. i have been sick for a few weeks now and i also have asthma. I had pnemonia..i was just wondering if they ruled this out for you also. when i went to the doc i thoguht that i just had some bronchitis and mostly had gone for my sinus and ear infections not even realizing that i had pnemonia..just a thought and maybe something you should keep in mind seeing as how us asthmatics are more prone to develop pnemonia (sp)! hope you feel better soon!