Medical Q&A time!
Hey guys, sorry to post again so soon, but does anyone on the f-list have asthma?
If so, or if you know anything about asthma, I could really use your advice.
I was recently diagnosed with asthma, but I've yet to see someone who specializes in it - I just made an appointment today, so hopefully that will be good. I don't have a PFM yet - I know it wasn't so hot when the doctor tested me in July, which is how he diagnosed me and then put me on Asmanex. He also didn't give me an Asthma Action Plan (I've been doing research all morning). In short, I'm feeling very under-prepared and a little concerned, because I'm such a newbie to this and I don't want to be stupid. I'm checking all my resources right now. I feel a little dumb for posing this question on LJ, but I know I have a large, intelligent friend list and I figure it's better to try everything.
I woke up today feeling okay at first, but then my back (right where my lungs are) started killing me, and so did my chest. My asthma's been a little fiesty since Friday when I went on a hike - my chest felt like it was going to implode after a very short, not very steep climb, which I know isn't good, and I've been coughing a ton ever since. I've been using my inhaler a lot - like, once or twice a day (I know that's not good; hence another reason I made the appointment). As soon as I used my inhaler earlier, the sharp pain went away, but I can feel it starting to come back and I'm feeling a little short of breath. I don't know if there's anything I can do to help with symptoms - Googling doesn't seem to tell me much except "check your PFM!" and "go see a doctor!" Since I've made an appointment for the doctor, and it's Sunday anyway, I wouldn't really have anywhere to go except the ER or Urgent Care, which...no thanks. I'm not having an attack or anything. I'm just kind of uncomfortable.
So in short, do you guys have any advice? I'd definitely appreciate it! <3
If so, or if you know anything about asthma, I could really use your advice.
I was recently diagnosed with asthma, but I've yet to see someone who specializes in it - I just made an appointment today, so hopefully that will be good. I don't have a PFM yet - I know it wasn't so hot when the doctor tested me in July, which is how he diagnosed me and then put me on Asmanex. He also didn't give me an Asthma Action Plan (I've been doing research all morning). In short, I'm feeling very under-prepared and a little concerned, because I'm such a newbie to this and I don't want to be stupid. I'm checking all my resources right now. I feel a little dumb for posing this question on LJ, but I know I have a large, intelligent friend list and I figure it's better to try everything.
I woke up today feeling okay at first, but then my back (right where my lungs are) started killing me, and so did my chest. My asthma's been a little fiesty since Friday when I went on a hike - my chest felt like it was going to implode after a very short, not very steep climb, which I know isn't good, and I've been coughing a ton ever since. I've been using my inhaler a lot - like, once or twice a day (I know that's not good; hence another reason I made the appointment). As soon as I used my inhaler earlier, the sharp pain went away, but I can feel it starting to come back and I'm feeling a little short of breath. I don't know if there's anything I can do to help with symptoms - Googling doesn't seem to tell me much except "check your PFM!" and "go see a doctor!" Since I've made an appointment for the doctor, and it's Sunday anyway, I wouldn't really have anywhere to go except the ER or Urgent Care, which...no thanks. I'm not having an attack or anything. I'm just kind of uncomfortable.
So in short, do you guys have any advice? I'd definitely appreciate it! <3