Well another week and another fresh twist on the rollercoaster. Since the weekend the minor cough and wheeze has worsened. On Tuesday I had what is the closest I've ever been to a full on Asthma attack - just through the minor exertion of coughing. I have had very mild Asthma (nothing much more than a winter wheeze) most of my adult life - but nothing ever close to what I expericenced Tuesday morning. Panic nearly took over, making efforts to get the inhaler fire into my lungs even tougher. I must say I have great respect and a better insight to people who get serious asthma and for whom such attacks may be pretty common. It was a genuinely scary experience.
I went straight to the GP Tuesday morning and although my lungs sounded clear he did give me a controlled release inhaler to go with my (blue) acute one.
Was ok for the rest of Tuesday and Wednesday, but had another attack Thursday morning as a result of the strenuous exercise of taking a shower!
Luckily Thursday morning was my scheduled appointment to see Dr. Swanwick the NHS Palliative Care consultant from Derby Royal. It is fair to say that Dr Swanwick was superb. This is an NHS clinic but my appointment lasted more than 45 mins, during which time she took a detailled history, examined me, set up a Chest X-ray and appointment next week. She also prescribed; a higher dose of the Morphine Sulphate pain relief tablets; Steriods to try to get rid of the Wheezing and breathing problems; and a different laxative to try to help elsewhere!!!
Dr. Swanwick is a great example of where the NHS is still a service to be proud of.
I am due back to see Dr. Swanwick next Thursday and sincerely hope the Steriods do the trick by then.
It seems to be one step forward, one step back - with any improvements on the energy levels from a better appetite being overtaken by a need to move slowly to prevent the breathing problems - however I like to think I have not been quite so downhearted and grumpy (although perhaps you should ask Julia!!!).
We have a small number of things planned for the weekend and early next week....it of course remains to be seen whether I manage to do them.
Have a great weekend everyone!!
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Hey, good of you to think of our weekends Clive given your not so pleasant week. I can sort of understand how horrible a severe asthma attack might be, having carried inhalers for many years of childhood. Just keep those inhalers close at hand. I hope those pain killers do their thing and make it easy for you to be upbeat and avoid the grumps! I am routing for Peterborough today as I have some money on them to win!
ReplyDeletehey clive. your new car will be a good positive. i have been a frenchy cars man all my life and peugeot is my favourit although my laguna has changed my views on Renualts.its cost me 3 x more than original price in repairs. i am now looking for a solitory spot in the forest with a box of matches. ah i forgot. midlanders do not know about forests !. keep up the spirit mate and keep those ramblings comming. wish you well.
ReplyDeleteHey John, I trust you picked up a few quid after the Posh win! Shame this new manager has probably come along too late to save us this season.
ReplyDeleteHey Nat,
Good to hear from you - I trust your own trials are going well.
The car is fantastic and Julia absolutely loves it!