I am really sick and don't want to go to the ER--UPDATE in OP and info on new genetics of asthma

[Violet2]

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE...So I ended up in the hospital and my oxygen level was not as great as it could've been for once. I was released this morning but am not feeling to so hot and am sooooooo nervous about backsliding. I did round the clock nebulizer treatments all night long at the hospital, didn't sleep, working so so so hard to clear up my lungs. I will be on prednisone for like a month (which is horrible news, but it seems necessary at this point).

Anyway, two tidbits of info to share...there is a really bad adult version of RSV type virus going around now. I would guess that I had it because I became sick so fast, it was a virulent virus that sparked this. I likely avoided a secondary infection due to the vitamin D and other vitamins I take.

The second, I'm now participating in a research study that is looking at the dna of asthmatics who take their meds (like I do) and still have bad episodes. Turns out I may be missing a piece of DNA which means the asthma meds don't work as well which would explain A LOT. Also, the research is going to lead to better meds in the future. I should know in 3-4 months if I'm missing the DNA piece or not.

Now if I just need to get better and stay out of the hospital.

V

ORIGINAL POST...

I am having a really bad asthma flare up. I got a cold and it advanced into full bore asthma very very fast. Scary fast.

I am on prednisone. I am doing the nebulizer. Taking all my meds etc...

And it's not breaking. I am seriously sick.

Of course my (super fantastic) pulmonologist is out of town. I am waiting to hear from her back up.

But I don't think I can stay out of the ER at this point. And I don't want to go.

Because my O2 sats will be fine, they always are. The problem is not my oxygen levels, it's that the asthma doesn't break. So ERs always give me a hard time b/c I never seem to be sick enough (although if they would do proper pulmonary function tests they would see my airways are down 50%).

So I'm waiting for DH to come home. Waiting to hear from the back up and what they have to offer. But I'll probably be in the ER tonight.

I hope I jinxed myself by saying that. That would be great.

V

[kittynurse]

I hope you hear from the backup doctor soon.

With DS1, I find a dose of Tylenol helps when he's having a hard time with his asthma but not a hard enough time to go to the ER.

I hate the ER too but probably best to go there if you don't hear from the back up.

[Violet2]

Thank you. It's nice to have some support as this has been very stressful. I haven't been this sick in about 4 years.

I seem to be in a 'lull' right now. Not as bad as I was but yet not healthy, still any progress is good.

My pulmonologist called me even tho she's out of town and we have a game plan of more meds tonight and then more meds with a side of chest xray tomorrow and then praying this episode breaks.

Now I need DH to stay home to care for DD so I can rest tomorrow--that is proving to be problematic b/c he has so many big things going on at work. The timing is just awful for him professionally.

V

[californiajenn]

Magnesium will relax your airways. I stopped an asthma attack with mag and quercitin last summer. Go take an bath with lots of epsom salts and it will help.

That said, every time I think I should go to the hospital for my asthma but don't, I look back and think it was really dumb of me. If you think you should go, then go. Seriously.

Oh, just read the update. Glad you have a plan. I stick by my magesium and querctin recommendation.

[Violet2]

I actually take magnesium supplements.

Quercitin I thought needed time to build up in the system and would not be a quick fix???? But that is a vague memory, not sure if I have it right.

I think I jinxed myself. I've been breathing okay for the last 4 hours. Knocking on wood.

V

[425lisamarie]

Violet! I'm sorry I know the feeling. DS ended up with pneumonia after a cold and probably from being around the snot dripping infected neighbor kid. This is our first real illness. He is doing much better now, but also my DH has a huge project and an upcoming out of the country trip and it's one of those crappy situations that I just cannot demand the time from him. Luckily I have my mom, but just wanted to say I'm so sorry for you Hope you bounce back, it is very frustrating for a mama.

[Violet2]

Thank you! I am hanging in there. Still white knuckling it a bit but also getting some breaks where I can actually breathe.

I really hope tomorrow is a better day. I'm still on the couch though so I can sleep sitting up.

I miss my bed and DH.

V

[carfreemama]

Violet, I just read your post. How are YOU doing?

[Violet2]

I am distracting myself on the internet so I don't notice the pain too much and trying not to cough so I don't throw up or pee my pants (the joys of the postpartum pelvic floor combined with the uncontrollable asthma hack!).

Also debating whether or not to take the nebulizer or just the inhaler.

Then I will try to sleep sitting up. I am just hanging in. Slightly improved over yesterday. I think. I hope. It's hard to tell sometimes.

V

[Violet2]

hmmm. I thought the update would bump the thread, guess not!
V

[iamme]

Originally Posted by Violet2

hmmm. I thought the update would bump the thread, guess not!
V

I'm glad you got well needed help! I am curious, how did you find out about this adult version of RSV? Did they recognize signs and draw blood, or did you just end up talking to someone about it?

[Violet2]

Originally Posted by iamme

I'm glad you got well needed help! I am curious, how did you find out about this adult version of RSV? Did they recognize signs and draw blood, or did you just end up talking to someone about it?

My pulmonologist told me about it and said it's been going around (she's so awesome, she made a special trip to see me in the ER even though she wasn't on consult service). Who is to say for sure, but this was a heck of a virus. I NEVER EVER call and beg for prednisone. Especially not after just 3 days of being sick but I did this time. This was wicked fast. I have never seen anything like it and I've had a lot of bugs.

ETA: You have to keep in mind, I did 5 days of 60g prednisone, 10 days of sleeping sitting up, 6 days of nebulizer treatments at home and I was still super sick--this is not supposed to happen (which speaks to the DNA issue, but also this bug hit my lungs like a nuclear bomb.)

V

[JessicaS]

Thank you for letting us know.

I will be sure to be a little more cautious.

[carfreemama]

RSV was the diagnosis here, too; though in 6 yo dd. I wonder if the "adult" version of RSV be contracted by children? Paroxysmal coughing fits, followed by a bizarre return to normal behaviour (coughing fit, headstand, coughing fit, race with the dog. Repeat 24/7 for 1 week, residual cough until God knows when).

Hope you're doing better, Violet2. I'm so glad you went to the hospital. You deserve to just.get.better, though boy do I know what you mean about "bad timing for the family." It's a really helpless feeling, huh?