Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Asthma??

I've been having a lot of difficultly breathing lately...wheezing...coughing..constantly trying to catch my breath, especially in the morning. While I am waiting to see a specialist, I have tried a puffer " Flovent Discus" to be exact. This really clears me up for about 4-6 hours, and then I'm having a lot of trouble breathing again. I'm on Enbrel, so naturally I'm assuming it has something to do with it. Is there anyone here on KA that has Asthma that can give me any advice??...The only reason I'm assuming that it's Asthma is because the puffer helps.

Thank you


Paul

Hey Paul,

I don't have asthma or use Enbrel, but I do have COPD and use Advair Diskus 250/50 to puffs each morning and two puffs at bedtime. Besides the Advair I use Abuterol Inhaler as needed and Nasonex. The Advair and Nasonex usually clears everything except for sometimes during spring or fall. I have to use the Aubuterol for the times it doesn't quite cut it all day. Maybe your dosage needs to be adjusted.

I hate to ask but have you had any pains lately chest, neck, shoulders and/or arms? I was having similar problems in 2003 which I thought was AS and COPD which finally lead to a myocardial infarction (heart attack). I was sitting at my desk and it felt like an elephant decided to step on my chest. I tried laying down for a bit but it just made me feel worse and started sweating. I got up and was going to get someone to call for help and passed out in the floor as I walked out of the bedroom.

Brent

Paul,

Asthma, I get with bronchitis etc, it's part of the same thing. Usually needs an anti-biotic to calm it down, alot go on to get pleurisy etc which is a #####,

As Brent says there are other AS complications which can mimic your symptons.

For you being on Enbrel you should be at the Dr.s for an evaluation because you can get seriously ill due to your suppressed immune system, please Go see the Dr!

Good Luck!

David

IBD=It's Been Dreadful

Brent,

Thanks for you reply, no, I have no other pains other than the normal AS stuff, Your episode in 2003 sure sounds scary, I can't even imagine what you were thinking during that attack. Any lasting effects as a result??


Take Care,


Paul

David,

Thank you for your reply also, actually I finally made a few Doctors appointments for myself... I'm starting with my GP..and asking for referrals for a few specialists....I am one of those people who put off seeing their Doctors, until it's too late. I'm scared by this...it got me off my rear end, I'm looking for help.




Paul

Hey Paul,

Other than some pains in my chest now and then usually when I get stressed out and a hand full of meds I go to the cardiologist every 4 months and blood work. I have never asked about how much damage was done and he has yet to tell me. They ended up putting a stent in my right artery to open it back up. I do know he gets useasy everytime I mention surgery or dental work and my dentist won't touch me until he calls the doctor to check on me.

Brent

Paul,

me too, but as things progress you need to change a bit, probably just an infection and some anti biotics will clear it up, but on enbrel etc you have to be cautious!!!

Good Luck

David

IBD=It's Been Dreadful