I can't find my inhaler and I went to a house with cats today and now I have uncomfortable chest tightness. My dumb doc only gives me one refill at a time, so I can't just pick up a refill. It's Saturday so they can't call the office. It's not urgent care worthy, just uncomfortable. Do they make an OTC version that could clear up the tightness till I can get a new inhaler? I use Ventolin, if that makes a difference.
Thanks for all the help. I did not know about the coffee, posture and water so thanks for the knowledge. I called the pharmacy and they gave me a one time refill for another inhaler. They sent a fax to the docs office so he would be informed but the pharmacist gave me a refill tonight. I have already gone, have used it, and feel sooo much better!!
Thanks all!
Yes KB he does not give me any refills. I have to go see him or (I guess) call him to get another one. My other doctors just give me a certain amount of refills - like a years worth. On my inhaler box it says "no refills". Which is silly for this med. It's not like its a narcotic. :)
Be careful with waiting.
That said, try a strong cup of coffee. Caffeine can open up airways. Good luck sleeping! Maybe the Benadryl will help!
Benadryl helps me. Feel better!! Cat allergies really stink.
No help for the immediate situation, but I would call your doctor's office (machine? on-call answering service?). And as soon as you talk to them, I would ask for an additional prescription.
My son carries an inhaler, and his doctor has no issue with giving me an extra prescription. For a long time, I carried an extra in my wallet, so that when we traveled, if son lost his inhaler, or forgot it at a relative's house during travel, that I could pop into a Target or whatever and get a replacement. I had to ask. It wasn't "offered". So ASK.
Depending upon how often you are getting refills, it may be an issue with your insurance company, more than with your doctor, I would think.
I understand what you mean about getting just enough meds to tide you over til Monday. They don't want you to have an asthma attack.
I am a little concerned that your doctor hasn't counseled you better about your condition. He should have told you what to do in case of losing or misplacing your inhaler, or being somewhere without it. I also worry that he's holding you "hostage" somewhat by not giving you refills unless you go see him. If I were you, I'd find another specialist and see what his or her way of doctoring you is like.
It doesn't hurt to have a second opinion and find out more about your condition from another doctor.
Glad the pharmacist helped and that you are feeling better now!
Dawn
I'm glad you already got a refill and are feeling better.
I'm not sure what you mean by "one refill at a time", but my doctor usually writes a prescription, where I can only get one refill each pharmacy visit but I typically get extras by refilling every 30 days (or however frequently your insurance will fill) even if I haven't used it all up. That way, I can have one in my sports bag, one in my purse, one at work, etc. Any place that is useful to have an extra.
If you meant your doctor is only writing you a scrip for 1 inhaler per scrip each time you visit him, then what I suggested won't work. But if that's the case, I'd ask your doctor to write you a scrip for a year's worth and then get some extra's filled early on and then refill as needed for the rest of the year.
Have you tried Primatene? It's an over-the-counter inhaler. Not as effective as Ventolin, but talk to the pharmacist and give it a whirl.
Be careful w/the Benadryl. Yes, it's absolutely wonderful with the itchy eyes of allergies and some other symptoms but it can be contra-indicated for he chest tightness of an asthma issue.
For some, the caffeine in coffee is helpful, as is water. Make sure you pay attention to how you sit and stand (crazy, but true!). Keep your body relaxed but make sure your shoulders are down and back -- don't hunch forward. Sit up straight. Keep your chin level or tipped up a little; don't tuck it down. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, slow and easy and relaxed. Think of your airway as a vacuum cleaner hose -- keep it as open as possible without kinks in it.
Really -- call the pharmacist & ask.
Hi M.,
Just a caution about using caffene or an inhaler to open up your airways. Some doctors caution that you should not do either until you leave the source of the problem, which you should do the minute you have any trouble breathing. The reason is that if you use caffene or your inhaler to breath better and stay in the cat environment, you are opening your airways to inhale a greater concentration of the very irritant that is causing you difficulty. And given the no refill situation, I think it may be a good time to check your asthma with another doctor, if you are able.
Benadryl, and drink lots of water, it helps carry oxygen to your lungs. And even though it's Saturday, your doctor should have someone on call for them in case of emergencies they can get hold of through the exchange.
Please be careful, I lost 2 adult cousins to asthma attacks. Take care.
