Asthma and Interstitial lung disease

JMB, AFIB doesn't have a relationship (except for your overall health) to your lung problems. If you have ILD you would have been informed by now. You have "freedom of will." and you should commit to using it to change any trait that you have that you don't like! Not easy, ubt you can do it if you want to live a better life for you and yours. The inhaler IS for emergencies, and the nebulizer should loosen up and help clear your lung, and result in easier breathing. You should use it as often as needed. Good luck!

I do have ILD and it was caused by Sjogren's. I have one lobe of my lung that is gone/dried out from Sjogren's The nebulizer is helping and I use it at night as breathing sometimes becomes difficult around 7pm. Sometimes I don't feel like I need it and don't know if I should use it anyways. I have just started Breo 200 and hope it helps. I can't find information on symptoms of ILD vs asthma. Any ideas? Thanks and stay safe.

@jmb73 It's always frightening to have a diagnosis like ILD - something most of us have probably never heard of. That's how I felt when I learned about having bronchiectasis plus pseudomonas and MAC. I was so happy to join Mayo Connect and find others with the same conditions and learn how to manage.
I just went and read the links Merry provided, and it was a lot like reading about bronchiectasis. It is serious, and may be progressive. With bronchiectasis, I choose to call it a life sentence, something to be lived with, not a death sentence.
I see that you are under the care of a doctor who has a plan for you. The Breo is your long-term anti-inflammatory. The nebulizer is your day-to-day controller to be used up to 4 nebs per day, even if you don't feel the need in the moment. The rescue inhaler is meant to be just that - when the other two regularly used together are not enough.
So given all that is going on in your life, what can you do to help yourself?
First, use your meds as prescribed. All of them, to help your breathing, your blood pressure and AFIB, arthritis, etc. If you are being seen by several different specialists, make sure one doc or a pharmacist looks at all of your meds, prescription and other, to make sure they are not "fighting" with one another.
Next, find something positive in each day - as simple as the sun coming in the window, a hot cup of tea, a little piece of good chocolate. Look here for ideas: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/visual-escapes-and-daily-inspirations-share-yours/
Finally, turn off the endless stream of bad news and pamper yourself in a small way to relax - a warm bath or shower, a walk around the yard to see what's coming up, music...
I'll be back soon to see how you're doing.
Sue

Hi Sue, Thank you for your support. I am taking the nebulizer every day and it's helping. My family gave me an apple watch for Christmas and my cardiologist said it will show if my heart rate goes too high and I get an AFIB episode. If that happens, I am to take an extra metopropol and it should lower the heart rate. I had a "phone" appointment with him and he reassured me as I was very concerned about going to the hospital if my rate goes too high. My kids have been super and my "unemployed" son and his family walk over to see my husband and I every morning . We stay in the garage and tell the kids (2 &3) we are sick so they play in the driveway and don't come near us. They don't stay long but it really helps. I realize that I am very lucky to have a great family and will practice my yoga breathing when I get depressed. My rheumatologist told me he can't help me as all of his medications will lower my already low immune system. So I have one less doctor to see. Unfortunately, I no longer can take NSAIDS and I am in constant pain. I am going to increase my CBD/THC as I know the pain is causing me to be depressed. It's frustrating but I will keep listing all the good things I have and try to get rid of the negativity. Thank you for your help. Stay safe.

@jmb73 I am glad you are figuring out some coping mechanisms.
I too had to stop all NSAIDS some time ago and understand your struggle with pain - does your yoga breathing help with that at all? Also, there are some NSAID topical gels available by prescription that some rheumatologists use (Piroxicam and Diclofenac are 2) - maybe you can ask about those - they help me some on really bad days.
It might help to put a name to the awful feelings we are all dealing with right now - Ginger posted this on another discussion last night, maybe it will help you too. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/a-new-kind-of-grief-in-these-times/?pg=1#comment-384115
Hang in there, and check in with us from time to time - it is so unfortunate to get a scary diagnosis at the same time as our world is turned upside down by this virus.
Enjoy your family - my grands are near the same age - my daughter takes little video clips for us every day, of silly things or cute - we watch them over and over to feel better. Your son sounds very thoughtful - maybe he would do the same if you ask?
Stay calm, stay safe
Sue

Hi there. I was diagnosed with ILD in August 2020. Initially I was prescribed steroids for several months, after which I was prescribed Cellcept, a steroid reducer and often used with transplant patients. My Cellcept dosage has been decreased and I am now on 500 mg a.m. and p.m. My PFT's (pulmonary function tests) have been normal for at least the past six months. So, there is light at the end of the tunnel! The best advice my pulmonologist gave me in 2020 was "Walking is super important." I walk every day and consider this just another prescription. I think this might be why I seem to be doing so well with ILD. I feel great. I hope you have a good pulmonologist. Please, if you feel up to it, walk every day. I wish you well.

I just posted about Tezspire on the other asthma page here.

Yes. I have ProAir for emergencies, and Trelegy daily.

I’m sad to hear this. I am 73 and almost in the same ‘boat.’ My pulmonologist wants me to start Tezspire injections. I am afraid of the side effects.
Perhaps, journaling will help. Not so much at the moment of writing, but when you look back and see improvement. I use Face Book, strangely. Because it helps to tell others your story.