Don't Know What to Do Next: COVID & Lung Conditions

Dear merpreb, Definitely, yet the drug is such a double-edged sword. I read that one one hand it alleviates swelling. On the other hand, it can cause chest heaviness. Why would swelling be increasing at all one year out of radiation. Isn't it suppose to go down with time? Must either be the Covid from last year, or the infection is still there. Wondering what criteria for Trach Tube. Would it even help me in this situation, or would breathing still be difficult because of swelling? Too bad there isn't another drug that reduces swelling without side-effects of Prednisone. Thanks.

I'm sorry to hear of your difficulty coming back. I just read of the decrease in prednisone - perhaps a slower taper would reduce the symptoms? It is at least a question for the doc.
As a person with asthma/bronchiectasis, I will tell you that breathing issues are a daily mystery. For example, yesterday afternoon, I was sitting on the patio, playing a game with friends, and suddenly could barely catch my breath - an hour later, walking home, I was just fine. I know from experience that a rescue inhaler might have helped, and a check of my O2 sats would have shown them to be above 90%. The pulmonologist has no explanation either.
I have a friend who is 7 years post-chemo, post-radiation for throat & thyroid cancer - she had a feeding tube for about 4 years before she was able to transition to a liquid diet, and even now, she must be extremely careful about aspiration. Another acquaintance was never able to change, has always had to use a feeding tube. I don't think that part of your situation is uncommon.
The human body is an amazing and complex organism, and the more doctors and scientists learn about it, the more mysteries they find.
Sue

Dear Sue,
I agree about the slower taper and will ask doctor. Do your breathing issues worsen at night, like mine do? It always seems to worsen around 6:00 p.m. While in the hospital, the pulmonary unit sent up a nurse that told me maybe I wasn't inhaling the rescue inhaler properly. The nurse explained about using the spacer, so the medicine goes into lungs and not just the throat. The nurse stood there and watched me do two big inhales with the spacer, then witnessed my breathing go south. It was bad Some people have this reaction for unknown reasons. Thank-you, Sue, for being a caring person.

Hi, @thomason. I don't have nearly as much knowledge as some of the wonderfully, sharing and giving people here who have helped me immensely since I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis in October but one thing that has helped me with inhalers and nebulizing is making sure that I am only breathing in through my nose. My first CT scan showed that my esophagus "sits funny," whatever that means and I have always had sinus issues so was in the habit of breathing through my mouth (also a terrible snoring problem since childhood). The first month of trying out inhalers sent me to the ER three times because I was breathing in through my mouth and it was swelling up my larynx so I was not getting air through the top of my throat and not getting the medicine into my tubes and lungs. I was fighting mad because I felt like everything the doctors were giving me was making me worse and was feeling pretty helpless. This one small change, that I really have to concentrate on, has made a world of difference in my life. Wishing you all the best and praying for some answers and relief for you. ~Echo

Dear Echo R, Thank-you, for the heads up! May I inquire as to how you now take your inhaler? Thank-you, for kind words too! We are all in the same boat called Life."

@thomason- It can be very awkward to use an inhaler.I found that using a spacer at the beginning was very helpful. this a video about it.

Thank-you! I am doing it right, the rescue inhaler just does not help me at all. Sure wish it did for peace of mind...I did retry the "Yupelri" nebulizer vial, and it does help. It is the only one that does, but as most of them, you can only nebulize it once-per-day. Thank-you, for being a caring person.

Have you reported that the rescue inhaler doesn't seem to be doing anything for you? YOu shouldn't be taking medications that don't work. How often do you do your rescue inhaler?

Hi thomason, just saw your post. I turn age 80 this year, have had asthma since age 2. My “peak” on a peak flow meter (range 0 to 800) has never, ever gone higher than 300. I use a really cool battery power pocket inhaler/nebulizer containing a vial of Albuterol abt 4 times per day. It has a 3” spacer. But I only take ONE puff though doc said to use full vial. I also take one puff of Symbicort morning and evening. I find that using a full vial of Albuterol speeds me up too much. I also take a puff abt 2:30 AM when I have take my dogs out. I am a choral singer and am learning “belly breathing” which pulls the diaphragm down, bringing in more air. Belly breathing involves sucking in as much air as possible, even if you think you’ll bust (!) and holding it in as long as possible! Apparently I’ve been shallow breathing for all my life. Belly breathing definitely helps to get more oxygen which makes me feel a lot better. As for mucus, I buy a store brand (Walmart) mucus relief liquid (green label) and take an swig morning and evening. I also wear a Medic Alert wrist band that details my allergies, etc. I also have PMR. Hope my info is helpful to you. Cheers!

Dear merpreb, I do not use any of the inhalers at all. When you explain they don't work--and actually make my breathing worse--the doctors act like you are from Mars! So, yes, I have nothing to fall back on. You kindly sent me a connection to a doctor that deals with Post-Covid, the "Survivors Corps," and my appt. is in June. I just called and the office said they will try to get me in sooner. Thank-you, Merry Mentor. You are a Godsend to so many people.