Asthma Support Group

My Story was....... Every cold night, windy day,spring etc I was at the local GP in need of using a nebuliser. Thats the short story to it all.
I do like the fact that I'm not spending huge amounts of money now, and it's easy access for both myself and my 10yr old who needs to use it through winter.

I asked my doctor about one after a visit to the ER. I noticed that I recovered quickly after the breathing treatments at the ER and thought that I could do this at home. When I asked, he saicd "I thought I suggested a nebuliser some time ago. You don't have one yet?" (If he suggested one, I sure don't remember) I had one delivered to the house that afternoon.
If I were you, I would ask about one. Doctors forget sometimes. Mine has sure come in handy.
Tom

I was thinking that the doctor might not realize I don't have one. On one visit back in the beginning of all this fun, they asked me what my peakflows were at home. I said I had no idea because I didn't know I could get a meter or that I needed to track them. Which led to the "OH, didn't we give you a meter?" conversation.

I will ask again when I have my follow-up in the next month or two.

Robin

Rsisland-

Don't wait a month or two. Call and get a prescription for one. Then compare prices by calling surgical supply shops and even surfing the web. You should be able to get one for under $100 U.S.

The nebulizer fluid is of course another matter and can be expensive or cheap depending on what is prescribed and how this stuff is used.

Still, having a nebulizer at home is cheaper and more convenient than a doctor or ER visit any day of the week. The savings can amount from hundreds to thousands.

More importantly though, the device can save your life when you need it most - and without having to call for an ambulance in the middle of the night.

However, it is important to consider also getting a battery-powered nebulizer as a back up in case of a power failure and also for travel purposes should you need it.

Good luck and pleae post what you decide.

A nebulizer is not to be used lightly as they can be relied on but for me my nebulizer keeps me goign everyday,. i use it everry hour some days or every two hours depending on how good my breathing is. it lets me stay at home.

i would get a giudline of use from your dr when you get one to make sure you dont beomce dependant on it or think you are ok when your are nto as this can sometimes happen and epopel who ahve bad asthma end up not getting help wquick enough.

OLive

I think what I am going to do is...

I have an appointment with a gastro doc on the 18th. After this appointment, I will be switching pulmo docs. I have heard there is a good one in the same office, so it should be easy to switch. When I see the new pulmo, I will talk to him about getting a nebulizer. I believe it is covered under my health insurance. They covered my hubby's c-pap 100%, so it should be around the same coverage. I'll check though.

Thanks everyone!

Robin

sounds like a good idea. hope the switch goes well
olive

I got one early on after an ER visit. I was seeing my internist at the time as she referred me to the specialists, she gave me a prescription for the nebulizer too. I had been given breathing treatments twice in a week in her office also.

My insurance covered the cost of this 100% so I was fortunate that way.

Robin, how often do you require breathing treatments? If you need them daily or a few times a week, it probably would be helpful to have at home.

Personally, I hate the damn thing!

I actually break down and go see the dr. when it gets pretty bad. That is usually every two weeks. Then it is usually a double treatment.

If I actually went every time I needed to, I would be there 2-3 times a week...but I don't go when I should :(

Robin

I was given one at age 15, I was that bad. It will definitely save you many trips to the ER, but don't use it in place of those really bad attacks. Sometimes you need the other meds too. Also take a look at your inhalers. I'd love to chat about it. i've used almost everything known to man that they've created for us and have a pretty good idea of what to try new....

drop me a line, let's chat. but definitely get yourself a neb at home. it will give you and your family peace of mind knowing you have it. and most insurance companies cover the cost with just a copay, and if they don't, there are organizations that have refurbished ones. i donate my old ones for that purpose. Take care and we'll talk soon!!