hello, i have had asthma for over 32 years now, since 3 y/o. over the past year my symptoms have continued to worsen, i have been hospitalized 3 times in less than 6 months....i am dependant on oral steroids now, as well as the largest dose of inhaled steroids (Symbicort) I take neb txs with xoponex and atrovent 6 times daily, I have steroid induced diabetes, and was just d/cd today from hospital on home 02 at 2L via NC, my sats were 79-82% on room air with ambulation....my question is once you are home 02 what are the chances of every coming off ? my CT of the chest was negative and my CXRs continue to only show bronchitis....I watched my mother die a horrible death with emphysema in november...just wanting to know what my chances are of ever leading a normal life again....should I go on disability as I have a job which requires a lot of running around....any advice would be greatly appreciated....I also have RA if this makes any difference at all....Thanks
The requirement for oxygen can be assessed ideally by arterial blood gas analysis done at an interval of 2 weeks twice to say whether you will require long term oxygen or not. Your history of frequent admissions suggests that either your asthma has worsened or your RA has started affecting your lung function. I would also like to know what was your latest lung function test like to tell you more about your prognosis.