Comments on: Can Regular People Be Asthma Educators?

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:15:32 +0000

Hi Andie, I’d be happy to. And thanks for the suggestion–I’ll put it up tomorrow.

By: AndieBeck

AndieBeck — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 02:31:41 +0000

It’s been my experience that I learn so much from “regular” people who are actually dealing with the major health issues I’ve had to deal with. I’ve been lucky to have (for the most part) excellent doctors, nurses, etc. But talking to someone who has been, or is, “there” makes such a difference. I find that both internet and IRL (in real life) friends can contribute so much to the quality of life for me & my family, and I am very happy to feel I can help others too!

I am so thankful, Amy, for this site

And as an example, here’s a question that has been worrying me – I know I need to start washing DS’s stuffed animals, especially the ones he sleeps with. I searched your site for “stuffed animals” to see if you had already done up a post about how to do this, but I didn’t find it. Is there a link you’d recommend, or could I persuade you to put this somewhere as a “how-to”?

I know it seems like something I shoudl just figure out on my own – but I haven’t done it for the past few months because it seems just that extra bit difficult. I think they need to go in the freezer, is that before or after washing? You know, that kind of thing.

Thanks!

Andie

By: Amy

Amy — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:16:26 +0000

Oh, that’s bad…..really, really bad. We’ve been lucky, but when I wrote nurses can “make or break” a hospital experience, believe me–we’ve encountered some bad ones. Just not very often. Once, I had an ER nurse tell me over the phone,

“Well, the nebulizer isn’t going to stop your daughter’s cough.”

By: Asthmagirl

Asthmagirl — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:46:46 +0000

I’m not saying anything negative about nurses, after all my daughter is in nursing school. But I have not had great experiences with nurses, asthmawise… One nurse at the hospital told me she thought my low breathing scores were due to anxiety and if I just relaxed, I’d breath better in no time.
The nurse at the pulmo’s office where I had my allergy tests was the only medical professional to ever demonstrate how to use an inhalor, and that was after I’d had asthma for over a year.
I’ve never seen a RT but I imagine they would be outstanding in educating asthma patients. Likewise, Amy, I think you’d be a dandy educator!

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 17:17:56 +0000

Good point, and good question. I have no idea if they do, but I’m guessing they used nurses in the study b/c the appointments took place in a primary care setting, rather than a specialized clinic or hospital. I know I’ve never encountered an RT in a regular dr.’s office (sure wish I had, lol).

By: freadom

freadom — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:37:56 +0000

I wonder what the result of that study would have been if RTs were doing the inhaler instruct. Or do they not have RTs in the UK?