Scott wrote this account from Norway in 2012, aged 71. It describes his personal experience over many years. His medicines and views reflect that time and should not be used to guide anyone else’s treatment.
I developed asthma when I was seven, and later was diagnosed with COPD. Over the years I had repeated chest infections and took courses of prednisolone and antibiotics.
In 1993, I was diagnosed with lung cancer and had the lower part of my right lung removed. I was told the tumour had been removed successfully. Years later, after becoming very ill with a lung infection, I learned that the earlier tissue result had identified Aspergillus. In 2004, doctors initially suspected that my new illness might be cancer again, but one doctor questioned that diagnosis and further surgery was avoided.
I was eventually diagnosed with ABPA. Prednisolone and itraconazole helped my symptoms for a time. I noticed that my flare-ups tended to happen in late spring or early summer, although I did not know why.
Concerns about treatment effects
Over the years, I developed several other health problems. These included cataracts, torn Achilles tendons, secondary adrenal insufficiency, osteoporosis and a vertebral fracture. My doctors thought long-term prednisolone may have contributed to some of them.
I found it difficult to know which symptoms were related to my lung disease, the treatments or other health conditions. Monitoring blood tests helped me and my doctors follow changes, but I understood that one test could not tell the whole story.
I later reduced my prednisolone use with medical supervision. My experience made me wish that the potential benefits and harms of treatment were discussed carefully, and that alternatives were considered where appropriate. I know that people’s circumstances differ, and my experience is only one person’s.
I shared my story not to frighten anyone or suggest that others should change their medicines, but to encourage patients to discuss treatment concerns with their doctors.
Scott J
Norway — 2012
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