All - I had an updated PFT after 5 years. The numbers are worse, to a degree which surprised the pulmonary doctor. The pulmonary doctor wants to try a new drug. I am now on nothing (see history below). After walking up 2 flights of stairs, I am a bit winded, as example. I rest a few minutes and am fine. Walking inside an apartment building with flat very long halls seems good, with no inclines or hot weather.
He is now recommending Stiolto Respimat. A concern I have is that it has side effects noted that it might cause irregular heartbeat, QT prolongation, low potassium. I have had 2 episodes of AFib, 6 years apart. Low potassium is associated with irregular heartbeat. This does not have a corticosteroid which is good, as I seem to be sensitive to this and I also have mild osteoporosis.
PRIOR DURGS:
6 years ago, I was on Trelegy for maybe 9 months. Only noticed problem was that one of the drugs disturbed sleep. I consistently woke up at 2 am and I really was AWAKE. Stopped drug with new doctor.
In 2022, I had Advair disc (powder). This triggered my second AFib episode after 3 months of use. I was taking that to help with bronchitis but kept on using it, thinking it was a bit helpful. Then the AFib event. Stopped drug.
Second Advair HCL for another bronchitis in 2025 summer. Quickly got a very hoarse voice, like laryngitis. Stopped drug.
Pulmonary doctor switched to Singular pill after stopped Advair. After a few weeks I had tightening in the upper chest so stopped, and the tightening stopped. Stopped drug.
Pulmonary doctor now wants to try the Stiolto Respimat.
Your thoughts are most welcomed.