Re: How much does asthma dominate your lives and choices?

[Guest guest]

Since I am new to asthma I am still learning how to cope with it. Every time I go to church I have an attack. The older women around me are very sweet but they always wear something that smells that sets off an attack. I have gone through a massive self pit party. Why me? Then I think like you, it could be worse. I also do have good insurance but even with that my meds still cost me about $100 a month (not all of them are asthma medications). I know that may not seem like a lot in the grand scheme of things but I am a stay at home mom who home schools so that is a lot for our budget. Right now I feel older than my 38 years because I can not do all the things I want to do. I am sure that as time goes by and I get better control of my attacks and start figuring out all the triggers I will feel more like my old self again.

Although this topic has been raised in various iterations before since we have some new members I would like to get some new insights. How much does having asthma affect your daily lives and choices? I will admit this is an ongoing issue for me and when I have an attack

I sometimes battle emotions ranging from irritation/annoyance to self pity and anger. I don't think I am unique in that I want a life without limits and have trouble accepting the constraints asthma can impose on my life and choices. For example, one of my students wore

some strongly scented body lotion to her lesson yesterday. I knew as soon as she and her mom opened the door that I was gonna have trouble. I was hoping mom had the scent on since I knew she was leaving. Well, it was the little girl and within a minute I had a

severe headache, and within five minutes I had mild breathing trouble. Within two hours I had an attack which continues this morning. The same thing used to happen if I inhaled cigarette smoke, went into a Bath and Body shop, etc. Now our state has gone smoke

free so I can go to any restaurant and I can certainly stay out of stinky stores. I have so far only mentioned annoyances of asthma and not mentioned what happens to all of us if we get a virus, etc. We all know what THAT is like. On the other hand I try to thank God

every day I don't have a worse disease and have excellent medical insurance for the disease I do have.I have seen some posts lately from some truly sick people who have a 24/7 battle with their asthma and am curious about their coping

strategies. I wish you a healthy day! -- My friend are you tired of feeling Tired? Worn out? Stressed? Depressed? Do you wonder if Shaklee could make "the" difference in your health? …..Then my friend, try the gift of our 21-Tape Program today! You'll hear awesome Success Stories that will stir your heart, and then you'll be able to "try" $100 worth of Shaklee of YOUR choice as my gift to you , NO strings attached!

Now………….. take the time …………..for you…. Its not selfish.. its wise!Ask me about the gift of my 21-Tape program today! You'll be so glad you didhealthynewu@...

http://shaklee.net/healthynewu

[Guest guest]

Being "severely asthmatic" has affected every aspect of my life. It has changed who I am and how I do things. I can no longer hold down a job because I was passing out at my desk and not able to show up to work on a regular basis. I have had to move in with family because I can no longer support myself. My partner of 7 years couldn't take the stress of knowing if I was going to pass out and die, so left me. Asthma is an insidious, corrosive disease that has damaged every aspect of my life. That being said, all is not lost. It is possible to make accommodations, to change one's thinking and to learn to live with it and be happy most of the time. First, I had to realize that the life I had planned was not going to work out. I had to let go of some of my dreams and face the reality of my situation. Second, I had to find alternatives. I moved in with my brother's family, whom I love dearly. I gave up the motorcycle club and joined a book club. I check the

air quality on-line before going out on short outings. Rather than backpacking, I will go for a picnic or drive. While I have kept many of my old friends, I have also made new friends, who like to play cards or see a show. Finding acceptable alternatives and solutions is critical. I still deal with my asthma on a daily basis and sometimes it gets very frustrating. However, I no longer feel it is overwhelming and most days are pretty good. Hope this is what you were looking for. I would love to hear others' stories and opinions as well. Thanks for the post. EChockeyplayersgal wrote: I don't think I am unique in that I want a life without limits and have trouble accepting the constraints asthma can impose on my life and choices. I have seen some posts lately from some truly sick people who have a 24/7 battle with their asthma and am curious about their coping strategies. I wish you a healthy day! __._,_._

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[Guest guest]

I'm a lot like EC... I was glad to hear someone else post that because I don't really like to bring up my situation and it's a big comfort to hear of others in the same boat so that I don't feel so lost. I'm so clogged up that I can barely talk and when I do it sounds like someone twice my age. When I'm in a line at Mc's or some other store I'll be standing next to the clerk and they'll ask me to repeat what I said 3 or 4 times. This happens every time and every where I go. It's helped to keep faithful and open-minded people around me. Without realizing it, sometimes if I was in a tight spot then they'd stay with me, and not abandon me. I wouldn't survive without others helping me. On the other hand some family members particularly on my dad side, uncles etc., have shown their true colors and are jerks who'll never really understand. They think I'm just being lazy

and won't talk to me at family meetings. I was also thinking that providing for the family's needs doesn't necessarily have to be a job. Recently seeing the rough situations others go through has led me to believe that much of providing for the family isn't really money but to make sure they feel loved and cared about everyday and how many people really hurt for that and small things like maybe cooking for them or helping them with their goals and even the household chores is very much a part of giving them meaning and purpose to the reason why they want to work themselves. I still miss outside work though, and really enjoyed being a business manager...but as long as I'm doing something it doesn't necessarily have to be a paid job if we were together as a family. This has taken some adjustment for the family members to go through, but when they realize what's going on and buckle down together things

seem to work out. EC Radza wrote: Being "severely asthmatic" has affected every aspect of my life. It has changed who I am and how I do things. I can no longer hold down a job because I was passing out at my desk and not able to show up to work on a regular basis. I have had to move in with family because I can no longer support myself. My partner of 7 years couldn't take the stress of knowing if I was going to pass out and die, so left me. Asthma is an insidious, corrosive disease that has damaged every aspect of my

life. That being said, all is not lost. It is possible to make accommodations, to change one's thinking and to learn to live with it and be happy most of the time. First, I had to realize that the life I had planned was not going to work out. I had to let go of some of my dreams and face the reality of my situation. Second, I had to find alternatives. I moved in with my brother's family, whom I love dearly. I gave up the motorcycle club and joined a book club. I check the air quality on-line before going out on short outings. Rather than backpacking, I will go for a picnic or drive. While I have kept many of my old friends, I have also made new friends, who like to play cards or see a show. Finding acceptable alternatives and solutions is critical. I still deal with my asthma on a daily basis and sometimes it gets very frustrating. However, I no longer feel it is overwhelming and most days are pretty good. Hope this is

what you were looking for. I would love to hear others' stories and opinions as well. Thanks for the post. EChockeyplayersgal <hockeyplayersgal> wrote: I don't think I am unique in that I want a life without limits and have trouble accepting the constraints asthma can impose on my life and choices. I have seen some posts lately from some truly sick people who have a 24/7 battle with their asthma and am curious about their coping strategies. I wish you a healthy day! __._,_._ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

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[Guest guest]

I think it's attitude more than anything else, be aware of your

triggers, take your meds and being able to pace yourself.

I work full-time, on my feet eight hours a day, (Large Format

bookstore), I have customers who come in and reek of perfume, and are

always the ones who are the most demanding and with the longest list

of titles they want looking up. I rarely have to help them, because

my fellow staff members usually intercept them for me. God bless them.

Everyone there knows I suffer badly from the Big A, they've seen me

through some pretty bad attacks, and frightened the socks off them!

I also run a Cub Pack, (Scouts Canada) and we have weekly meetings

and outings. Busy week this week for sure, something every evening

after work, and all this and last weekend, being Scout/Guide Week. I

joke it's my other full-time job, except it's volunteer, not paid!

I also have a house to keep clean, family to feed, and run my kids to

all the other things they are involved in.

My friends can't believe how I can keep going and keep on track with

it all, but you just do, right? People are depending on you, you

don't want to let them down. If I have a bad attack, I have to re-jig

the schedule and accomodate it. Get over it and carry on.

I know it's easy to say, from the postings of some of you, you are so

sick with it, it is your life, but you can't let it rule your

existance. I found the more I thought about it, the worse I felt and

it ruled me 24/7 for over two years, heavy duty prednizone, the

works, trips to the ER. It's still a huge factor in my life, but

slowly, I am getting past that mindset of I have asthma, why me, what

have I done to deserve it, and Dear God at least let me have a whole

day without gasping for air like a set of demented bag-pipes. I have

so much else going on in my life, I don't have time to let it rule me

anymore. It still does, obviously, but it's nice to kid yourself it

doesn't. I guess I'm learning to cope, and refusing to let it

diminish my life-style. I'm not sure I could adapt to taking a lesser

role in life, playing cards etc, much rather be racing Cub Kars with

16 little boys and cheering them on!

Have a well day everyone, and just do something different to make the

day special.

I don't think

I am unique in that I want a life

> without limits and have trouble accepting the constraints asthma

can

> impose on my life and choices.

> I have seen some posts lately from some truly sick people who have

a

> 24/7 battle with their asthma and am curious about their coping

> strategies. I wish you a healthy day!

>

>

>

> __._,_._

>

> ---------------------------------

> Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo!

Mobile. Try it now.

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

>

[Guest guest]

I recently came out of a week long coma due to an asthma attacked when both of my lungs collapsed. It frighten my family as I was found me unconscious 1:30 in the morning on my bedroom floor. I was given a 50% chance to live. My family was told if I survive I would have some brain damage. However, my God is able. I am alive, with no physical side effects from the coma. My family have been traumatized especially my son who never heard my cries for help as I passed out even though he was sleeping right beside me. My mom heard me and came to see what was going on so early in the morning. My family, friends and coworkers watch me constantly and have been a tremendous source of support and strength as they read up on asthma so they can be more aware of how to help me and my son. My greatest fear however, is not for myself but my only child who is also asthmatic although his

asthma is not as severe as mines. He is expected to grow out of his asthma as he outgrows his child hood allergies (eczema). I do not think I could deal with him having an attacked and ending up in a coma like I did. Before the coma, asthma was something we dealt with because it ran in our family. Now we know how dangerous and life threatening an attack can be we are always on guard. The preventative meds have worked wonders so far as I have had only one attack since then and for the first time in years I can go days without using my rescue inhaler. I also found out I am diabetic and with the meds I am not as tired and I can go out and enjoy myself without having to run to the restroom several times to urine. Looking back I thank God for the coma. I are now able to lead a more healthy lifestyle doing things that others take for granted like exercise. wrote: I think it's attitude more than anything else, be aware of your triggers, take your meds and being able to pace yourself. I work full-time, on my feet eight hours a day, (Large Format bookstore), I have customers who come in and reek of perfume, and are always the ones who are the most demanding and with the longest list of titles they want looking up. I rarely have to help them, because my fellow staff members usually

intercept them for me. God bless them.Everyone there knows I suffer badly from the Big A, they've seen me through some pretty bad attacks, and frightened the socks off them!I also run a Cub Pack, (Scouts Canada) and we have weekly meetings and outings. Busy week this week for sure, something every evening after work, and all this and last weekend, being Scout/Guide Week. I joke it's my other full-time job, except it's volunteer, not paid!I also have a house to keep clean, family to feed, and run my kids to all the other things they are involved in. My friends can't believe how I can keep going and keep on track with it all, but you just do, right? People are depending on you, you don't want to let them down. If I have a bad attack, I have to re-jig the schedule and accomodate it. Get over it and carry on.I know it's easy to say, from the postings of some of you, you are so sick with it, it is your life, but you can't

let it rule your existance. I found the more I thought about it, the worse I felt and it ruled me 24/7 for over two years, heavy duty prednizone, the works, trips to the ER. It's still a huge factor in my life, but slowly, I am getting past that mindset of I have asthma, why me, what have I done to deserve it, and Dear God at least let me have a whole day without gasping for air like a set of demented bag-pipes. I have so much else going on in my life, I don't have time to let it rule me anymore. It still does, obviously, but it's nice to kid yourself it doesn't. I guess I'm learning to cope, and refusing to let it diminish my life-style. I'm not sure I could adapt to taking a lesser role in life, playing cards etc, much rather be racing Cub Kars with 16 little boys and cheering them on!Have a well day everyone, and just do something different to make the day special. I don't think I am unique in that I want a life > without limits and have trouble accepting the constraints asthma can > impose on my life and choices. > I have seen some posts lately from some truly sick people who have a > 24/7 battle with their asthma and am curious about their coping > strategies. I wish you a healthy day! > > > > __._,_._> > ---------------------------------> Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. > > > > > ---------------------------------> Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.>

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

My asthma got so bad my heart stop three times and my older brother didn't care if I lived or died to him. I woke up one morning with a small asthma attack and my dad tolkd my younger brother to call my older brother and when he got to the house he told my dad that he didn't know what to do and left the house. To me I have no family just me no insurance and nobody to help me out with my asthma. After my dad died my roommate parents told me that I can come live with them but if I go into and asthma attack they will not put any money out on me if I have to go to the doctor or hospital. I have no insurance and is completely no money. Mechelle DArville wrote: I recently came out of a week long coma due to an asthma attacked when both of my lungs collapsed. It frighten my family as I was found me unconscious 1:30 in the morning on my bedroom floor. I was given a 50% chance to live. My family was told if I survive I would have some brain damage. However, my God is able. I am alive, with no physical side effects from the coma. My family have been traumatized especially my son who never heard my cries for help as I passed out even though he was sleeping right beside me. My mom heard me and came to see what was going on so early in the morning. My family, friends and coworkers watch me constantly and have been a tremendous source of support and

strength as they read up on asthma so they can be more aware of how to help me and my son. My greatest fear however, is not for myself but my only child who is also asthmatic although his asthma is not as severe as mines. He is expected to grow out of his asthma as he outgrows his child hood allergies (eczema). I do not think I could deal with him having an attacked and ending up in a coma like I did. Before the coma, asthma was something we dealt with because it ran in our family. Now we know how dangerous and life threatening an attack can be we are always on guard. The preventative meds have worked wonders so far as I have had only one attack since then and for the first time in years I can go days without using my rescue inhaler. I also found out I am diabetic and with the meds I am not as tired and I can go out and enjoy myself without having to run to the restroom several times to urine.

Looking back I thank God for the coma. I are now able to lead a more healthy lifestyle doing things that others take for granted like exercise. <efbrooks01> wrote: I think it's attitude more than anything else, be aware of your triggers, take your meds and being able to pace yourself. I work full-time, on my feet eight hours a day, (Large Format bookstore), I have customers who come in and reek of perfume, and are always the ones who are the most demanding and with the longest list of titles they want looking up. I rarely have to help them, because my fellow staff members usually intercept them for me. God bless them.Everyone there knows I suffer badly from the Big A, they've seen me through

some pretty bad attacks, and frightened the socks off them!I also run a Cub Pack, (Scouts Canada) and we have weekly meetings and outings. Busy week this week for sure, something every evening after work, and all this and last weekend, being Scout/Guide Week. I joke it's my other full-time job, except it's volunteer, not paid!I also have a house to keep clean, family to feed, and run my kids to all the other things they are involved in. My friends can't believe how I can keep going and keep on track with it all, but you just do, right? People are depending on you, you don't want to let them down. If I have a bad attack, I have to re-jig the schedule and accomodate it. Get over it and carry on.I know it's easy to say, from the postings of some of you, you are so sick with it, it is your life, but you can't let it rule your existance. I found the more I thought about it, the worse I felt and it ruled me 24/7 for over

two years, heavy duty prednizone, the works, trips to the ER. It's still a huge factor in my life, but slowly, I am getting past that mindset of I have asthma, why me, what have I done to deserve it, and Dear God at least let me have a whole day without gasping for air like a set of demented bag-pipes. I have so much else going on in my life, I don't have time to let it rule me anymore. It still does, obviously, but it's nice to kid yourself it doesn't. I guess I'm learning to cope, and refusing to let it diminish my life-style. I'm not sure I could adapt to taking a lesser role in life, playing cards etc, much rather be racing Cub Kars with 16 little boys and cheering them on!Have a well day everyone, and just do something different to make the day special. I don't think I am unique in that I want a life > without limits and have trouble accepting the

constraints asthma can > impose on my life and choices. > I have seen some posts lately from some truly sick people who have a > 24/7 battle with their asthma and am curious about their coping > strategies. I wish you a healthy day! > > > > __._,_._> > ---------------------------------> Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. > > > > > ---------------------------------> Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.> Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

[Guest guest]

I don't even have money if I have to pay for a anbulance ride to ther hospital. So I guess if I have and asthma attack I would have to die from it. Bourg wrote: My asthma got so bad my heart stop three times and my older brother didn't care if I lived or died to him. I woke up one morning with a small asthma attack and my dad tolkd my younger brother to call my older brother and when he got to the house he told my dad that he didn't know what to do and left the house. To me I have no family just me no insurance and

nobody to help me out with my asthma. After my dad died my roommate parents told me that I can come live with them but if I go into and asthma attack they will not put any money out on me if I have to go to the doctor or hospital. I have no insurance and is completely no money. Mechelle DArville <freshaprilshower> wrote: I recently came out of a week long coma due to an asthma attacked when both of my lungs collapsed. It frighten my family as I was found me unconscious 1:30 in the morning on my bedroom floor. I was given a 50% chance to live. My family was told if I survive I would have some brain damage. However, my God is able. I am alive, with no physical side effects from the coma. My family have been traumatized especially my son who never

heard my cries for help as I passed out even though he was sleeping right beside me. My mom heard me and came to see what was going on so early in the morning. My family, friends and coworkers watch me constantly and have been a tremendous source of support and strength as they read up on asthma so they can be more aware of how to help me and my son. My greatest fear however, is not for myself but my only child who is also asthmatic although his asthma is not as severe as mines. He is expected to grow out of his asthma as he outgrows his child hood allergies (eczema). I do not think I could deal with him having an attacked and ending up in a coma like I did. Before the coma, asthma was something we dealt with because it ran in our family. Now we know how dangerous and life threatening an attack can be we are always on guard. The preventative meds have worked wonders so

far as I have had only one attack since then and for the first time in years I can go days without using my rescue inhaler. I also found out I am diabetic and with the meds I am not as tired and I can go out and enjoy myself without having to run to the restroom several times to urine. Looking back I thank God for the coma. I are now able to lead a more healthy lifestyle doing things that others take for granted like exercise. <efbrooks01> wrote: I think it's attitude more than anything else, be aware of your triggers, take your meds and being able to pace yourself. I work full-time, on my feet eight hours a day, (Large Format bookstore), I have customers who come in and reek of perfume, and

are always the ones who are the most demanding and with the longest list of titles they want looking up. I rarely have to help them, because my fellow staff members usually intercept them for me. God bless them.Everyone there knows I suffer badly from the Big A, they've seen me through some pretty bad attacks, and frightened the socks off them!I also run a Cub Pack, (Scouts Canada) and we have weekly meetings and outings. Busy week this week for sure, something every evening after work, and all this and last weekend, being Scout/Guide Week. I joke it's my other full-time job, except it's volunteer, not paid!I also have a house to keep clean, family to feed, and run my kids to all the other things they are involved in. My friends can't believe how I can keep going and keep on track with it all, but you just do, right? People are depending on you, you don't want to let them down. If I have a bad attack, I have to re-jig

the schedule and accomodate it. Get over it and carry on.I know it's easy to say, from the postings of some of you, you are so sick with it, it is your life, but you can't let it rule your existance. I found the more I thought about it, the worse I felt and it ruled me 24/7 for over two years, heavy duty prednizone, the works, trips to the ER. It's still a huge factor in my life, but slowly, I am getting past that mindset of I have asthma, why me, what have I done to deserve it, and Dear God at least let me have a whole day without gasping for air like a set of demented bag-pipes. I have so much else going on in my life, I don't have time to let it rule me anymore. It still does, obviously, but it's nice to kid yourself it doesn't. I guess I'm learning to cope, and refusing to let it diminish my life-style. I'm not sure I could adapt to taking a lesser role in life, playing cards etc, much rather be racing Cub Kars

with 16 little boys and cheering them on!Have a well day everyone, and just do something different to make the day special. I don't think I am unique in that I want a life > without limits and have trouble accepting the constraints asthma can > impose on my life and choices. > I have seen some posts lately from some truly sick people who have a > 24/7 battle with their asthma and am curious about their coping > strategies. I wish you a healthy day! > > > > __._,_._> > ---------------------------------> Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. > > > > > ---------------------------------> Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.> Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

[Guest guest]

My asthma totally rules my life. I sometimes think i've won the battle and then out of nowhere i'm wiped out. i can't exercise consistantly( which I really hate because i really love to) I can't clean my house because i have to do inhaler after a few minutes. i've been sick all winter with some type of respiratory infection and i'm wondering if i'll ever regain any part of my life again. i have to carry my inhaler everywhere i go because i never know when or if i'll run up on something that triggers an attack. i have next to no support so i always feel like i'm having to do it completely alone and i think that might make things worse. i'm always fighting to control my asthma it seems like i'm good for 3 or so weeks then it turns cold or i get sick or something then i start having problems and it seems to take forever to get back to where i was i'm obviously stil trying to work through some issues in dealing with my asthma but i'm no the type to give up without a fight

so the battle rages on... Mashburn Shaklee wrote: Since I am new to asthma I am still learning how to cope with it. Every time I go to church I have an attack. The older women around me are very sweet but they always wear something that smells that sets off an attack. I have gone through a massive self pit party. Why me? Then I think like you, it could be worse. I also do have good insurance but even with that my meds still cost me about $100 a month (not all of them are asthma

medications). I know that may not seem like a lot in the grand scheme of things but I am a stay at home mom who home schools so that is a lot for our budget. Right now I feel older than my 38 years because I can not do all the things I want to do. I am sure that as time goes by and I get better control of my attacks and start figuring out all the triggers I will feel more like my old self again. On 2/21/08, hockeyplayersgal <hockeyplayersgal> wrote: Although this topic has been raised in various iterations before since we have some new members I would like to get some new insights. How much does having asthma

affect your daily lives and choices? I will admit this is an ongoing issue for me and when I have an attack I sometimes battle emotions ranging from irritation/annoyance to self pity and anger. I don't think I am unique in that I want a life without limits and have trouble accepting the constraints asthma can impose on my life and choices. For example, one of my students wore some strongly scented body lotion to her lesson yesterday. I knew as soon as she and her mom opened the door that I was gonna have trouble. I was hoping mom had the scent on since I knew she was leaving. Well, it was the little girl and within a minute I had a severe headache, and within five minutes I had mild breathing trouble. Within two hours I had an attack which continues this morning. The same thing used to happen if I inhaled cigarette smoke, went into a Bath and Body shop, etc. Now our state has gone smoke free so I can go to any

restaurant and I can certainly stay out of stinky stores. I have so far only mentioned annoyances of asthma and not mentioned what happens to all of us if we get a virus, etc. We all know what THAT is like. On the other hand I try to thank God every day I don't have a worse disease and have excellent medical insurance for the disease I do have.I have seen some posts lately from some truly sick people who have a 24/7 battle with their asthma and am curious about their coping strategies. I wish you a healthy day! -- My friend are you tired of feeling Tired? Worn out? Stressed? Depressed? Do you wonder if Shaklee could make "the" difference in your health? …..Then my friend, try the gift of our 21-Tape Program today! You'll hear awesome Success Stories that will

stir your heart, and then you'll be able to "try" $100 worth of Shaklee of YOUR choice as my gift to you , NO strings attached!Now………….. take the time …………..for you…. Its not selfish.. its wise!Ask me about the gift of my 21-Tape program today! You'll be so glad you didhealthynewugmailhttp://shaklee.net/healthynewu

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

[Guest guest]

, Can you go to free clinics or get meds from pharmaceutical companies? Your post is very worrisome.

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