How to keep your spirits up when asthma is bad

[AimeeCardiff]

Hi all,

I'm now past the bit where it seems my asthma is life threatening, and I have a range of breathing exercises as well as medication to try to get me back on track - it's been about 6 weeks since I've had to go into A&E, and my attacks are now smaller and I can control them better.

I know that I'm improving, but I can only manage really tiny amounts of activity (walk for 5 mins with a walking stick and lots of resting along the way; have a conversation for an hour) before I feel exhausted. I'm finding it an effort to shower and prepare food, let alone anything else.

I'm not seeing anyone (except my husband) most days, as I don't have the energy to go out/keep up a conversation, and I'm also triggered by things like perfume. But at the same time I'm really fed up.

I keep on trying to plan nice things for a few weeks time, and then I'm not well enough to do them (or do them and then have an asthma attack, and then feel worse afterwards), but I feel like I don't have anything to look forward to.

What do you do when it feels this frustrating?

Thanks

[Hidden]

Sounds like youre having a tough time but I think you are doing the best you can, going for short walks etc. If you are feeling particularly down maybe call the asthma nurse or book an appointment with your GP to talk it through.

[AimeeCardiff in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, I'm seeing my asthma nurse next week so will do

[ChrissieMons]

I think you have to just persevere. The more you do, the more you should be able to do. It doesn’t feel like it for ages, but if you see people and do gentle things you enjoy, you should feel better. It worked for me and I hope it does for you.

[AimeeCardiff in reply to ChrissieMons]

Thanks, I think you're right, it feels like it's never going to end, but it's good to be reminded that it will!

[Tugun]

Hi,

I watch a movie that either makes me laugh or give me a satisfying cry - although at one stage I had to stop watching the intense movies and only watched those that made me laugh! The good thing is that you are getting better and each little victory should be celebrated. Explain to your friends what is happening and maybe they have some good ideas of what you can do together that won't tire you or exacerbate the asthma. All the best!

[AimeeCardiff in reply to Tugun]

Thanks Tugun that sounds like good advice, I think I need to get my friends involved more!

[Lucy_Lou]

I took up knitting and joined Netflix. That way I could feel I had achieved something and I watched box sets really to stop the silence. It helped me.

[AimeeCardiff in reply to Lucy_Lou]

Thanks Lucy, I've knitted a whole cardigan in the past few months and have watched so many box sets. I think I'm just a bit grumpy now it's such beautiful weather outside.

I'm feeling a bit less frail today, so think I'll try a tiny walk again tomorrow.