Brittle Asthma and work

[wilmack]

Good morning,

I've read with interest Mary's account of her brittle asthma and for me the story is so familiar. 3 weeks ago a neighbour started a huge bonfire - up till then I was absolutely fine no infections, colds etc and then the smoke got in my lungs and I have now been hospitalised twice within 10 days Administered the full works: nebs montekulast, magnesium, Theophylline, everything has been thrown at me.

I am on the fullest dose of steroids and as a result I have now broken out in bruises as if I've gone 50 rounds in a boxing ring! I'm 59 years old and I work part time in a children's nursery school. I'm in such a dilemma as to whether I return back to work or I just hand in my notice because I am so fearful that once winter really sets in, going outdoors with the little ones will set it all off again. I've never been work shy, but I really feel now that perhaps I should take a step back, my husband fully supports me and wants me to quit. We also have a 13 yr old daughter who is very concerned and just wants a healthy Mum. I have been signed off again this week, but not feeling any better than I did last Friday. The sounds coming from my body is like crackling, popping candy, most of the day and night, I am exhausted as I'm not sleeping very well....any thoughts lovely people? Thank you for Reading :0)

[beech]

To be honest, if you can afford to leave work, however much you get from it in terms of stimulation and enjoyment, I think you should very seriously think about leaving; in your shoes, I would!

You've been caught out by a bonfire, and it'll probably still take several weeks to get over it. And then there's the winter colds/flu which might come your way, especially in a school setting.

You have your daughter to support and enjoy, and you need your health for that. You can still perhaps do some voluntary work for a couple of days a week if you miss the structure and social interaction along with stimulation, but keep more of your time for yourself and your family.

Good luck with finding the answer that is best for you 😃

[wilmack in reply to beech]

Beech, thank you soooo much, I know what I should do and your response together with a few others is confirmation enough. As I sit here replying to you, my chest and throat sounds like rustling autumn leaves! My GP has been so concerned about my health that she called me this morning checking up to see how I was doing. She has extended my recuperation time by two more weeks!

Methinks, I should sit up and literally smell the coffee. Thanks so much, friend.

[beech in reply to wilmack]

Well, I hope I helped you clarify your thoughts a bit more. Remember of course that just now you are probably also feeling a bit low as you are so below par, but there are no medals for ploughing on with old committments if the circumstances have changed; and your health is vital but also very vulnerable.

Look after yourself, and focus on getting better and your strength back again. Take care!

[QuietChest3]

You need to do what is right for you but I wouldn’t make such a big decision based on one incident when you are at your lowest health wise.

I often think about resigning when in hospital then change mind when feeling better. The risk is the same when I’m off as husband and children out and about and exposed to $ carrying the bugs. Mental health so much better when I eork

[wilmack in reply to QuietChest3]

Hello QC3, I am so appreciative of the responses to my dilemma and it does help me to put things into perspective! I have been thinking about retraining and changing my career. I am far too young to just give up :0) but perhaps, I should choose a less stressful job.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write to me....watch this space!

Wishing you good health too