Living with asthma

[ihatesteroids]

What are your coping strategies when your asthma is pretty bad and when you know you're going to have to live with it for the rest of your life ?

[Junglechicken]

I’ve had asthma since I was 3, so asthma had just always been for me. However my asthma although severe as a child became milder as I aged has started to morph into the moderate range. Until 4 months ago I had no attacks in 25 years and only started taking a preventer again a year ago. You have to keep in mind that for most suffers control is achievable and flare ups are usually not permanent. Once you find the right medication you should have next to no symptoms so you can live a normal, fun filled, happy life. As I have said asthma can change however. My medication working beautifully 1 year ago is no longer the right one for my asthma at this moment in time. Always stay on top of your condition, talk to your medical team if you notice anything out of the ordinary regarding your asthma ( increased use of blue inhaler, decreased peak flow, cough, chest pain) as this could mean that your current treatment isn’t supporting you as it should be and you need to find one that works better for you (I am such a big advocate of getting help as soon as possible if you are experiencing difficulties) Never suffer in silence.

[ihatesteroids in reply to Junglechicken]

Sometimes,it feels like a marathon with no end in sight.Some of the meds are quite dangerous,the side effects too unpleasant and the disruption to daily life too great.Add to that the very real chance that one might die.I've had many nights when I couldn't sleep at all and several occasions when my breathing almost stopped.Life isn't fun and happy anymore.

[Junglechicken in reply to ihatesteroids]

You are dealing with a lot at the moment and stress can also play havoc with your asthma control. The best things to do is to put all your energy to finding a great treatment plan that works for you. Everything will fall into place I am sure. I have another condition which will be with me for the rest of my life which I developed aged 11. It took a little while and trial and error to get the condition under control but it’s been 15 years since it caused me any difficulties and the symptoms are but a distant memory. You’ll get there.

[strongmouse in reply to Junglechicken]

Good advice Junglechicken. I didn't develop asthma until well in my fifties. As I had quite a few allergens I thought I'd be able to keep in under control with the occassional ventolin. Worked for a year, then went on Clenil, worked for a couple of years, now on a regular dose of fostair. This has brought it under control. Still dealing with the allergens (air bourne and food) and using air filter plus antihistamines plus daily nasal wash. It is a nuisance and at times I feel that I would much rather not have any ill health issues. But as you say the only way is to learn as much as possible about the illness, and different treatments. Look after yourself as much as possible mental and emotional health as well as physical, and then adapt to this new way of living.

It is possible to manage and still to have fun. Just different to before.

[ChrissieMons]

Patience. Once you accept the pattern of your attacks you just wait until the stuff works and you get better. And read a lot of books! Fighting the inevitable just makes it worse.