Boring Asthma Post

[Bloomsbury22]

So, its been a little while since have posted, but for those of you that follow me, you will know I've really been struggling with my asthma of late. The last month of C25K was a constant battle of getting up earlier and earlier in the morning to try and beat the pollen, and having to take more and more rest days between runs. So I got to graduation and then it was honestly like my lungs said, "Enough" and I got really asthma-y. I managed one consolidation run, but then had two heart-breaking runs that had to abort at five mins, and then ten minutes and I literally crumbled in to a soggy mess on the floor and just could not breathe. After a stern talking to by my partner, and a long call with my Dr, I feel a lot better. We are increasingly convinced I probably had Covid at the beginning of the year (albeit getting off very lightly with just the bad sore throat and asthma-y for weeks) but my asthma has been the worst it has ever been since (my Dr said she's been hearing this from a lot of her asthma patients who also may have had it), and then, of course with this having been one of the worst hayfever seasons in years...well, not a great time to be asthmatic.

Now for the good news. If you are struggling like I was, call your Dr. They are learning more and more about how Covid has affected asthmatics, and there is more that can be done. If hayfever has really hit you hard too, there are stronger antihistamines and nasal sprays etc they can put you on, and in fact there are even newer specific medications for asthmatics with bad hayfever. Also, a reminder that running is actually good for building up your lungs. But we all have to listen to our bodies and know the difference between pushing ourself and when our asthma is kicking in. I take regular medication to keep my asthma under control, use two puffs of my blue inhaler pre setting out, and, of course, always have it on me. As I suffer from bad hayfever I have also found that smearing a bit of vaseline under my nose and around my nostrils (super attractive!) also helps with blocking pollen, and, of course, I always have a hanky, my phone, and even an olbas oil inhaler on hand to help.

I guess what I am really trying to say is, don't let this all get you down. Talk to your Dr and get their advice. There is more they can do to help you. Listen to your body and take care of yourself. Running is great for you but you just have to be properly prepared.

So after all that, I managed a 25 minute run today, which actually made me quite happy, after those two aborted last runs. And in two or three days, I will try again to get back up to my 30 minutes.

So stay strong my fellow wheezy mates. We can do this! xxx

[JeanneMary Graduate]

Oh my goodness, you have been through the mill! Well done for keeping on after all that - you have my full admiration. I'm finding it tough enough without any asthma!

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate in reply to JeanneMary]

Thanks, that means a lot. I know it is doing me good in the long run, so keep persisting, but must admit my confidence took a huge bashing the past 10 days. Feel better for having done the 25 mins run today. Am hoping the combination of new meds kicking in, and pollen eventually dropping off, will eventually turn me in to some sort of Olympic athlete...ha! x

[Jacqui2402 Graduate]

Hello there, I’m a fellow asthma sufferer and suffer from hay fever as well. Totally agree with you on the hay fever part, it’s been really bad this year. My asthma is now mild and under control after various inhalers and preventers. In my teenage years and early twenties I couldn’t even walk up a flight of stairs without losing my breath!! I seriously did not think that I would be able to run for 5 minutes let alone 30 minutes when I started this, but I have proved that I can 😄. Well done on doing a 25 minute run, you will get there. Keep it up 👍🏽 xx

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate in reply to Jacqui2402]

Thanks for that. Yes, asthma is just awful. Yes, I have been able to graduate, so was regularly running 30 mins, just had a tough past few months with my asthma getting worse. Hopefully it will be regulated now with new meds and am getting back to my 30 mins times xx

[Soterdog]

gearing up for w5 days and as an Asthmatic that was worried about this you have just given me the boost I needed to get out there early tomorrow morning and go for it! Thank you and good to hear your getting back out too

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate in reply to Soterdog]

The key is really listening to your own body and how you feel on the day. Getting out as early in the day as possible really helped me, as it is cooler, and pollen is lower. Make sure you run in places you feel safe that if was having a problem you can get help, have your phone on you, your puffers etc, and do stop if you start having a problem. I have found really concentrating on nice deep breaths from the very second I set off on my warmup, puts me in a good and relaxed breathing pattern too. I've also found yoga has been really good for me on my rest days. Anything that encourages more relaxed breathing. Running, when we are well, is actually so very good for asthma and building lung strength and capacity. There is some great info out there by the Asthma society and encouragement from famous athletes with asthma, like Paula Radcliffe.