My asthma and me: My family is... - Living with Asthma

Living with Asthma

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My asthma and me

Bobcat_44 profile image
9 Replies

My family is unsupportive. They don't want to educate themselves about asthma, and they have no clue about this condition. I have to constantly fight with them to stop smoking in the house, to stop spraying deodorants or perfume... The only person who supports me is my grandma.

Exercising is important part of my life, but people I train with don't really understand asthma. Even my friends don't understand my condition. And it's perfectly normal because they don't suffer from it.

My colleagues at work don't know I have asthma :)

The only person who trully understands and encourages me to live a life is... my pulmonologist. I don't see him often, but he is the person who pushes me to develop further, to train harder, to live a normal life instead of lying down in the corner and feel sorry for myself.

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Bobcat_44 profile image
Bobcat_44
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9 Replies
IChoose profile image
IChoose

I'm fine with you feeling a little bit sorry for yourself, since some of what you described sounds cruel. I am so sorry you feel such a lack of compassion and empathy.

I encourage you to meet new friends who will treat you with concern and compassion. And, pray for the ones who do not.

Much love.

Minushabens profile image
MinushabensAsthma Captain

Hi Bobcat

It sounds like you have a difficult situation going on. The biggest issue seems to be the smoking as that is going to really line up problems for you over time. Is moving into a place of your own something you would consider, or could afford?

Bobcat_44 profile image
Bobcat_44 in reply to Minushabens

Hi Minushabens,

I recently received my master's degree and now I'm working towards living on my own.

Minushabens profile image
MinushabensAsthma Captain in reply to Bobcat_44

I know that it’s a hard choice to make, but somehow or another you must protect your health. Maybe just communicating that you are considering it might make them think?

Bobcat_44 profile image
Bobcat_44 in reply to Minushabens

I've tried talking to them numerous times. They just don't care. We have strange relationships in my family. It's usually like this: "Please don't smoke, smoke causes irreversible damage and loss of asthma control -> Ok, I'll stop". After some time I catch them smoking.

Minushabens profile image
MinushabensAsthma Captain in reply to Bobcat_44

It must be an awful situation you find yourself in. You are being forced to choose between health and family. I know relationships can be hard, and only you know which way you want to go with it, but I hope something works itself out for you.

IChoose profile image
IChoose in reply to Bobcat_44

Reminder that if you move out on your own and are in an apartment building that allows smoking the smoke can become a problem in your unit. That can include vaping.

Beasley63 profile image
Beasley63

I know what you mean. Sometimes my family thinks that I am crazy. I have to stay on them a lot. Like my son will put on his deodorant and walk near me and I have to tell him to go put your shirt on so that I can't smell that! I just cant take that scented stuff.

VinswaynW profile image
VinswaynW

And you need to concern & surround yourself with those that truly love and support your life Bobcat_44! Leave the negative persons out of your life altogether. I'm not saying that you should be negative towards them at all. Just surround yourself and family with positive and supportive people, attitudes and lifestyles. Pray for the non-supportive folks to come around and out of their selfish beliefs. Negative people & situations can be asthma triggers as well; BELIEVE THIS!

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