Tuesday, May 26, 2009

I have been holdin' out on you guys.

I have been holding out on you guys. I have asthma, I've had it since I was 3 years old. I have been very fortunate to not really have had much of a problem with it since I was about 21 or so, but when I got married and moved up to New England, well.....things changed. They have been some better now that we live in the midwest but...

When I was a kid, I took allergy shots twice a week for years. I finally seemed to beat not being able to breathe. Ha! My parents didn't really understand how dangerous asthma can be, so I would have asthma attacks and I can remember sleeping sitting up. I didn't ever go to the ER. It was just something I dealt with.

I guess that's sort of how I deal with it today. I don't want to bring any undue attention to myself. But sometimes I just can't breathe. My Hubby can't understand it. We live in a 2 story home, and there are times when just going up the stairs wipes me out. Walking around in my yard, looking at all my lovely flowers I planted weeks ago, wipes me out.

The reason I have been so asthmatic lately is due to being exposed to second hand smoke. I didn't even realize it at the time. We were staying in a hotel in a non-smoking room, but the room next to ours was a smoker. I guess there was cross ventilation.

This morning I am feeling the best I have felt in over a week. I can walk to the bathroom and not get short of breath. I'm not telling this to get pity or sympathy from anyone. I just wanted to talk about it. Over the weekend I watched the kids run around and I couldn't even walk to the bathroom. I felt so frustrated. They want me to be energetic and play with them outside and stuff. I usually do. I just couldn't this time.

Hubby wanted me to go on a family outing. He just couldn't understand. I couldn't breathe. I have a nebulizer breathing machine at home, I have all the inhalers and everything. I just have to take it slow and recover from the exposure to smoke. It's not something that gets taken care of in one day. It's a process.

Back at Christmas I had the same problem. Who knew that in Illinois, you need to have a humidifier in your home, because when it's -20 below outside, the air in your home is drier than a desert? I, being from a humid area like South Mississippi, didn't know that. We had to call 911 and have an ambulance come get me.

I know this is a rambling post. I just get discouraged with myself, because I want to be doing so many things, around my house, outside in the beautiful spring weather. You get the picture. I guess, I'm asking that you please pray that my lungs get better. It's so hard for me to ask for prayer for myself.

Thanks so much for listening to me ramble on, my thoughts are scattered this early morning.


12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh Renee, I'm so sorry to hear that! I don't have asthma, but I have had asthma like symptoms as a reaction to severe allergies and exercise induces it. I know what you mean aobut being frustrated. I have an inhaler for the rare occassions I need it and ever since I have nothing but empathy for anyone suffering from asthma! I hope it gets better and you have more good spells than bad :-)

Sultan said...

Asthma is scary. It is good to see you getting treatment for it.

Beth in NC said...

I am so sorry to hear this. Renee, you poor thing. Isn't there anything the doctor's can do other than nebulizers and inhalers? Do you ever see the show The Doctors? They did an episode about a young girl who had a lot of issues with asthma and they were going to help her.

I pray your lung passageways will open in the Name of Jesus and all inflammation will LEAVE.

I'm glad you shared so that you could receive additional prayer.

Bless you,
Beth

Denise said...

Sweetie, please take care. I will be lifting you up in my prayers.

Angela Wilson said...

Hey Mississippi girl!

You are doing GREAT. Never be disappointed with yourself. You are dealing with this and your family needs to have compassion while you do it.

The Mayo Clinic has a fantastic Web site with tons of information. Maybe you can find some information there to help. I'm a huge home remedies person, so maybe someone at your healthfood store can help. I've heard certain exercises can help with asthma as well, but I don't have any details. Something about helping with breathing.

You take good care of yourself and rest whenever you need to. God will take care of it!

Unknown said...

Just popping by from SITS! Great Blog. I can relate to your asthma and will definitely send one up for you today.

More Than Words said...

My husband has asthma, but not as bad.

I'll be praying my friend! Don't let the enemy feed those lies into your head, and steal your joy!!!

HUGS!
Alicia

Michelle said...

Ok, first off, you should always share with us your prayer concerns ecspecially about yourself... :) We need to be able to hold each other up in prayer. While I do not have asthma, my little peach does and I know how scary it is from that standpoint...um, breathing is really necessary. I do know, from having five very difficult pregnancies how hard it is to be fearful for your own well being. To be afraid of what your body is doing. I'm so sorry you are struggling, this is not a good time of year for folks with breathing troubles...just try to take it easy and not be so tough on yourself. Get yourself recovered and then you can relax, even if it's just a little!! Those flowers will still be there....you still have lots of summer left!!!

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" Phil 4:6

Sending love from your sista from another mista!!

Carey-Life in the Carpool Lane said...

Oh, Renee...I have asthma too, though mine was adult onset. I lived in the smallest apartment known to man after I graduated college. I could lay in bed and practically reach my kitchen to make my lunch! Well there was no ventilation which led to mold which led to me walking up in the middle of the night not being able to breathe. Scariest feeling ever...

I've long since moved from that apartment but the asthma has stayed with me. Mine is controlled with meds but I have to say that I'm pretty careless about taking them.

I know the frustration you feel, the heaviness in your chest, the sensation like you are trying to breathe but the air seems too thick to take in.

Your asthma sounds worse than mine...I will be thinking good thoughts that it lessens over time and you are able to be out running and playing soon...

Tammy said...

I don't have asthma, but I get bronchitis ALL the time and it even makes talking an effort sometimes. I can sympathize with you. But make sure to get treatment. The ability to breathe and function day to day is important! My prayers are with you.

Together We Save said...

Oh just reading about your troubles made me want to hug you, I hope you are begining to feel better. I am blessed to have never had to deal with asthma but the thought of not being able to breath is very scary.

Dawn said...

Talk about a reality check - I was complaining about allergies - at least mine goes away once the leaves come out on the trees. Breathing is one of those things that we all take for granted. I hope that you take care of it and able to enjoy the outdoors more.