Navigating the holidays with asthma
Asthma often finds a way to interfere with our everyday lives. The holidays can be particularly challenging, from avoiding triggers at parties to managing pressure and expectations. How do you navigate the holiday season with asthma? Do you ever feel like you're missing out on any events or traditions?
This is a great topic to explore. I hope others jump on and offer up their thoughts. I am keeping it low-key this holiday season. I need to be as relaxed as possible due to surgery coming up quickly. I haven't put up many decorations and went out for dinner for our Thanksgiving holiday. I didn't want to put more emphasis on stress which generates anxiety which then ramps up my asthma. And just getting over a virus/cold, I still feel a bit congested so I am keeping things much more relaxed. Our tradition of cooking dinners at home has been altered, but the family doesn't seem to mind at all. This is a plus! They are always up for a change, which I am grateful. Sending out peace and joy this season. Hope others are finding ways to ease up the holiday stress. Rebecca (team member)
For those who can go out comfortably, going out to eat is an accessible (that is, accommodating to one's limitations) option! You do what you need to do to make your life manageable. For some, that's take out or going out. 😀 I hope you had a nice time, though. My parents went out to eat because I (their only child) was away this year, and they had a blast. They usually do the big feast, so they really enjoyed being pampered. 😀 Best wishes in your recovery! -Melissa, team member
Thanks! It was nice not to have to clean up after a holiday dinner - we tend to overdo things -Haha. With my chronic illnesses as I age, I find it more and more difficult. Didnt have difficulty with anxiety and asthma this Thanksgiving. It really was a nice experience. I got to go home and cozy up in bed and watch a movie. Imagine that! My SIL uses food delivery quite a bit while struggling with her illness. She loves it. So good to hear you had a blast over the holiday! Great to be pampered. Thanks for the recovery wishes. It's going to be a rough winter as in 6 more weeks will have another surgery. Sending joy and happiness your way for Christmas and New Year's. Rebecca (team member)
I sincerely hope your surgery was a success.
Thanks Vicky - next Wednesday is the day. As usual a bit nervous. How are you managing this season? Are you avoiding and evading parties and company or have you ramped up on meds and joining in the festivities? Also, keeping asthma under control is a great way to join in. Sending thoughts of greater health your way - Rebecca (team member)
I have been a bit more social this year, but I've also noticed my symptoms have increased. I see my PCP who keeps me going with Tessalon today for a routine visit, but it's always good to discuss things with him.
It's wonderful to hear that you are partaking in the festivities! Staying in control and seeing your physician is a great way to stay on top of this chronic illness. It can be difficult but it sounds like you are taking the precautions so you are enjoying life. Thanks for keeping up with the conversation. Best wishes this season. Rebecca (team member)
We had 15 family and friends at our house for Thanksgiving. I did most of the prep and cooking with my able sous chef husband, and others contributed a few things.
It was tiring but fun; I’m 71 with a weak back, had to stop and rest during preparations, then there was the cleanup! Our guests were all young families, and the parents were busy supervising little ones, so we let them mostly off the hook and were very happy to do it.
Christmas will be easier. We don’t exchange presents among the adults at all, and only get each grandchild one present. And we don’t do a big meal, usually get takeout, keep it very low key and just relax.
My asthma has been so-so for several months, not terrible but not really under control either. I’m doing my best with it, having various doctor visits, trying new meds, etc. My family and friends have gotten used to me coughing a fair amount and keeping the albuterol handy. Hasn’t been really bad for a while, though, mostly just the cough, so I count that as a blessing.hi! Good to see you. I'm glad that you had a nice holiday and that your symptoms aren't too bad. It's a shame that you're trying different medications but still aren't getting the kind of control that we all want. That's frustrating. I'm glad you have a positive outlook about it, though. Keep trying. The process of trial and error takes a lot of patience.
How wonderful that you were able to have a house full of people and cook for them for Thanksgiving! I hear you about the back troubles and needing a good sous chef to help with the prep work. Have you ever thought about using a chair or even a rolling stool when you work in the kitchen? It's definitely an adjustment, but you might find that it takes some of the pressure off and gives you more energy when you're cooking. Enjoy your laid-back Christmas! Do you get fancy takeout from a local restaurant, or do you do something simple like Chinese food or pizza? Just curious. I love to hear people's different traditions. 😀 -Melissa, team member
