The Daily Frustrations of Living With Asthma

By John Bottrell, RRT

3 min read

In an earlier post, I talked about asthma happiness. I wrote about all the asthma-related things that make me happy. Here I would like to talk about asthma grumpiness, or the things about living with asthma that make me grumpy.

What things about living with asthma make me grumpy?

Navigating healthcare barriers with asthma

Look, I have had asthma all my life. I am 52 years old. When I have an asthma attack, my doctor wants me to go into the office. For that, I have a $40 copay. Every time this happens, he prescribes steroids and an antibiotic.

When my doctor doesn’t listen to me

So, my humble request was for him to prescribe me prednisone and an antibiotic to put in my medicine cabinet. This way, when I am experiencing asthma, I can just take these instead of having to come in to see him and pay $40. He refused. GRRRRR. Thankfully, I also have an asthma specialist called an ENT. And he granted my wish.

Interestingly, that same PCP said all I need to do when I am having flare-ups is call him. He said he will get me into the office right away. Several months later, I have a flare-up and call his office to be seen. The soonest they can get me in is in 2 weeks. Then they say if I need to be seen right away, to go to the walk-in clinic. GRRRRR. How is that anything close to "I'll get you in if you need to see me"? This is a far cry from what it was like even ten years ago, when my doctor could always fit me in.

Waiting in line and cancelations

So, you finally get your prescription, and you rush to the pharmacy so you can start taking it. And you find ten people in line in front of you. UGGGG.

You finally get in to see your PCP. You go online and see an opening at 1 pm tomorrow. You get up the next morning, expecting to be seen. Then you turn on your phone and see a voicemail: "You will need to reschedule your appointment or go to the walk-in clinic." GRRRRR

Having to explain living with asthma all over again

If you are wondering why I am so adamant about seeing my own doctor, it's because he knows me best. It's likewise frustrating when you have to explain your asthma all over again to a doctor who has never seen you before.

Inhaler limits

This is another big bummer for me. Up to about 10 years ago, my PCP would write my albuterol prescriptions for 3 inhalers. That way, I could get 3 inhalers each time I asked for a refill. This was nice because I would always have a spare inhaler. Because you have to take your rescue inhaler with you wherever you go, this increased your risk of losing it.

Well, about 10 years ago, insurance companies decided they needed to find ways to save money. So, they decided to overrule doctors and limit those of us with asthma to one albuterol inhaler per month. GRRRRR.

How asthma flare-ups affect your mood

And then there is the grumpiness that comes with living with asthma

Yes, we all know about this one all too well. So I do not think I need to delve too deep into an explanation here. You have plans. You want to go about your life as usual. Yet your asthma decides to be a butt again. GRRRRR.

Have you ever felt grumpy living with asthma?

Well, I'm sure I'm not the only person living with asthma who gets grumpy from time to time. If you've experienced asthma grumpiness, feel free to rant in the comments below. You will definitely have empathy here, along with an open ear.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Asthma.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Kimberli.DavinoCommunity Admin
<inline-mention username="Breath_" user-id="10138266"/> ugh, being told your asthma is now severe has to be a lot to process. You said something really important though - being grateful for the things that are going right doesn't mean you can't have days where you're frustrated, sad, overwhelmed, or just need a good cry. Sometimes you truly do need to let it out and really is just what the doctor ordered! Speaking of, I am really glad you have a good doctor. Also glad you are able to access the medications you need, and that you can look back and see that you are doing better than a year ago. That is progress, and I hope you continue to see more of it. Sending you good thoughts. Thank you for your inspiring words. -Kimberli (Team Member)
Breath_Member
Currently I am relating to all this. The grumpy sadness - Being downgraded to sever asthma over the summer was hard to hear. Asthma not being understood, those who have voiced they really do not care, being told my asthma is in my head and I really do not have it.... on and on. Some days it is challenging to get up and be ready for the day let alone add on medication and remembering to take my inhaler with me etc. I try and remember that I am better than I was a year ago and that is progress; I have the money to pay for the medication I have and have a great Dr.- give thanks. Being diagnosed is almost like being initiated into the advocacy club at the same time and that is okay we can always learn more. I am alive and able to enjoy one more day - Praise God. But despite all that a good grumble and I will not deny a good cry is needed. Sometimes that is just what the Dr. ordered.
Sunshine59Member
Thanks Rebecca. Good info.
Rebecca CMember
<inline-mention username="gigigibson" user-id="3056109"/> - it certainly sounds like you are supported and treated well by your treating physician. And, I am sure being a nurse has afforded you great knowledge concerning your condition and the treatment necessary to assist in greater well-being. Thanks so much for offering up your experience. Someone in the community will find it very helpful. You asked, "Can you relate?" I definitely am one in the community who can relate to the restroom "air freshener" irritation, no matter if it is a restaurant or a store. I can't manage more than 5 minutes before my asthma begins to act up. I tend to avoid them or use them sparingly because of the chemicals being used to maintain their cleanliness or to scent the room. I understand malls are a major issue for you. I haven't been to one in recent years (as I avoid them), but I have dealt with being on a plane recently and dealt with irritating scents in a closed-in space - so glad I had my inhaler and a mask. I can really relate to this issue. Thanks for sharing - Warmly - Rebecca (community moderator)
Rebecca CMember
Wishing you well. Rebecca (community moderator)