Tips for Moving During an Asthma Attack

I’m currently five weeks into one of the worst asthma exacerbations I’ve had in years. I’m on high-dose steroids and have been unable to taper them. And it’s starting to take a toll on my body. High blood sugars, thinning skin and bleeding, the dreaded moon face and angioedema, profuse sweating even when I’m doing nothing. I could keep going, but I think you’re getting the picture.

Moving with asthma

I’ve been on the hunt for a house of my own for the better part of the year. A place to call my own, where I can stop paying into the “rent hole” and maybe make some financial gains. Of course, everything has fallen, quickly might I add, into place during this asthma exacerbation. I went and saw a house the day it went on the market, put in an offer, and it was accepted the following afternoon. Honestly, the whole process has gone a little too smoothly. But when it’s right, it’s right. Right?

But now I’m faced with a seemingly insurmountable dilemma. Packing, moving, cleaning, unpacking, etc etc… all while dealing with a horrible asthma attack. I close on the house in a few days and the movers show up a few days after that. I’m managing, but it’s been really tough. Lucky you, I’ve come to a few realizations over the last few weeks that are helping/going to help the rest of my move go smoothly in the coming days. I thought I’d share them with you in case you find yourself in a similar predicament.

Ways to minimize the impact of an asthma attack

1. Make to-do lists.

I start every morning with a list of things that I want to get done. It certainly doesn’t mean that everything gets checked off the list at the end of the day, but it gives me goals to work towards. One day my goal might be to pack one single box, play with the dog, and take a couple of naps. Small? Yes, but still steps in the right direction. One box packed is one box packed.

2. Hire help.

I really struggled with this one. I hate being so “young” and unable to accomplish something like a move without needing to hire help, but in my current state, it is my reality, and there is no getting around it. I hired movers and a truck early on, but as I slowly go through and pack my belongings, I’ve realized there’s just no way for me to get it all done in time. So, I looked up some home organizing and packing companies, set up some interviews, and hired someone to help me declutter, pack, and then unpack at my new place. It’s not exactly where I want to be spending money right now, but it is what it is. It’s okay to need help. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to pay for help. (Yes, I’m still convincing myself, but I know I’m right!).

3. Make time to rest.

I mentioned this in number one, but it is SO important. My body is currently fighting something pretty significant. It would be so easy to keep pushing myself, making myself continue to pack and clean long past what my body is physically capable of, but I’m really doing a disservice to myself in the long run with that mindset. If you haven’t read my article “Slow is fast, fast is slow”, it’s definitely relevant here! I’m currently lying in bed, typing this article. I’ve accomplished one thing from today’s to-do list. But my body is telling me to rest, so I’m resting. There are many things I could/should be doing right now, but I’m taking the time I need to let my body recover. And it’s hard. It’s really hard to slow down and do nothing when there are so many other important things that also need to get done.

I know my tips are nothing revolutionary, but sometimes simple reminders and assurance that you are not the only one struggling can be really helpful. These simple things are helping me get through my move. Maybe they can help you too. I’m beyond ready to be done with this asthma exacerbation. I’m also beyond ready to get out of this apartment and be in my own house.

Have you moved during an asthma attack? What are some things you did to make things go smoothly? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!