Controlling My Asthma

By Kamilla Swift

1 min read

My dad is dying of COPD and Level 2 respiratory failure. He is stabilized with oxygen but I have come dangerously close to losing my dad four times since my birthday when he was officially diagnosed with this condition in 2020.

I am his caregiver and I have asthma also. I was asked how I cope with my asthma as it is well controlled. I don't know how I can look after it so well as I have never had a problem with it other than when I had a chest infection.

Don't try this. I did this under close medical supervision.

I was requested to stop my inhalers for a month to see how my asthma reacts to being my dad's caregiver and it didn't react at all. Everything was fine to the point that I could stop all my meds if I wanted to. But I still take it.

What works for me doesn't work for everyone.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Kamilla Swift" user-id="3019356"/> Hi Kamilla, and thanks for sharing your story here with the community. How interesting that your asthma, which has been under control, seems to remain that way whether you are using the medication regimen or not. If I may ask, what makes you continue to use the inhalers if (it would appear) you may not need them to gain control over this disease? I am sorry to hear of your Dad's condition with COPD and respiratory failure too. You are a compassionate, loving and devoted daughter to be providing your Dad's care as his caregiver. I am certain you both love one another very much. Please know you are always welcome here in our online community. If there is anything we can do to assist you, please let me or any other moderator / team member know. Warm regards, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)
Kamilla Swift Member
I take it because I want to talk my asthma medication even through I can get away with it because I am going to do my best to care for my dad until the day he needs a round the clock care or he passes away. 
1. Rebecca C Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Kamilla Swift" user-id="3019356"/> Thanks for sharing your experience of being a patient with asthma as well as a caregiver to your dad. We understand your view about (not) stopping all of your meds. We appreciate you taking the time to explain why continuing your treatment (for now) is important. As you go about your caregiving efforts, we wish you well and support you through this journey. Hoping for better health in the days to come for both you and your father. Warmly ~ Rebecca (comm advc)
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Kamilla Swift" user-id="3019356"/> Hi again, Kamilla, and thanks for your reply and further explanation. I see my colleague, <inline-mention username="Rebecca C" user-id="3003427"/>, has already responded and I concur with all her sentiments. We are here to lend support in whatever way we can, should you need it. Wishing you (and your Dad), well, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)