Asthma Support Group

Hi. Yes, it is normal to worry and to have depression and to be overwhelmed while going through asthma and perimenopause. You have a 4 year old and you and hubby are working...you both have taken on a full life! Have you ever considered seeing an allergist to learn to identify what may be causing the mucus in your lungs? If COPD has been ruled out, then let it go and find out why you are wheezing. I'm a strong believer in prevention, so if you can minimize the mucus, all the better. Also, consider getting into some psychotherapy to help you manage your anxiety, stress etc. You may be pushing 45 but I'm looking at 45 in the rearview mirror! I'm actually 53 and about to turn 54. Life is challenging even for me. Asthma has changed my life and I'm not always dealing with that so well. I hope this helps. No apologies needed, okay?

I experience these same feelings and most of us do. Some days seem like so much work ! Venting is a good way to rid yourself of stress and none of us mind.
I use a mucolytic (400 mg Guaifenesin) every morning to make sure my airway stays clear. Some folks use much more. There are brands that have a cough suppressent in them but I avoid those. I over-used once when I had a cold, ... it caused a tremendous amount of coughing because the secretions were too thin to cough up. More was not better that time ! LOL It does help a person get a deeper breath and I don't wheeze as much when I'm clear.
Hope you are feeling better soon.

Thanks so much for your support, Rona and Ohana. I was feeling a bit better and saw my pulmo today -- he recommended that we do a full IgE panel. We also had a long conversation about possible triggers, and, although he still considers my asthma mild, he said the severe acute bronchitis I had a few months back could have made me more sensitive to everything. If we don't find any suspicious IgE levels, then it could also just be the smog. He also told me that what I needed to do was aerobic exercise that gets me really breathing heavily (he's concerned about my weight). I've been kind of afraid to do this, since I haven't had an attack since the bronchitis, but maybe pushing it will boost my confidence. I'll post again after I get the results of the test.

As perimenopause goes, I'll be I haven't seen the worst of it yet -- I'm grateful!

Walking is my exercise and it is a good way for you to start. Keep in mind that 2 months is not always long enough to completely regain after a severe infection. Don't be discouraged...give things a little more time. If you want to know about 'triggers'...ask Rona. I think she has become an expert.
We'll keep cheering you on because we all know it can be a real struggle sometimes.

Haha....an expert born of pain! Thanks, Ohana. I have become quite sensitive to many things true. Avoidance is the best modaility that I can think of. While many of the things are not classified as true allergies, the sensitivities and the things I react to are incredible. Good smells, bad smells, changes in weather, the common cold, dust, cats, and everyday grass that is so pretty to look at.

Back to you.....my exacerbations take 4-6 weeks to get over. What I've learned lately is the discomfort of it all is more like 2 weeks. The rest is debility that sets in really fast. I don't have much time between exacerbations, so when I do feel well I maximize that time. I do what I like and I appreciate it so much. When this first happened, all I did was sit in a chair. It was so hard to recover! I went to pulmonary rehab and put exercise into this recovery and now I give myself pulmonary rehab by employing what I learned and then increasing my activity by going to work! The first day back is a killer, but the next day is easier. After that, it is much much better. At the same time, I follow the drug regimen prescribed by my doctor. Between these two approaches, I'm getting back on my feet quicker. Instead of being off of work for 8-9 weeks, I take 2 days off and keep working. I've dropped the self pity out of my thinking as I am able. Put this altogether and I seem to be doing better in general. Still hate having a chronic illness but so glad the illness doesn't define me. You, too, will get there Wannasing, you are doing all of the right things to cope with it all. Take care and keep in touch.

hi ive had atopic asthma all my life - recently its got worse as well and i my be perimenopausal which may be why its getting worse although medical staff cant confirm that. Ruled out COPD. Came out of hospital 6 weeks ago after a serious flare up. Was in for 4 days - loaded with drugs and back to work the following week which felt kind of wierd given the state i was in when i went into hospital. My way of dealing with it is lots of walking when i can, visits to gym classes when i can, try and eat more healthy - have lost a stone in last 3 months and am going to try meditation. I get bouts of depression / anxiety which may be a side effect of steroids but could be just work issues etc so i have been given lots of coping strategies like making lists to do things ensuring some things are fun as well practical. Guess the key thing is never give up - i am constantly looking for ways to deal with this condition as I go through life.

Yes -- I've wondered about the emotional side-effects of even inhaled steroids. I definitely feel the side-effects from the oral prednisone (fortunately, I haven't had to be on it since January). My doctor, of course, says "oh, no, you couldn't be experiencing those sorts of side effects." I don't like doctors -- but maybe it's just that they don't understand all the potential physical side-effects of steroid-induced anxiety.
For me, I think the weight is a key issue. I've been taking it easy w/exercise lately since I broke my toe, but I do have more energy and my breathing is better when I've been doing my morning walks.
Regarding the perimenopause -- sometimes I feel that menopause is a big black hole in the middle of most physicians' training. They always direct you to your ob-gyn, as if the ob is going to know what to do about your menopause-related asthma symptoms!

i completely relate to your comments although my gp (am in the UK) does say that the prednisolone can cause mood swings particularly if on high does when you come off them. have all sorts of other side effects due to the steroids but as they say the key to life is breath so take them if you need them. We'll deal with everything else as it comes along. Keep positive and enjoy the good times. Take care.