Went to the doc today and I thought she was going to have an embolism when she found out that I ride and work at a farm. Apparently asthmatics are “suppose to” do that kind of stuff. Who else out there is doing things that they aren’t “suppose to” but it makes them extremely happy?
P.S. I’d rather die happy than live in a bubble.
i don’t have any restricitions right now,but i have had horseback riding falls in the past where i fell,got hurt and got back on before i was ready to ride or “Supposed to”…i definietly felt it later on d:)
When I was first diagnosed with asthma as an adult, the Dr thought it was so bad I had to quit working and apply for SSI.
I had a fit and flat told him no, get me some medication or whatever and thankfully, about then, inhalers came on the market, knowledge increased very fast about asthma and I did great with the second inhaler we tried.
Right now, after surgery in April, I am on orders not to do anything strenuous or lift over 20 lbs, at least until I see the Dr again in three weeks.
I don’t know what is 20 lbs, if this one fence post is that or more, or this or that here, not without carrying a scale with me.:rolleyes:
I think that Drs have much experience with people overdoing it and having dire consequences from it, but some restrictions are so hard on the patient as making conforming to them hard.
My asthma guy would always say, “You know, we should test you for a reaction to horses,” and I would argue that I snivel my face in my horse’s coat ALL the time and it never set me off, and in any case, reactive or not, it wasn’t going to change.
It really depends on your triggers. Dust doesn’t get me unless I am already compromised. Ditto hay. Figure out what yours are, and find what drugs help you manage your asthma (for me, it’s singulair and asthmanex). And then do what you want!
I probably should post this under an alter, as putting it on an internet BB means that the chances of someone reading it who now knows what my restrictions are compared to what I am actually doing go up dramatically 
I am ‘not suppose to’ : lift more than 10 lbs, do anything that makes the numbness in my legs or back worse, drive while on my medications (this one sounds worse than it really is - I DO know the effects of the meds I am currently on and I AM ok for the amount of driving I do), cause any jarring or excessive concussion to my back or hips, do anything that would increase the chance of a fall where my back may be injured again, bend over at the waist - always squat to reach anything on the floor/ground.
I got tired of living my life on the couch or in bed, however, and started riding again a little over three months ago. I did mention to my ortho surgeon that I wanted to try getting on my horse again, and he didn’t give me a flat out ‘NO’, but he also never asked exactly what type of riding I do or what I planned on trying to do. Didn’t mention it to my neurosurgeon, rheumatologist or GI doctor, as I know what their answers would have been (I picked the most understanding doctor to pose the question to).
We are only walking this planet for a relatively short time, and I’ve already spent a quarter of it missing out on the things I enjoy doing because of all of my surgeries and related issues - I realize I may be damaging things in the long run, but I am going to enjoy the time I have left. Of course I won’t knowingly put myself in a situation that could cause further damage, but I’m also not talking about jumping out of airplanes (yet :))
I guess my asthma doc never got that memo :winkgrin:
I agree that it is best to determine your triggers and what meds work for you and go from there. I have gotten asthma attacks sitting in a chair doing nothing and been fine out at the barn- it really depends. You have to learn your own disease.
I test as allergic to horses, dogs, cats, grass pollen, tree pollen, artificial perfumes, tobacco, CHALK, bananas, latex, nickel, tomatoes and pretty much any other substance they want to stick under my skin for a patch test. I would have to live in a bubble to keep clear of them all.
I have had asthma all through my childhood, which magically cleared up when we moved onto highschool where they no longer used chalk.
I live intimately with most of my allergens and my reactions are far smaller when I am exposed daily. But that is just me.
My nephew was visiting a few days ago and his aftershave sent me into my first asthma epsiode in years.
Compromise!!!
I feel like it’s never a black & white issue for patients. It’s an informed, knowledgeable patient who makes knowledgeable decisions that are not to their detriment but improve their quality of life. It takes some compromise and listening. Try bargaining with your doc!! Like…“OK, I am going to the barn so…what can I do to not endanger myself too much or minimize my chances of having a bout”… Sometimes doc are pragmatic but can be convinced to work with you. Most respect anyones Joie de Vivre!! AND most docs recommend exercise to improve lung health as long as it doesn’t occur in a dusty arena. You can always wear a mask for instance. Take allergy shots to decrease allergic asthma. Use your meds/inhalers to minimize attacks. Lose weight, do all the things they want you to do so that you can do what you want to do!!
Compromise!!!
I had a Dr who said I shouldn’t ride - I found a new Dr 
I found one who would work with me, but I realize there are limitations and I just need to be more aware and recognize problems early before it gets serious.
[QUOTE=Grandysgirl;4910376]
Went to the doc today and I thought she was going to have an embolism when she found out that I ride and work at a farm. Apparently asthmatics are “suppose to” do that kind of stuff. Who else out there is doing things that they aren’t “suppose to” but it makes them extremely happy?
P.S. I’d rather die happy than live in a bubble.[/QUOTE]
I am have severe asthma. Blacked out while competing Prix St. Georges. Did not come off my horse–my horse finished the test.
Lung specialist from National Jewish Medical Center (the BEST in North America for lung issues) talked to me at the stalls while I was sucking on O2. Her daughter has asthma and COMPETES. They make sure it is well controlled. She also pointed out that Jackie Joyner Kersey competed at the Olympics as an asthmatic.
Suggested I make an appointment at National Jewish to get checked out. I did. I have been medication. Better methods to control my asthma. And I still compete.
It all depends on how much your doctor wants to work with you.
I too have allergy induced asthma and my allergy doc gently suggested letting the hubby do the barn chores. I explained to him how the husband travels often so most of it is left to me, down to throwing hay in the hay holders at night and helping to stack.
I have had the allergy test twice this year…started on allergy shots last month and I take allergy pills in the morning and at night. I have a rescue inhaler I carry with me in the truck, purse, and in the house in case I can’t breath or an attack comes on. I have eye drops too as my eyes get very dry due to the itchy feeling. When I go get the allergy shots I have to carry an epi-pen just in case I have a reaction.
I am allergic to all molds, pollens, most trees, grass, and dander. A lot of perfumes make me sneeze, so is a lot of pollutants. And smokers…I end up wheezing most times if exposed to it for any length of time.
So, I feel for anyone who has breathing problems. One thing to do, and this is in emergency cases only, if your starting to have a tight chest and/or feel your going to have an asthma attack…hot, strong, black regular coffee helps open your air way a bit, due to the caffiene in it.
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