Who Woke Up the Weather?
Just a few weeks ago that I was talking to a friend and telling her I was actually looking forward to winter. She said she felt the same way, even though breathing in cold weather should be much easier.
Fighting for comfortable breathing
It felt like I was breathing in bucket after bucket of warm water. Sometimes I just wanted to cry.
I was in the house, with the air conditioner running and fans as well. There was no relief in sight.
Even my dogs were restless. They went from the bed to the floor and back again.
I have to question whether my COPD or asthma was being triggered by the heat and humidity outside or the cold and humidity inside. I'm not sure. My asthma is often worse than my COPD.
Not only was breathing a struggle, but the air from the air conditioner and fans was triggering muscle spasms and painful joints from my fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. A pulmonologist said I needed a sauna up to my neck and air conditioning from the neck up.
Weather struggles
Moving ahead about a week, this South Dakota weather woke up and realized that the seasons had changed. Put it back! Please!
I told my husband I remembered why I said I needed to "avoid" the cold weather. He reminded me why he has always "preferred" the cold weather.
He did remind me that I could probably stay in a warmer and drier place with my family. Our adult kids and grandkids are nearer to me here. My pups, too, so this is where I will stay.
The breathing is tough, but the pain is worse. I can't sleep, then I'm so tired that I don't hear alarms, and then I wake up late.
All of this is messing with me, and I could cry. I have missed meetings and even a mammogram.
I actually like staying up late when everyone is sleeping. It's much easier to focus. There is less downtime, and I can separate some time to reach out and give more time to family issues and friends.
Sometimes, it seems like all I do is apologize for this and that. I don't like that part of myself. I used to be more organized and didn't share my thoughts and feelings. Now, I feel like a marshmallow.
Mental health with chronic illness
Chronic illnesses with ongoing health issues, such as breathing difficulties, pain, and more, can cause depression, anxiety, and irritability as well. That's why your doctor might prescribe antidepressants.
Think about it: how many people go through what you are experiencing and yet put on a smile, encourage a friend, and look forward to another day? Better yet, days!
Remember, too, that a support system is so important. It's so important to get it. It's also good and healing to give it. Support can be verbal, in a letter, by reaching out to help another, and even by sharing stories, posts, and forums.
We learn so much from each other. Remember, though, we are each unique in our own health journey. So, remember to take what you can use and leave the rest.
Dressing for comfort
After all of this, I will continue to wear loose layers as needed when up, and especially when going outside. Tight clothing can affect my pain; it can also affect my breathing.
Can you do pursed lip breathing comfortably? That's so important. Otherwise, your breathing may be inadequate.
When sleeping, I like a T-shirt with a cardigan over the top. I can take the cardigan off and out on as needed. There is definitely enough bedding. It has to be comfy for me.
I struggle with humidity, even set on cool. It can be a struggle to breathe.
If you have difficulties, talk with your doctor or registered respiratory therapist if you see one for respiratory therapy. Then, talk with your doctor.
Having COPD isn't always comfortable or fun. Remember, though, we aren't alone.
Share a smile or a silly joke. Share words of encouragement. Someone else you chat with may also need what you have to offer.
Breathe easy, and know that you aren't alone.
Join the conversation