Concerned About a Loved One
Question:
If anyone else has any information on this matter I would appreciate your personal experience and advice as well. It would help me to better understand and help him if I could attain as much information as possible. Thank you
Response:
Hi there, my name is Amber and this is my first time posting on a support group, or any group for that matter. However, I felt that maybe this would be a good way to get some of my questions answered pertaining to my boyfriend who has a severe case of asthma. He goes to Penn State University and when he came home for Christmas break to sunny California, it seemed like he was having attacks every week and later came down with pneumonia. We have been seeing each other for about eight months and I knew that he had asthma but I had never seen attacks such as these. I feel bad asking him about it, and although I have looked up some background information on the internet, I feel my questions are not being answered. I was wondering if maybe I could receive some information on what it is about and like from a personal perspective. I would really appreciate it and it would help me to better understand my partner and help him. Thank you
Response:
Hi there: In response to your question: > I was wondering if maybe I could > receive some information on what it is about and like from a personal > perspective. I would really appreciate it and it would help me to > better understand my partner and help him.
My first response was "It’s like having an elephant lay across your chest. Only you can’t get him to get up when you want him to…he stays there as long as he wants." When I have attacks, I feel a lot of pressure and constriction in my chest. I don’t end up in the hospital often, but invaribly it’s in the middle of the night. My doc told me that statistics show that 4AM is the most "popular" time to have an asthma attack. So, if you want to support him, work with him to find out what the triggers are. Could be perfumes, cigarette smoke (second hand), pets, or darned near anything. If you have animals, and if this is the guy you’re going to marry or live with, SERIOUSLY consider getting rid of the animals (to a good home, I’m not talking about putting them to sleep), as pets seem to be a big trigger. Encourage him to get with a good doctor–one who will agressibely treat his asthma. From my personal experience, it’s helped a lot, and the frequency of my attacks has gone down to almost zero. Good luck…
Response:
To: Thank you very much for your advice and information. It was very helpful in understanding what it is like and what some of the triggers are. The whole "its like an elephant on your chest." I had no idea it was that severe, I guess I am just naive. It also opened my eyes to the whole pet thing because I remembered when his attacks started he was staying with his dad who had cats. Thank you again like I said I really appreciate it. Besides finding out what his triggers are is there anything else I can do in a supportive sense? I don’t want to baby him but I want to let him know that I care about him the best way I can. Do you have any advice on this matter?
Response:
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