New Health limitations: Need advice!

[MommaBear55]

Hi fellow Cruise Critic members,

I need advice from you all. After years of having severe asthma but coping most of the time, I have just found out that I have progressed to the next phase, which will not only increase my daily asthma meds to over 10, but my former lifestyle has to be actively curtailed, to the point that I cannot commit to my job, which I absolutely adore.

 

What I am looking for from all of you is advice on how to make this transition. Obviously I am mad and sad about this after having been very diligent about my health habits. I feel suddenly old. I have always been that person who worked the 24 hour shift, got energy from overdoing and was always that person who other people could count on. Now I am going to have to say no to things and to ask for help. How do I do that? How do I handle the rollercoaster of emotion? And to help myself to ask for help and to get people around me to realize that I need to change.

 

I also know that it isn't what a lot of you face every day and I am aware that on the continuum of life I am still pretty lucky. I just know that you will have words of wisdom to help me over this bump in the road.

[xxoocruiser]

People are more likely to associate the 5 Stages of Grief more with death but it also applies to managing /accepting a chronic illness that impacts a person's daily life such as what you're now going through. Sometimes a person experiencing such a life altering change might possibly consider seeking professional guidance. There is never any shame in seeking professional guidance to help make the transition so that you continue to live a life that brings you joy.

 

The 5 stages of grief are :

1. Denial & Isolation

2. Anger

3. Bargaining

4. Depression

5. Acceptance

 

FYI I'm not a medical professional. Rather just someone whose life is constantly changing as a result of having been diagnosed with MS which is a progressive incurable disease.

Edited February 19, 2016 by xxoocruiser

[mexico8]

People are more likely to associate the 5 Stages of Grief more with death but it also applies to managing /accepting a chronic illness that impacts a person's daily life such as what you're now going through. Sometimes a person experiencing such a life altering change might possibly consider seeking professional guidance. There is never any shame in seeking professional guidance to help make the transition so that you continue to live a life that brings you joy.

 

The 5 stages of grief are :

1. Denial & Isolation

2. Anger

3. Bargaining

4. Depression

5. Acceptance

 

FYI I'm not a medical professional. Rather just someone whose life is constantly changing as a result of having been diagnosed with MS which is a progressive incurable disease.

 

As usual you have made an informative and uplifting post. YOU ARE a GEM. Thank you from all of us that benefit from your knowledge.

 

I have some health issues and appreciate all the info.

 

Wendy

[xxoocruiser]

As usual you have made an informative and uplifting post. YOU ARE a GEM. Thank you from all of us that benefit from your knowledge.

 

I have some health issues and appreciate all the info.

 

Wendy

 

Wendy

Thank you for your kind words.

Hope your doing well.

Pat

[MommaBear55]

And I know I am square in anger and depression, with a dash of isolation mixed in. I am definitely going to look for support. I am hoping my Pulmonologist will know of someone who works with people with worsening chronic illness. I did pulmonary rehab years ago, maybe once I stabilize I can find another group.

 

Thanks for the encouragement and understanding.

[Splinter]

You might want to ask your provider about a palliative care consultation. Palliative care specialists work with people with chronic, non-curable illnesses, and their expertise is in symptom control and quality of life issues.

[MommaBear55]

You might want to ask your provider about a palliative care consultation. Palliative care specialists work with people with chronic, non-curable illnesses, and their expertise is in symptom control and quality of life issues.

 

I am a nurse practitioner who works in a hospital, so actually do palliative work. I appreciate you recommending it, as many people equate palliative with hospice, which certainly isn't the same.

 

What I am hoping is recommendations as how to cope with the emotions and how to figure out how to live life to the fullest , but in a different way than I have been.

 

When the kids left home, I had been mentally gearing up for a different lifestyle. We loved raising the kids, but there wasn't much time or money for other things. So, part of my mantra then was, "now that this chapter is closing, the next chapter will bring..." So, this is kind of like that but I wasn't prepared for this change...

[kassimer1]

And I know I am square in anger and depression, with a dash of isolation mixed in. I am definitely going to look for support. I am hoping my Pulmonologist will know of someone who works with people with worsening chronic illness. I did pulmonary rehab years ago, maybe once I stabilize I can find another group.

 

Thanks for the encouragement and understanding.

 

pulmonary rehab would be good again since your condition has worsened. some rehabs have what they call maintenance classes for people that have already been thru the program. unfortunately insurance doesn't pay for the maintenance. our hospital its 40 $ a month. until you can sign up start practicing your pursed lip and diaphragmatic breathing. there could also be a free support group in your area. call your local hospital. they should know if your pulmonologist doesn't. there are also special cruises where a respiratory therapist comes on the cruise with you and a group . some say its oxygen dependent cruisers but if you call them im sure they could take you once you explain your situation, you can google oxygen cruises . eep reaching out to others. you may not be able to do some of the things you used to so find a new hobbie. you will still miss the old things but you will be moving forward and still finding joy in something. My other half became very ill (heart problem) and we had to go thru alot of adjustments.

[SargassoPirate]

Mommabear55 - what as helped me as I age and body keeps trying to give out is to keep telling myself that each day is a gift and each day is a good day. I keep working on my bucket list and adapting it to my physical limitations - I may not hike the Appalachian Trail at this point, but I can visit the trail as I travel through various states and enjoy a picnic. I spend a few minutes each evening sending thanks out to the universe for the blessings of the day and reaffirming my goals and intentions for the coming day. I try to find a small way to ease the burden of life for another person each day by paying it forward whenever possible - be it paying for a cup of coffee for the next person in line or popping a quarter in an expired parking meter. And, most importantly, I remind myself every day that I am a spiritual being having a temporary physical existence and that nothing here is permanent.

 

Good luck with your transitions.