Losing weight with Asthma

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New to the group, but not to the troubles of asthma

808malia
808malia Posts: 631 Member
in Social Groups
Aloha, I am new to this group and just wanted to say hi. My name is Malia and I live on Maui, I have suffered from asthma most of my life and know how hard workouts can be. I am hoping that if I lose some weight my lungs might work better... I have fairly severe asthma so any improvement would be great. I also am looking for some friends that can help give me some tips on weight loss or keeping my asthma under control.:drinker:

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  • HornedFrogPride
    HornedFrogPride Posts: 283 Member
    Welcome-glad you could join us! Aloha from chilly Nebraska! I have mild-to-moderate asthma (depends on pollen count, etc.). But I've become a serious marathoner with a lot of hard work and good treatment from my doctors, finding proper medication, etc. Also working on weight loss. Happy to help with any tips from asthma to weight loss. Checking peak flow meter readings regularly helps and really paying attention to my lungs when I'm running especially to know how far/fast I can run. I do a lot of "Gallowalking" (run-walk-run method made famous by Jeff Galloway). The walk breaks give my lungs and legs a break.
  • 808malia
    808malia Posts: 631 Member
    Thanks for the tip! I will try that :)
  • KristenSolorio1
    KristenSolorio1 Posts: 16
    Hello,

    I am new to this and I was diagnosed with asthma two years ago...TBH, I felt I was given a death sentence....My older brother suffers big time from Asthma and can't do much because of it....At 33, I am overweight and really scared of arousing my asthma when working out...My triggers include Ragweed Pollen, Mold, and Anxiety...I notice it sometimes when I eat too...
    I used to jog and walk in intervals 5 years ago and I miss those days...I want to get back to doing those things because I felt "alive and rejuvenated" when I did them...Any advice I will def welcome...:)

    Kristen
  • HornedFrogPride
    HornedFrogPride Posts: 283 Member
    Kristen, I share your asthma triggers of ragweed, pollen, and mold (fortunately pollen counts are dropping fast here). What have you tried for exercise lately? Are you mainly walking? It doesn't hurt to try 1-3 min. intervals of run:walking to try to get back into running (or run/walking). Asthma is a challenge but it is also an opportunity to conquer. That's how I look at it. Good luck with your efforts. -Jeremy
  • KristenSolorio1
    KristenSolorio1 Posts: 16
    Thank you Jeremy for your response...As of right now, I am currently walking 15 min in the morning mainly uphill and downhill for this week and plan on adding distance next week...little by little....:) Depending on how I adjust next week, I may try to add some intervals of jogging....I started walking again almost a week ago and I am feeling pretty good about exercise again..

    I agree about the chanllenge of Asthma...I am learning how to face my fears of it and just keep moving forward...def easier said than done on certain days...:)
  • lisakay58
    lisakay58 Posts: 36 Member
    Good job on the walking,keep it up if you can. It gets easier... I started walking in June. I try to walk at least 10,000 steps, started at 7,500 per day then increased it to 10,000. I know it makes me feel soo much better. Not looking forward to the cold weather, though. One of my bad asthma triggers. Wood smoke( everyone heats with wood here) is another bad trigger, so are all chemicals, cig. smoke, perfume, etc... Wish people who do not have the breathing issues would understand better...
    Take care,
    Lisa
  • KristenSolorio1
    KristenSolorio1 Posts: 16
    Wow...Congratulations on the 10,000 steps...That is quite an accomplishment!! I understand about others not suffering with Asthma and their views on the ones that do have it...But, we just do what we can do and accept we are going to "have those days" when our Asthma wants to be a pain, but getting into shape is doable...For me, it is def a mental challenge because it used to terrify me the thought of an Asthma attack...Now, I take all my meds on time, and work slowly to getting my health back in line...I will increase my workouts little by little....Thank you for your kind and encouraging words...They mean alot..:)

    Have a great day and keep up the great work!!
  • lisakay58
    lisakay58 Posts: 36 Member
    Hi Kristen,

    Thank you!

    I was terrified to get out and do anything, my lungs have failed twice from the asthma. And, now I have heart problems because of the lungs failing. I was on oxygen all the time and couldn't keep my o2 stats up.
    Ended up in the ICU over and over again...On loads of heart medicine along with all my lung medicine...(no insurance)
    I had to go to a pulmonary specialist and a cardiologist. Both 100's of miles away in different directions... After more tests the pulmonary specialist put me on Dulera, which has really helped. The cardiologist says I can not lower the heart meds until I lose weight. I have to lose weight, all the medication is really spendy and I can not work, doctors will not release me to work... Still am terrified, but I am doing better. Stopped taking my oxygen tank everywhere I drive. And, when I walk I make sure I have my cell phone and my rescue inhaler. It takes time.
    Take care, you are doing great!
    Lisa
  • KristenSolorio1
    KristenSolorio1 Posts: 16
    You are an inspiration....I am sorry to hear of your struggles with Asthma....I am on singulair and Dulera....I am hoping to drop off the Dulera to something less expensive (once I get into shape)...The Dulera really put my asthma into shape, but I still get anxious about it rheering its ugly head again...I believe we will stronger the more our bodies adjust to getting into shape...I keep having to remind myself to take it slow...I am quick to want to get change going and done...I look at this as an opportunity to learn patience and endurance (not just physically)....:)

    Hope you have a great day and keep up the great work because it WILL payoff...;)

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