Scared to live alone w/ Asthma. Breaking up with my boyfriend of 5 years. Need advice Please

By kahler Saturday, June 06, 2009

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Hi. This is a serious question. I have had asthma since the age of 10. My asthma is directly related to allergies of all kinds. For the last 5 years I've lived with my boyfriend, and before that I lived with my parents. We are breaking up and this will be the first time that I am actually living alone, and it scares me because I've heard that you should always have someone around if you are living with asthma. Am I just being paranoid? Surely everyone living with asthma doesn't have a roommate, and really, I don't want a roommate, or a boyfriend, but I'm still scared to live alone.

I live in Florida now, but I'm originally from Philadelphia. Let me say this, living in Philadelphia was a living hell as far as my allergies and breathing were concerned. Down here in Florida I have about 80% less symptoms. This allows for a social life, a job, the ability to open my windows! I was a prisoner for so many years. I'm not sure if the lack of asthma is just temporary while I adjust to the area, but whatever it is, I feel like a new person.

Now here is my dilemma. I moved down here with my boyfriend, I have zero family and very few friends around, yet I want to get my own place here since I have so few symptoms. Would it be better for me to go back to PA, near my family, and be sick, or should I stick it out down here in FL, completely alone, yet healthier? I would love any opinions on this. This is a scenario you can't really understand unless you have asthma yourself, so I really need the help. Thanks for reading this post everyone.

Comments (4) | Add comment

Rick Frea, Health Pro

6/ 6/09 9:17pm

I lived by myself for quite a few years with asthma before I got married, and everything seemed to qo quite well. In my opinion, I don't think there should be a reason you shouldn't be able to live by yourself. Go for it!

However, you would be wise to make sure you are seeing your doctor once or twice a year (new recommendations say twice a year), are on asthma controller medicines that work best for you, are compliant with all your asthma medicines, and have a great asthma action plan that works best for you.

As I write about in the link above, make sure you use your peak flow meter daily, and if your peak flow reading starts to consistently dip, follow the plan. Likewise, it will also be a good idea to refresh yourself on your early asthma warning signs so if you spot any you can take swift action.

I think most doctors and asthma experts would agree with me that with all the new asthma wisdom and medications, there really is no reason you shouldn't be able to live a normal life, and live by yourself if that's what you decide to do.

I hope this helps. Any further questions please ask.

seedah

6/ 8/09 12:28am

I have lived with asthma since birth. If you have the chance to go out on your own, go for it. Like the other person posted, have an action plan in place and follow ALL of your doctors' directions. There is absolutely no reason why asthma should keep any of us from living as normally as possible. However, in all things remember this. if you try something once and you find success then go for it. We will never know what our limits are until we try. Good luck and great fun in your endeavors.

BRKyle

6/23/09 3:26pm

I lived on my own with asthma for well over 10 years and it depends on the relationship you have with your doctor, job, and heath insurance. You have to KEEP ON TOP of your symptoms (ie, measuring peak flow EVERY DAY, being aware of your environment and keeping stuff as clean as you can, and such like), and have your emergency meds with you at all times, too.

Essentially, it's a matter of being responsible for yourself. If you feel really paranoid or you're prone to unexplained incidences of, say, anaphalaxys, I'd say, yeah, you need a roomie. Otherwise, discuss it with your doc see how you feel about it. The symptom free period in Florida may not be indefinite -- you may develop allergies to the (multitudinous) subtropical plants there. You should take this into consideration as well. However, even if you do have a roommate, you are responsible for your health in conjunction with your doctor, and you shouldn't disable yourself unnecessarily.

Venus

6/29/09 2:25pm

I've lived with my asthma since I was 16. About 65% of my family members are or were asthmatic. Dont worry I'm sure you will be fine. Keep up with your meds and doctor visits. Keep your home as clean as you can without using harsh cleaners. Don't be afraid to ask a neighbor for help in case you need some emergency help. Try to keep a cell/house phone. Even disconnected cell phones can give you access to 911 (as log as u keep it charged). About the boyfriend, I was at that same cross road and I realized that the relationship became a stressful trigger to my asthmatic symptoms. As dangerous as asthma may be, remember dont let the asthma scared you. Live, laugh and learn! (Be Prepared) P.S. you will make friends very soon. I promise you.

Scared to live alone w/ Asthma. Breaking up with my boyfriend of 5 years. Need advice Please

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