Asthma Sucks!

So, as you know I'm an asthmatic Hispanic momma. Even though I've got a disease, I don't let it define me. I am in control of my own destiny, not my bunk ass lungs. I will decide what I do, not my disease. However, with that said, I have had to make a few sacrifices here and there when it comes to having gimp ass lungs. I know I have to take my meds. I used to fight that as a kid, but now I realize they are a necessity and necessary for daily functioning. And, I know that I can't eat certain foods because they trigger asthma attacks. And, I know when the air quality is crap, I should stay indoors and run on a treadmill. But, again, I'm in control.

I never knew running a marathon was possible with asthma. But, as you can see it IS possible. And, it is possible again. However, right now I've got to wait. I'm dressed and ready to run, but my lungs are telling me otherwise. I planned to run right after I took Jude to the bus stop this morning. But, the air is dry and dirty today, and I'm feeling the affects of it. So, I had to take a "time out" and come home and take a Singulair pill. Now, I'm waiting patiently for it to kick in so I can go run. Again, I'm in control of this disease, not the other way around.

Actually, I'm quite pleased that I'm still alive at age 30-ish. I thought for sure a few times that my days were numbered. And, I was almost waiting for the "big" asthma attack to take my breath away for the last time. But, then I got good, new, better drugs....state of the art meds that changed my life and made normal living possible. Praise Jesus for that! So, to all you wonderful people out there that donated your time and energy to be part of a drug trial testing new asthma drugs, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! I thank the medical community for giving me a life worth living! So, in return, when I kick the bucket, I will donate my body to a local medical school. I hope to be poked and prodded in the worse way so future doctors can learn all they can from me and my bunk ass lungs! My family isn't too thrilled about it, but I think of it as my way of giving back to the medical community that saved me.

According to the website MedlinePlus.com:

"Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your airways. Your airways are tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways become sore and swollen. That makes them very sensitive, and they may react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating. When your airways react, they get narrower and your lungs get less air. This can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and trouble breathing, especially early in the morning or at night. When your asthma symptoms become worse than usual, it's called an asthma attack. In a severe asthma attack, the airways can close so much that your vital organs do not get enough oxygen. People can die from severe asthma attacks. Asthma is treated with two kinds of medicines: quick-relief medicines to stop asthma symptoms and long-term control medicines to prevent symptoms. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute."