Riders with asthma?

[Barb, USA]

Running Rat, having had asthma for 55 years, I'd like to congratulate you and everyone else who is biking in spite of it. When I first moved here to Germany (13 years ago) and wanted to seriously bicycle, I could only go 3 mph because I could barely breathe. The correct medication made all the difference in the world. And you will learn to pay attention to your breathing and recognize when you are in distress. This is important.

Like Surlygirl's husband, mine has learned to wait for me...well, actually, he goes down the hill and up again at least once in the time I struggle up. When we are on a biking vacation, he rides with me most of the time, but I also give him time by himself to pretend he's Lance Armstrong. Now we are both happy.

But for all of you newly diagnosed asthmatics, I cannot stress enough that asthma is nothing to fool with. I nearly died and had been hospitalized several times before the newer medications were available.

So, take your medication as directed (the short term inhaler where ever you go), and, if you continue to have problems, go to your doctor. If he/she doesn't take you seriously, find another doctor!

Meanwhile, more power to us all!

[Runnin Rat]

Running Rat, having had asthma for 55 years, I'd like to congratulate you and everyone else who is biking in spite of it.

You know, hubby and I get crap from people all the time about our 'extreme exercise'. I have been diagnosed with asthma after taking up marathoning and he has been diagnosed with reactive-hypo-glycemia. Not a fun thing to deal with! Although everyone who doesn't exercise around us is blaming our adventures on our new diagnosises (is that a word?) I feel it is because of what we do that we have been able to catch the illnesses and work on controling them before they got out of hand.

[Barb, USA]

You know, hubby and I get crap from people all the time about our 'extreme exercise'. I have been diagnosed with asthma after taking up marathoning and he has been diagnosed with reactive-hypo-glycemia. Not a fun thing to deal with! Although everyone who doesn't exercise around us is blaming our adventures on our new diagnosises (is that a word?) I feel it is because of what we do that we have been able to catch the illnesses and work on controling them before they got out of hand.

Oh, my, you have hit one of my hot buttons! We get crap, too. In Germany there's the saying "Sport ist Mort" - sport is death! But it's people like us that will have the last laugh because the others will be gasping on the sofa from cardiovascular disease while we "extreme" people are still riding.

There are two books which are/have been on the New York Times Bestseller List "Younger Next Year (for men)," and "Younger Next Year *for Women," which basically say what we already know: you can stay "younger" if you eat properly, exercise regularly (the authors recommend 30 min/day 6 days a week), keep your brain active, and keep your attitude positive. The authors tell us that you can even reverse some of the effects of ageing. Think young.

The authors are Chris Crowly (over 71 and an avid cyclist) and Henry S. Lodge, MD (47).

By the way, I also have hypoglycemia. It took several years, but by eating regularly in small portions, and eating properly (very few simple carbs), I can now exercise without too much danger of bonking. I take peanut butter on whole wheat for a snack.

We all know people who are 40 going on 70, and people who are 70 going on 40. I intend to die on my bicycle in my 90s. Maybe I won't make it that long, but I'm going to feel good trying.

[Runnin Rat]

By the way, I also have hypoglycemia.

Barb, you are a mess Just teasin. We are just learning about all this new stuff, and trying to get him regulated, then keep him that way. Unfortunately, HE is male, so accepting that he really has something VERY wrong with him is hard for him to accept and deal with. He lets himself get 'off' as we call it, then he is impossible to live with (mean and ornory) and he doesn't see how bad he is. There is no reasoning with him once he is 'off', so we have to talk to him with great care until he is back to normal again. He is getting better, but it is like living with Jeckel and Hyde sometimes. It is amazing what this illness can do to such a mild manner person!

[Barb, USA]

You're right, Runnin Rat; I am a mess. I have migraines, too.

Hypoglycemia all has to do with blood sugar and the consequences of it's being too low. So the idea is to keep it level. That's why small meals often help. When you eat sugar(simple carbs: all white stuff including potatoes), your body responds with a big burst of insulin, but then for hypoglycemics, it's too much. Caffeine will also stimulate the production of insulin. So at first a coke works, and then there's a big crash.

You could google hypoglycemia and then once you know how to handle it, you can make sure the proper snacks etc are around for your hubby. Then your life will be happier, too.

They really do need extra care, but most of the time they are worth it. (If not, you can get another or do without. Sometimes that's preferable. I was single (again) ten years before I hooked up again with one of the sweetest men in the world.)

But in all fairness, I get grumpy, too, when I need to eat or have eaten the wrong thing. He just can't help it and really doesn't want to be that way.

I hope he realizes what a good woman he has to put up with all his ego nonsense.

We just got back from a 30 mile ride. I love to bike!

[Crankin]

I liked that "I want to die on my bike when I'm in my 90's." My husband and I have said the same thing. We both have medical "things" and that does not stop us. My husband had 2 stents put in last year and was riding 5 days later. A month after that we were on a tour in Europe and climbing 15% hills. Despite the fact that he has cardiovascular disease because of the crappy genetics on both sides of his family, THEY all told him to "never ride your bike again." Well, if hadn't been riding and exercising regularly, he would have never been aware of the symptoms of his blocked arteries. He would have just had a heart attack one day when he got off of the couch. I've had allergies, asthma, and various weird viral/autoimmune issues for years. I just live through it. It's a lot better now than it has been in years and I am 52. It's getting to the point that I don't have much in common with my non cycling friends. I make a special effort to still be friends with them, but they really don't understand why I have to ride,

[Barb, USA]

I liked that "I want to die on my bike when I'm in my 90's." My husband and I have said the same thing. We both have medical "things" and that does not stop us. ....I just live through it. It's a lot better now than it has been in years and I am 52. It's getting to the point that I don't have much in common with my non cycling friends. I make a special effort to still be friends with them, but they really don't understand why I have to ride,

Dear Robyn,

I'm sorry I missed your posting. I got caught up in work I told my non-cycling friends that I'm going to make biking my work and teaching my hobby. Some of them are so nice, though.

Good for your and your husband. It's because you bike that you are getting healthier. Isn't it great? You'll enjoy reading "Younger Next Year," then, the book I mentioned in a previous post. It will make you want to do more to be healthier and eat better.

Yes, you are never too old. Barb