A failed experiment... possibly

[Queen]

Haven't said much about it other than the occasional complaint, but it looks as if our relocation to Florida is rapidly becoming a failed experiment. We could live with the lack of culture and rude people, the beach was an excellent trade off... but a double whammy is hitting us now.

The lack of expanded medicaid (ACA accessibility), is squashing our early retirement dreams. And completely unexpectedly, my asthma is out of control here. I'm on five different asthma meds but it can't control the breathing issues. Since February I've been spending part of every single day gasping for breath, it is so very tiring, both physically and mentally.

We're trying to decide what's next and first and foremost on the list is to return to our hometown in Illinois. It would put us back into the best healthcare plan I've ever seen, slow the asthma issues, and my wife will just stop telecommuting and go back to her office to work.

We would still get a van to convert for travel or a TT, maybe it wouldn't be so bad? We could still get away from winter once we retire.

So, we're sad and we plan.

[Rufflesgurl]

Sorry plans are not working out as expected. Onward and upward!! Yes, seems there are more and more rude people everywhere.

Linda

[Olive6001]

Mickey, I wish you a comfortable transition and a new dream for the future.
Nikki

[JudyJB]

Asthma and allergies can be a real problem in Florida, so that is a good reasons for moving. Maybe in the next few years you can do some traveling and find a place where you can live and breathe more easily!

Good luck to you both.

[BirdbyBird]

Unplanned for detours of life for sure. Oxygen and health care that doesn't dry up your "having fun" budget are both important. Take a deep breath (if you can) and do whatever you need to do.

[Bethers]

Before you settle, maybe check out a drier climate. The midwest is still humid, just not nearly as humid as Florida, which is one reason I stay west much more than east. Good luck to you both. And changed plans are okay.

[Queen]

It's disheartening for sure, but we're trying to keep a positive spin on it by reminiscing about the things we liked about our town. There are things we miss, so thinking about those really helps.

[Pooker]

Your health is more important than any location. This amazing country of ours is very big and very diverse with a lot of different weather systems. Somewhere there is a perfect spot for you and in the meantime your hometown awaits. Cross the winter bridge when you need to.

[snowball]

you never know until you try right? perhaps you can use the "van" to explore see where you feel best
and research the health care of the areas...don't know when retirement looms up but vacation times ect and
help narrow the search
what part of Illinois are you from
sheila

[Queen]

Sheila, I'm from Champaign-Urbana. I do love my hometown so it wouldn't be the end of the world, but I was really enjoying the beach and not dealing with winter anymore.

[Liz]

I don't have asthma, but I have allergies, and can no longer stand the hot humid weather in Florida. I don't know what their healthcare is like, but I didn't have a bit of problem with my allergies in Arizona all winter. Sounds like you have a good plan for now.

[Queen]

Today has been non-stop gasping and inhalers, my honey is creating packing lists and having me check on apartments. So, at the moment it looks like it's going to happen... I'm still holding out for a surprise cure from the doc.

[MandysMom]

You might find some stop gap help on JD Moyers site found by googling "How I cured my asthma". I picked a couple which have helped but not really for acute distress like yours,. Hope you feel better.
Velda

[Queen]

Thanks, Velda, I'll give it a look.

[MandysMom]

A few of my standbys:
I rinse my nose twice a day using the Neil Med bottle with their salt packets. Double packets when having serious congestion. Stings but that means my nose is inflamed so I grit my teeth and do it. But only need once or twice and I can go back to single strength. I get mine at Costco in a big box of 2 bottles with 250 packets for about $20.
I take Evening Primrose capsules and MSM nightly and both seemed to reduce my lung inflammation. I started both during a major flare winter of 2014. Both act as anti inflamatory in the body.
I like King Bio Natural Medicine homeopathic sprays. The Asthma spray has enabled me to almost completely stop Ventolin if I catch a problem in time. My Dr, a fellow from India, looked at the bottle and a said yes, the ingredients make sense, use it if it helps. It's 3 sprays under tongue as needed. I also like their allergy and sinus spray.
I measure my peak flow at least twice a day, more if I'm feeling irritated. If it's below average a little, I try the spray first then Ventolin as needed.
If I get a cold or congestion, I start Mucinex (plain not DM) generic every 4 hours.
NAC N Acetyl choline works to stop an asthma cough.
I make sure I get a good quality vitamin mineral supplement daily to cover areas I might miss.
Magnesium is becoming better known as a mineral we are deficient in and acts to relax muscle so I make sure I get it with my calcium and vit D too.
One of the best things I've done is stop gluten. My whole body does better, though I tried it originally because of bladder irritation.
I recently came across Dr Axe and his website by the same name. He has a lot of good suggestion on specific suggestions as well as some great recipes and ideas for reducing inflammation.
I hope something here helps you. I know the pain of not being able to breathe.
Velda