login
Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma
-
No new posts
|
 2013-06-14 3:03 AM |
Extreme Veteran  929    , Kobenhavns Kommune |  Subject: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthmaHi: I was to my annual checkup on my asthma yesterday and the respiration test was worse than last year. My asthma is worsened by factors such as pollen (as in right now) and pollution. Since these external factors can play tricks on the respiratory tests I have another review in 6 months. Now, the results combined with severe asthma at my latest (first) HIM two weeks ago the doc said not to do more triathlons, I don't think she meant triathlons as such but any prolonged exercise and endurance sports. She's specialist in asthma, allergy and respiratory deceases, not my GP. She also expressed concern of lack of adequate medics with expertise in asthma treatment at competitions. I'd rather not give this up, I don't want my asthma to restrict what I can and can't do. I think it's a matter of learning to control medication and adjust accordingly when doing prolonged exercise. Normally during training I don't experience problems. At the HIM I had taken 2 dosis of Symbicort that should have an effect lasting 12 hours, 2 hours prior to the event. The asthma got severe half way through the run. It could be a question of having my Ventolin with me for the whole race, being stupid or trusting too much the Symbicort I had left the Ventolin in the transition area. What do you think? Any asthmatics here doing longer than OLYs? How do you control it? Thanks, Erik |
| 2013-06-14 3:57 AM in reply to: 0 |
Extreme Veteran 3020  | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma I've had asthma for as long as I can remember. Everything is a trigger - environmental allergies, illness, exercise, etc. I see a specialist as well, and he's never suggested I quit triathlon. A few years ago I started Advair 250/50 x twice a day. It was a game changer for me. I use a peak flow meter during times of high pollen just to monitor where I'm at with my lungs. I still carry my Albuterol with me. For triathlons I leave my rescue inhaler in my running shoes and carry it with me during that leg. If I'm going to have an attack, it will be during the run leg. I tuck it into my tri top. I've only ever used it once during a race. I also use a neti pot 1 x per day and take allergy medication during the spring and summer to help with my environmental allergies. If I catch a cold or cough, my asthma kicks up. I had to take a round of Prednisone after I got bronchitis last year. My protocol is effective for me at this time. Has your doctor suggested trying another med? *edited to add that I did HIM last year. I'm training for IMMT right now. It can be done! Edited by jarvy01 2013-06-14 3:58 AM |
| 2013-06-14 4:10 AM in reply to: erik.norgaard |
Regular 311 Aalborg, Denmark | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma Man, I hope you can continue. It would suck if you had to quit because of something like that. Sorry to hear it, keep fighting! |
| 2013-06-14 4:31 AM in reply to: jarvy01 |
Extreme Veteran 929 , Kobenhavns Kommune | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma Originally posted by jarvy01 My protocol is effective for me at this time. Has your doctor suggested trying another med? *edited to add that I did HIM last year. I'm training for IMMT right now. It can be done! I have to check the medicine you use, maybe it goes by a different name here. Doc has added Montelukast and upped the dose of Symbicort. My GP once said I could take an extra dose of Symbicort if I felt I needed it, but with the increase in regular dose this is no longer possible. I'm still considering doing a HIM in September, definitely got some lessons on the first one. Have you any concern with race medics not being trained to treat asthma? Thanks, Erik |
| 2013-06-14 5:12 AM in reply to: erik.norgaard |
Pro 5892 , New Hampshire | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma I have a Dr. that told me the same thing a few years back. So I quite, the Dr. that is. My asthma has never been better from regular exercise and even my medication has been drastically reduced. I wouldn't accept the answer from a just one Dr... get a second opinion. Most Dr's would recommend asthmatics to keep a healthy lifestyle as that does have a very positive impact. |
| 2013-06-14 5:27 AM in reply to: #4776160 |
Veteran 213 indiana | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma As a paramedic, we are pretty much all trained to the same level. No such thing as an asthma specialist medic. There really isn't any specialty medics. However most paramedic ambulances will carry 2 different inhaled bronchodilators, an iv steroid, and another emergency iv bronchodilator. Access to the patient over a long course race would be the most difficult part. I've not done one so I do not know how many ambulances are usually at these races. |
| 2013-06-14 5:28 AM in reply to: audiojan |
Veteran 622 Roll Tide!! | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma Sorry to here this, I hope you do not have to stop; but I agree...get a second opponion from another doctor. |
| 2013-06-14 5:35 AM in reply to: Meljoypip |
Expert 1644 Oklahoma | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma I agree with others get a second opinion. |
| 2013-06-14 5:41 AM in reply to: erik.norgaard |
| 12 | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma Originally posted by erik.norgaard Originally posted by jarvy01 My protocol is effective for me at this time. Has your doctor suggested trying another med? *edited to add that I did HIM last year. I'm training for IMMT right now. It can be done! I have to check the medicine you use, maybe it goes by a different name here. Doc has added Montelukast and upped the dose of Symbicort. My GP once said I could take an extra dose of Symbicort if I felt I needed it, but with the increase in regular dose this is no longer possible. I'm still considering doing a HIM in September, definitely got some lessons on the first one. Have you any concern with race medics not being trained to treat asthma? Thanks, Erik Definitely get another opinion on that one. As for concerns with race medics, you would think that asthma would be a common one that they may encounter. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and i dont put faith in race medics, and while you shouldnt either and maybe race with a puffer or something, the chances are they would know whats happening to you more than they would to me if hit the fan  |
| 2013-06-14 6:35 AM in reply to: coates_hbk |
Regular 1023 Madrid | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma Erik I've found your story is fairly typical of Spain. I'm not sure why but rather than address the issue at hand medical advice here seems to be more geared towards avoiding the issue. I can't speak directly to asthma related problems but I had an allergy related issue that rather than deal with the cause the advice was to avoid the effect. I'd go with the consensus and if possible consult a doctor outside of Spain. |
| 2013-06-14 6:38 AM in reply to: 0 |
Champion 14571 the alamo city, Texas | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma Originally posted by erik.norgaard Hi: I was to my annual checkup on my asthma yesterday and the respiration test was worse than last year. My asthma is worsened by factors such as pollen (as in right now) and pollution. Since these external factors can play tricks on the respiratory tests I have another review in 6 months. Now, the results combined with severe asthma at my latest (first) HIM two weeks ago the doc said not to do more triathlons, I don't think she meant triathlons as such but any prolonged exercise and endurance sports. She's specialist in asthma, allergy and respiratory deceases, not my GP. She also expressed concern of lack of adequate medics with expertise in asthma treatment at competitions. I'd rather not give this up, I don't want my asthma to restrict what I can and can't do. I think it's a matter of learning to control medication and adjust accordingly when doing prolonged exercise. Normally during training I don't experience problems. At the HIM I had taken 2 dosis of Symbicort that should have an effect lasting 12 hours, 2 hours prior to the event. The asthma got severe half way through the run. It could be a question of having my Ventolin with me for the whole race, being stupid or trusting too much the Symbicort I had left the Ventolin in the transition area. What do you think? Any asthmatics here doing longer than OLYs? How do you control it? Thanks, Erik even on a 30 minute run, or a casual short bike ride, i never EVER leave the house without my rescue inhaler. you may need to re-visit your whole medication program. i take advair and singulair as a daily preventative. i have a ventolin rescue inhaler. during pollen season i add a daily claritin-d pill. these things combined keep my asthma under control. i also use the ventolin BEFORE the run - always ALWAYS in t2 at a tri (i've only done up to olys.) also - get a new doc. did you go to the hospital during your HIM? if not - your asthma is NOT really that bad and you should find a doc that is more understanding of triathlon/sports in general. Edited by mehaner 2013-06-14 6:40 AM |
| 2013-06-14 7:19 AM in reply to: #4776160 |
Veteran 213 indiana | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma Definitely get another opinion on that one. As for concerns with race medics, you would think that asthma would be a common one that they may encounter. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and i dont put faith in race medics, and while you shouldnt either and maybe race with a puffer or something, the chances are they would know whats happening to you more than they would to me if hit the fan [\quote] I shouldn't argue or take offense. But type 1 diabetes? Really? I can't imagine a medic not being able to recognize, and treat any problems with diabetes. My ambulance is essentially a mobile emergency room, and there isn't a whole lot that I cannot treat, in the immediate short term. I fully understand I am not a physician, and long term care is not my expertise, but an exacerbation of asthma is well within the scope of any paramedic. I guess you may not be from the USA, and in that case I can not speak to your country and the medical care received there. And if so I apologize. |
| 2013-06-14 7:36 AM in reply to: mehaner |
Extreme Veteran 929 , Kobenhavns Kommune | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma Originally posted by mehaner even on a 30 minute run, or a casual short bike ride, i never EVER leave the house without my rescue inhaler. you may need to re-visit your whole medication program. i take advair and singulair as a daily preventative. i have a ventolin rescue inhaler. during pollen season i add a daily claritin-d pill. these things combined keep my asthma under control. i also use the ventolin BEFORE the run - always ALWAYS in t2 at a tri (i've only done up to olys.) also - get a new doc. did you go to the hospital during your HIM? if not - your asthma is NOT really that bad and you should find a doc that is more understanding of triathlon/sports in general. I just looked up the medicine you mention, we're basically on the same, except that I get Symbicort instead of Advair. And have just found that some versions of Symbicort is no WADAs list, I need to check what I've got when I get home today. At the race I finished, but was helped to the medical tent right after where they gave me oxygen 15min. For some reason they didn't have any Ventolin or similar in the tent. I haven't had such a bad attack of asthma ever, but I've never been to the hospital/ER because of asthma. I've had the Ventolin since I was 12 I think, and pretty much relied on just that till two years ago. I only did short exercise, less than 2 hours, and didn't experience symptoms otherwise, so life was just simpler to take it before exercise. But two years ago I started to notice symptoms even when at rest and started on Symbicort treatment after seeing the specialist. When training my workouts usually coincide with the time I take the Symbicort which has both an immediate and lasting effect. Run workouts are relatively shorter in time and close to home so normally I've gone without the Ventolin and never had a problem, but I do bring it on all rides and to the pool and have used it a few times before a swim. Quite possibly I've had too much faith in the long lasting effect of Symbicort too. Thanks, Erik |
| 2013-06-14 7:47 AM in reply to: erik.norgaard |
| 164 | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma Nothing medically related to add, but I hope you get it under control and are able to continue with triathlons. |
| 2013-06-14 7:49 AM in reply to: erik.norgaard |
Elite 4372 Connecticut | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma There a ton of asthma medications available. My son has very severe asthma. He was on Flovent and a bunch of other more common asthma medications but they never were very successful in controlling his asthma. Check out Alvesco or Dulera for control med's. They are newer to the scene. Also look into Xopenex for a rescue inhaler. It isn't supposed to raise your heart rate as much as Ventolin (from what I understand). |
| 2013-06-14 8:28 AM in reply to: ditchmedic |
| 12 | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma Originally posted by ditchmedic Definitely get another opinion on that one. As for concerns with race medics, you would think that asthma would be a common one that they may encounter. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and i dont put faith in race medics, and while you shouldnt either and maybe race with a puffer or something, the chances are they would know whats happening to you more than they would to me if hit the fan [\quote] I shouldn't argue or take offense. But type 1 diabetes? Really? I can't imagine a medic not being able to recognize, and treat any problems with diabetes. My ambulance is essentially a mobile emergency room, and there isn't a whole lot that I cannot treat, in the immediate short term. I fully understand I am not a physician, and long term care is not my expertise, but an exacerbation of asthma is well within the scope of any paramedic. I guess you may not be from the USA, and in that case I can not speak to your country and the medical care received there. And if so I apologize. Your perhaps right, i guess i just expect that race medics themselves would see a lot more cases of asthma attacks than someone dealing with a hypo. As an example, if i had gotten really low to the point where i passed out, aside from my Road ID band, there is nothing that screams 'he needs sugar'. With asthma, the gasping is usually a dead giveway. But i digress, your probably right, my point was for the OP though, to not be too concerned about the medics being up to speed on asthma should bad things happen, but rather race with a plan so to speak. IE, have meds on you etc. BTW im from Aus so health care is good. |
| 2013-06-14 8:33 AM in reply to: erik.norgaard |
Master 2264 Sunbury, Pennsylvania | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma I have no knowledge of asthma or what an on-site medic is likely to be able to handle. I would only throw out this perspective: there is a growing trend that I have observed, unscientifically, and anecdotally, and only you can sense whether the patrern fits the advice you've been given. But a pattern is this: the medical establishment is so afraid of being sued, that the default position is transforming. The medical professional does not want to be on record telling a paent that they are able to do something. If you suffer severe repercussions, and sue them based on "you told me I could," there's probably a jury out there that would be sympathetic. So, that could be a factor, they throw out these general platitutdes about physical activity, but if they tell you it's ok to run, that's specific. Yet, if you live a sedentary lifestyle and that leads to being prescribed fifteen medications by your doctor, they are considered to be doing a great job. |
| 2013-06-14 8:35 AM in reply to: erik.norgaard |
Champion 14571 the alamo city, Texas | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma Originally posted by erik.norgaard Originally posted by mehaner I just looked up the medicine you mention, we're basically on the same, except that I get Symbicort instead of Advair. And have just found that some versions of Symbicort is no WADAs list, I need to check what I've got when I get home today. At the race I finished, but was helped to the medical tent right after where they gave me oxygen 15min. For some reason they didn't have any Ventolin or similar in the tent. I haven't had such a bad attack of asthma ever, but I've never been to the hospital/ER because of asthma. I've had the Ventolin since I was 12 I think, and pretty much relied on just that till two years ago. I only did short exercise, less than 2 hours, and didn't experience symptoms otherwise, so life was just simpler to take it before exercise. But two years ago I started to notice symptoms even when at rest and started on Symbicort treatment after seeing the specialist. When training my workouts usually coincide with the time I take the Symbicort which has both an immediate and lasting effect. Run workouts are relatively shorter in time and close to home so normally I've gone without the Ventolin and never had a problem, but I do bring it on all rides and to the pool and have used it a few times before a swim. Quite possibly I've had too much faith in the long lasting effect of Symbicort too. Thanks, Erik even on a 30 minute run, or a casual short bike ride, i never EVER leave the house without my rescue inhaler. you may need to re-visit your whole medication program. i take advair and singulair as a daily preventative. i have a ventolin rescue inhaler. during pollen season i add a daily claritin-d pill. these things combined keep my asthma under control. i also use the ventolin BEFORE the run - always ALWAYS in t2 at a tri (i've only done up to olys.) also - get a new doc. did you go to the hospital during your HIM? if not - your asthma is NOT really that bad and you should find a doc that is more understanding of triathlon/sports in general. another reason to consider a new doc - in a chronic condition like asthma, you body can "adapt" to many of the maintenance drugs and you NEED to change them to continue to see benefits. it's why i quit theophylline a while ago. also, your asthma changes - over time, as you age, if you move to a new area, even a new HOME, etc. new courses of treatment are necessary to deal with this. when i moved to virginia i had to get much more aggressive against my asthma because of the high pollen activity. |
| 2013-06-14 8:44 AM in reply to: erik.norgaard |
Master 8247 Eugene, Oregon Bronze member | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma I have asthma and have done long-course (HIM) and lots of marathons. Mine really varies with conditions (it's not exercise-induced, but a variety of different triggers) and is really mainly a problem if I have a cold, it's very polluted (esp. with smoke from field burning), and/or there's a lot of mold or dust.. I only have a few all-out attacks a year (as opposed to low-grade wheeze and cough), but I have had attacks severe enough to send me to ER. The blessing is that I've never had a severe attack that's a total surprise as I pretty much know what the triggers are. Basically, if there's any chance of an attack (and if you've had one during the race, there is) don't trust the preventative stuff; carry a rescue inhaler at all times. I don't know how that would work on the swim (I probably wouldn't race OWS if I'd had a recent attack due to air quality or illness) but I think there are products you can use to secure it. On the bike, it simply goes in the bento box, and some of the Nathan race belts have an expandable pocket that will fit an inhaler on the run. Definitely have something similar to a road ID stating that you have asthma and are carrying medication. Hopefully a medical team would look for such things. Also, at least in Singapore and the US, there's a place on your race number to indicate a medical condition. |
| 2013-06-14 9:08 AM in reply to: erik.norgaard |
Expert 1169 Charlottesville, VA | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma Originally posted by erik.norgaard What do you think? Any asthmatics here doing longer than OLYs? How do you control it? Thanks, Erik I'd get a second opinion. I'm a 54-year old long-time asthmatic. I've completed an IM (Wisconsin 2012 -- 12:30), and have done 10 marathons with a BQ PR (3:34). My asthma is controlled with daily does of Advair, Singulair, and Flonase. Albuterol is used sparingly as a rescue inhaler. My biggest training constraint is avoiding cold air during winter training. IMHO, longer races cause more stress from an asthma standpoint than shorter high-intensity races. A fast 5K in cold weather is harder on my lungs than running a marathon in temperate conditions. Ken |
| 2013-06-14 9:27 AM in reply to: erik.norgaard |
New user 28 | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma I've been a severe asthmatic since I was a kid. My asthma doctor loves to tell me that I was the worst adult patient he'd ever seen. I've been diagnosed COPD. I've been hospitalized several times, and once came perilously close to not surviving the battle when I was in my 20's. I'm now 47, I've been running tris for the past 4 seasons, only sprints so far, but I'm running my first OLY and HIM this summer. My asthma doesn't impede me in any way. Here's the deal with Asthma - If you need to take your rescue inhaler every day, or even several times a week, your asthma is not under control, and your maintenance meds aren't working for you. End of story. It took about a year of tinkering with meds to find the best solution for me. Right now I take Advair 500x50 once a day. I use Pro-Ventil as a rescue inhaler, but frankly I usually have to refill my prescriptions becuase they expire, before I've taken them all. I almost never have to take it anymore. Ask your doctor to try some newer, stronger meds. If they are reluctant, find another doctor. If that doctor agrees with the first, then maybe you might want to consider their advice though. A couple other "tri with asthma" tips - Predose with your rescue inhaler before the swim. Carry the inhaler with you on the bike and the run. Its not weird, there are lots of us that do it. A couple days before the race, make sure you are taking a maximum dose of your maintenance med. Ask your doctor. I talked to my doctor and he's OK with me taking my Advair 2x per day instead of 1 for 2-3 days prior to an event without ill effects. Relax on the swim. Measure your breathing and dont panic. Watch out for high humidity and air quality warnings on training days. Take air quality warnings seriously; working out under those conditions can cause problems for days afterwards.. Somedays its just best to stay inside. Listen to your body. Asthma will never stop me. |
| 2013-06-14 11:06 AM in reply to: chrispy5 |
Expert 1375 McAllen | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma Theres been plenty of comments here, and I really hope its just a bad timing of pollen season and pollution symptoms that are flaring up your asthma, erik. One of my close friends on the swim team was slightly allergic to chlorine and asthmatic, but swimming (or just exercise in general) helped keep her symptoms or flare-ups and stuff way down. She was more prone to hyper-ventilating and stimulating asthma while running, but since swimming/cycling has a lot more controlled breathing in general, she did better than without exercise. After graduation attacks were a bit more frequent as well. |
| 2013-06-14 1:12 PM in reply to: erik.norgaard |
Extreme Veteran 929 , Kobenhavns Kommune | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma Thanks for all the replies! I've definitely not given up just yet, and you've confirmed me that much can be achieved with proper medication. I've generally not had any problems in workouts or races of less than 3 hours durations, and did a half marathon in april in under 2 without the need for my inhaler. But clearly, there's a huge step up to a HIM, I have never been doing continuous exercise for such a long time. ditchmedic: The doc also said that I should carry the papers, basically medical record with me all the time in case of an attack. That is practically impossible. Do you look for such information on a patient? Is there some standard card to carry this kind of information? Do you write this on your race number? When I registered for the race they had an adicional message field to inform the medical services of any medication. I don't know if they actually passed that on. Regarding Symbicort and doping, FYI: I've checked it out, as far as I can see up to WADA permits up to 54mg formoterol per 24hs which just happens to be the maximum dosis (12x4.5mg) specified for this medicine. Until a few days ago I thought all asthma medicine was exempted. |
| 2013-06-14 1:58 PM in reply to: erik.norgaard |
| 164 | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma Originally posted by erik.norgaard ditchmedic: The doc also said that I should carry the papers, basically medical record with me all the time in case of an attack. That is practically impossible. Do you look for such information on a patient? Is there some standard card to carry this kind of information? Do you write this on your race number? RoadID makes an Enhanced RoadID where you upload medical information into a database and then medical personnel can access it. Whether they would know they can access it/understand its purpose is another questions. |
| 2013-06-14 3:43 PM in reply to: k1200rsvt |
Regular 789 | Subject: RE: Doc said no more triathlon due to asthma Interesting that you were told to quit. I have exercise induced asthma and I carry my inhaler with me on the bike and the run. Before the swim starts, I'll use my inhaler about 20-30 minutes before hand and will only use it if needed during the rest of the race. For the bike, I have it rubberbanded to the handlebars by my aero bottle and on the run, I either carry it in my race belt or carry it in my hand. I'd suggest speaking to another doc about this to find ways to combat it before it starts. |
|
|
|
|
| N.Y. Ironman Triathlon May Cancel Hudson Swim Due To Sewage Pages: 1 2 3 | ||
| |||
| |||
| |||
| Really disappointed, first triathlon canceled due to weather |
| ||||
|
| |||
|
| |||
|
|
View profile
Add to friends
Go to training log
Go to race log
Send a message
View album
CONNECT WITH FACEBOOK