When Advair Isn't on Vacation
by Caroline Hellman

Sometimes acceptance of a problem is the biggest problem.

A couple of weeks ago I was on vacation and forgot to take my Advair with me. Fortunately, this wasn't a big deal, as I was able to call my doctor and have him order Advair from the pharmacy where I was staying.

But it made me think twice, nonetheless, about my asthma and my medication in general. I don't like to think that I'm dependent on any medication. Yet right now, if I forget to take Advair for whatever reason, I'm wheezing within a couple of hours. If I forget to take my antihistamine, I'm a sneezing mess, though I'm not even really sure why since end of summer/beginning of fall is not a huge allergy suffering time, typically.

It's frustrating to acknowledge that right now I need the Advair, regardless of the fact that I'm in good aerobic shape, running all the time, etc. I told myself when I was heavier that once I lost the weight and increased my exercise, it would be wonderful to go off medication completely. But intellectually I know that the asthma is here to stay, and although being in shape definitely, certainly, without a doubt helps, it can't make the asthma go away.

I'm off for a run...