How we’re preparing now so we can enjoy the holiday season

When my husband, Donnie, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in late 2022, I often felt extremely overwhelmed by all of the outside variables that could affect his health, such as cold and flu season.

While I still feel worried and overwhelmed at times, I’ve found that staying as ready as possible has helped both of us feel a little more at ease as we slide into the fall and winter months. Here are several things we do every fall to help prepare for the tough times.

First, we check with our doctors to see which vaccinations are recommended. I’ve already had my flu shot at a work clinic this year, and Donnie and our girls will be getting theirs soon. Donnie also received a pneumococcal vaccine a couple of years ago, as recommended due to his chronic illness. When he visits his pulmonologist later this month, he will get guidance on which vaccinations he is due for, so he can stay as healthy as possible.

While we’re always hopeful we will dodge illness in the fall, we rarely do so. With two children in school, and both Donnie and I working in busy environments, germs are inevitable. Because of this, I try to keep the necessities stocked: disinfectants, cold and flu remedies, cough drops, XyliMelts for Donnie’s dry mouth, and easy comfort meals for when things get hectic.

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I also purchased a five-pack of combination flu and COVID-19 tests, so that when we are suspicious, we can test. I always think of early testing as creating a barrier around Donnie, so when one of us tests positive, he can call his doctor for early advice. Sometimes that means starting preventive medicine to lessen the impact.

In the rural Midwest, germs aren’t our only respiratory concern this time of year. Farmers in our area have begun harvesting the corn and beans, and the dust has been contributing to allergies and breathing difficulties. We try to keep up with our allergy medicines this time of year, since the dust in the air can really trigger a nasty cough. We also purchased an air purifier a few years ago, and I make sure to run it frequently. It helps with dust, pet dander, air pollutants, odors, and more.

While it’s not a typical thing you do for your health, another way I like to reduce stress in the fall is to prepare for the holiday season a little early. When Donnie was diagnosed, he was hospitalized for nine days, and he got out of the hospital about a week before Christmas. We were so stressed and confused by what was happening that I hadn’t decorated, bought presents, or had much time to prepare for the festivities. Having some Christmas magic and celebrating our traditions brings joy to our family, so it’s important to make an effort.

Ever since then, I try to get things done early so I don’t have to stress if illness hits our house and we can’t get things done. It’s not unusual for us to put up our Christmas tree in early November. I think we even had it up by Halloween once! Our daughters love getting it out, and we like enjoying the pretty lights even longer throughout the season.

Finally, we remember to enjoy the little moments and be intentional about our time. Dealing with a chronic illness is often time-consuming, but we all deserve to spend our lives doing the things we love. I try to write down a few things I’d like to do during the season, and see if I can make them happen. Even small things like a leaf-peeping day trip, a backyard movie night, a family game night, or an end-of-season barbecue can lift the mood. I find that when I plan activities in advance, I’m more likely to make time for them.

Yesterday, I worked up a bushel of apples into homemade applesauce and baked a loaf of bread, one of Donnie’s favorites. Small things I’d forgotten I really enjoy doing. Next week, when the fall weather hits, Donnie and I plan to take our daughters to a pumpkin patch to pick out pumpkins to carve or paint for Halloween. None of us really knows what life will throw at us, but we are trying to make the most of the autumn season while we can.

Note: Pulmonary Fibrosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Pulmonary Fibrosis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pulmonary fibrosis.