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Coping with the Chaos of Christmas as a Patient with IPF.
Christmas can be chaotic and overwhelming for most people, but for those of us with a chronic lung condition, the holiday season can drain everything out of us physically, emotionally and mentally.
Since my diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) three years ago, I’ve noticed a difference in my ability to tolerate the holidays. I still love all-things-Christmas, but I no longer have the stamina I once did to help out around the house in preparation of company, or to help prepare a big meal. Then once all the gifts are open, I usually need to nap before more company comes and I have to admit, I am glad once everyone goes home at the end of the day as well. I don’t think this Christmas will be any different unfortunately.
It’s also importance to pace ourselves during the holidays if you celebrate on more than one day or with multiple families. The exhaustion can lead to exhaustion, and combined with the germs floating around during holiday season; it can be the “perfect” storm for someone with a compromised-immune system to fall ill. So how can we adjust plans, or ensure we stay as healthy as possible this holiday season?
My wonderful friend and fellow columnist Kim Frederickson wrote about this recently, and her column titled Adjusting Christmas Plans Due to Exhaustion can be found here. If you haven’t read it, it’s a good one to read at this time of year, especially today.
Do you have any other tips/tricks to share to reduce the chaos of the holiday season since your own diagnosis of IPF/PF? Please feel free to share them with us if so.
Happy Holidays!
Charlene. -
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