I have struggled with chronic asthma or COPD (Chronic
obstructive pulmonary disorder) for most of my life. I was only able to take
part in a limited number of sports at school but managed to do well in tennis,
cricket and squash. I played league tennis and squash through my 20’s, and
30’s. This league activity came to an abrupt halt when we started a family –
possibly not the best decision because my lung doctor in Joburg, Dr Greenblatt
urged me never to give up squash. Osteo arthritis in my lower back is also an
inhibiter but I can still play.
During my 40’s I experienced many chest infections and I saw
my pulmonary specialist annually and ensure I am on the best medicine.
I contracted a health coach (nutritionist) Tania Kapp in
July 2010 (I was 48). She got me on a good diet and an exercise regime of
swimming, circuits, cycling and treadmill/jogging. I ran 5km regularly and I
swam 40 lengths 3 x a week. I lost about 7kg and became lean and mean. This led
to me doing the Midmar mile in 2011 in 56 minutes (just scraped a medal).This
was an event I watched my mates do when they were 14-17 years old – I sat on
the sidelines due to the asthma.
After the Midmar I relapsed into old habits and two years
ago I had glandular fever and pneumonia. That was the start of the slippery
slope. In 2013 I had a chest complaint on an ongoing basis and had anti-biotics
monthly. In Feb this year I said enough is enough. I saw the specialist (Dr
Peter Chapman), a generalist physician and then finally Dr Goldberg, an
integrated medical practitioner. At the same time I re-contracted with Tania my
health coach (should never have left her). Tania has got me back on the regimes
and I have lost 4kg (on 76kg) and Dr Goldberg gave me IV ozone, IV vitamin C
and counselling sessions.
I am back in the gym now and I have a mindset shift. A cough
or some congestion does not mean no activity. It could mean a walk or a light
gym workout. I am slowly regaining my immune strength and my confidence in the
gym. In the past I would not train in those conditions. Tania suggested that if
my resting heart rate is normal and my temperature is normal I can train.
My shift also involves a really disciplined approach to
managing my asthma including:
-
Inhaling steam including a drop of Olbas two to
three times a day.
-
Blowing into a water bottle to exercise my lungs
two to three times a day.
-
Gargling with salt water twice a day to take
away any wheeze
-
Sniffing saline solution twice a day.
-
Exercising every other day
-
Sleep of at least 7 hours per day
-
Ensuring I sleep with dust covers wherever I am
-
Avoiding cats and dogs
-
Managing my stress
-
Following my diet
If you would like to engage on any of these issues please
e-mail me on gavin@gavincoetzee.co.za
