Chronic illness is defined as a long-lasting condition that can be controlled but not cured. It often involves a complex web of symptoms that ebb and flow, requiring ongoing management. Conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and respiratory diseases fall into this category. For those diagnosed later in life—or after years of unexplained symptoms—the journey can be particularly frustrating, as it may mean reevaluating routines, roles, and long-term plans. This is what happened with Rhonda Nelson, navigating AERD.
Unlike acute illness, which comes on suddenly and resolves in a defined timeframe, chronic illness redefines what it means to feel “normal.” For people over 50, navigating a new diagnosis can be both physically and emotionally overwhelming, especially when symptoms interfere with already established lifestyles.
Rhonda's Story: Living with AERD
For Rhonda, a vibrant woman in her early fifties married to a professional touring musician, life took an unexpected turn with a diagnosis of AERD—Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease. AERD is characterized by three primary components: chronic nasal sinusitis (or rhinosinusitis), asthma, and a sensitivity to aspirin and NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs.)
The sinus issues often involve persistent inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages. The asthma adds another layer of respiratory difficulty. However, the most challenging component to diagnose is the sensitivity to aspirin and NSAIDs, which can often go unnoticed. In Rhonda's case, she was unknowingly making her symptoms worse by taking over-the-counter NSAIDs in an attempt to relieve pain—only to discover that they were actually intensifying her condition.
For years, Rhonda lived with unexplained fatigue, recurring colds and congestion, wheezing with nasal passages closed off by nasal polyps as she wheezed with tightening of the chest with worsening asthma symptoms. Standard allergy tests revealed little, and treatment often felt like playing a frustrating game of symptom whack-a-mole as she got sicker and sicker. It wasn’t until a flare-up triggered by a routine pain reliever that doctors began to connect the dots.
Journal What's Going On In Your Body
One of the most empowering tools Rhonda used was keeping a detailed health journal. This wasn’t just a log of symptoms but a deeper dive into what was happening in her body and how external factors—diet, travel, medication, stress—might be playing a role.
A journal allows for pattern recognition. For example:
- After certain meals, fatigue or congestion would spike.
- High-stress days correlated with asthma flares.
- Weather changes often brought about sinus pressure.
Keeping this type of record gave Rhonda both language and leverage—language to articulate her symptoms clearly to doctors, and leverage to advocate for herself more effectively in a medical system not designed for vague, evolving conditions.
If you are managing a chronic illness like AERD, start documenting:
- Daily symptoms (severity, timing, triggers)
- Medications/supplements taken
- Foods eaten
- Physical activity
- Emotional health
- Environmental exposures
Over time, even subtle patterns become clearer—and those patterns can become a critical part of your treatment strategy.
Remedies: Traditional and Non-Traditional
AERD doesn’t have a cure, but it does have treatments—both traditional and alternative—that can help manage symptoms.
Traditional Treatments:
- Leukotriene Modifiers (e.g., Montelukast): Used to reduce airway inflammation.
- Steroid Nasal Sprays and Sinus Surgery: To remove polyps and restore nasal breathing.
- Aspirin Desensitization: A highly specialized but effective method where the body is gradually trained to tolerate aspirin.
Non-Traditional Therapies Rhonda Swears By:
1. Infrared Light Therapy
Used for inflammation reduction and cellular healing, infrared therapy helps with sinus congestion and general fatigue. Rhonda uses a portable device at home for 15 minutes a day and reports improved energy and clarity.
2. Acupuncture
With a skilled practitioner, acupuncture has helped balance Rhonda’s immune response and relieve sinus pressure, especially during flare-up seasons.
3. Cold Plunges
While not for everyone, cold plunges can boost circulation and reduce inflammation. It can be intense but there are many touting the benefits of sharpened focus and energy.
When combining non-traditional methods, full transparency with healthcare providers is important. Integrative care works best when everyone on your team understands what’s in play.
Self-Care Isn't Selfish: It's Essential
In Rhonda’s words: “I used to think self-care was a luxury. Now, it’s survival.”
Living with chronic illness requires not just treating the body but protecting your mental and emotional well-being. After 50, when many women are juggling aging parents, grown children, career shifts, and more, it’s easy to feel guilty for putting yourself first.
But self-care isn’t bubble baths and spa days (though those are lovely). It’s:
- Saying no when needed.
- Prioritizing sleep over errands.
- Planning your week with energy reserves in mind.
- Knowing your limits—and enforcing them.
Especially when you’re your own best advocate in a health system that often moves slowly, taking care of yourself is a daily act of empowerment. This may take a mindset shift to see self-care as part of a treatment plan—not an escape from it.
Traveling with Chronic Illness (And a Touring Musician)
Rhonda’s husband is a professional touring musician, and life on the road used to be thrilling—until it became draining. But she didn’t want her illness to define their lifestyle, so they created new travel systems that support her well-being.
Here are some travel tips that help most anyone with a rigorous touring schedule:
1. Pre-Screen Accommodations
Book rooms with air purifiers, non-smoking guarantees, and close access to stores or pharmacies. Bring your own pillow or hypoallergenic bedding when possible.
2. Pack a Travel Health Kit
Include all prescribed meds, emergency inhalers, essential oils, nasal rinses, and anything that brings comfort. Keep everything in carry-on bags to avoid airport issues.
3. Know Your Limits
Don’t feel pressured to attend every post-show meet & greet or outing. Build rest days into your itinerary and communicate clearly about what you need.
4. Check Local Medical Facilities
Know in advance where urgent care or allergy clinics are located in new cities. Save maps and contact info on your phone.
5. Food & Hydration
Chronic illness often means food sensitivities. Scout restaurants with allergy-friendly menus or plan to cook where you stay. Hydration is essential—especially on flights or high-altitude venues.
Currently, Rhonda isn’t traveling as much but when she does, she has portable devices that work well on the road. The key is planning ahead and not apologizing for taking care of yourself.
Final Thoughts
Navigating chronic illness after 50—especially with a complex condition like AERD—requires resilience, adaptability, and a healthy dose of grace. But it’s also an invitation to slow down, tune in, and become an active participant in your own health journey.
We can’t choose whether or not we will face a chronic condition. But we can choose how we respond to it. If you’re walking this path, remember: you’re not alone. Whether through journaling, alternative therapies, or learning to say no without guilt, your next chapter can still be meaningful, vibrant, and deeply rewarding.
Additional Resources
A Different Life by Rhonda Nelson In her debut book project, Rhonda pulls back the curtain on celebrity life while offering readers the chance to hear never-before-told stories, enjoy treasured family recipes and photos, and experience all things pertaining to life on the road.
Power of After: What’s Next Can Be Your Most Purposeful Chapter by Deborah Johnson
Living with a Chronic Illness with Angela Tipton article by Deborah Johnson
- about rhonda Nelson
Rhonda Nelson renowned patient advocate, author, speaker and philanthropist is a beacon of resilience and strength. Her charitable work spans championing equitable access to affordable healthcare, supporting those diagnosed with AERD (Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease), serving as a voice in the foster care system and encouraging women to reinvent themselves in their different stages of life. Her husband plays with the Little River Band.
We can’t choose whether or not we will face a chronic condition. But we can choose how we respond to it.
deborah johnson
Thought Leader, Keynote Speaker, Author
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