Broncos' Graham doesn't let asthma stop him - The Orange Mane

dragondawg · 09-20-2007, 03:56 AM

ENGLEWOOD - Ask Daniel Graham how severe his asthma is, and he points out the four medicine inhalers in his locker.

The Denver Broncos’ tight end was diagnosed with asthma in high school. He takes medication daily and during games to control the disease, which affects breathing.

On Monday, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan went out of his way to praise Graham, calling his performance against Oakland one of the best he has seen from a tight end in a long time.

The entire game, Graham was dealing with asthma.

“The whole game it was affecting me,” Graham said. “It’s tough. But I’ve had it for a while, so I’m used to fighting through asthma.”

Asthma is not curable, but can be managed. Graham takes medication, including inhalers and pills, daily. He said he also has seen an asthma specialist since his days at the University of Colorado. The specialist runs tests and figures out the correct medication to control the disease.

Dr. David Pearlman, one of the founders of the Colorado Allergy and Asthma Centers, said many U.S. Olympic athletes suffer from some form of asthma. Some, including swimmers Mark Spitz and Amy Van Dyken, have had stellar Olympic careers despite the disease thanks to treatment.

“In most cases the asthma can be controlled so people can be world-class athletes and even win gold medals,” Pearlman said. “It’s very impressive.”

Broncos trainer Steve Antonopulos said through the years the team often has one or two players with asthma. Asthma has different degrees of severity. Graham said his asthma can be problematic in everyday life.

“It’s pretty bad,” Graham said. “It’s something I’ve always had to fight through.”

Graham’s asthma acted up when he moved back to high altitude. Antonopulos said after five seasons with the New England Patriots, Graham had some problems right after he came back to live in Colorado full time, but adjusted his medication.

Graham signed with the Broncos this offseason.

The Broncos trainers have inhalers and other medication on the sideline for Graham. Because Graham has been dealing with asthma so long, and his daily medication helps control the disease, the trainers don’t have to worry much about Graham during games.

“He does a real good job managing it, from a preventative standpoint, because of the education he has about it,” Antonopulos said.

Graham said he often plays through being short of breath, although he has learned when he needs to take himself out for a break.

During Sunday’s game at Oakland, Graham had a challenging task.

The Broncos game plan was to send him in motion before many plays, but he played almost the entire game.

“He did a heck of a job considering he does have some asthma and for him to play a complete game and to be in motion as much as he was kind of gives you an idea of how important this is to him,” Shanahan said.

Graham said he never worried about his asthma disturbing his athletic career, even when he was diagnosed in high school.

After having a successful college career and winning a couple of Super Bowls with the Patriots, Graham hopes he is an inspiration for others who have the disease.

“For people who don’t have asthma, they have no idea what it’s like,” Graham said. “I can show kids to never give up. I’ve been fighting this for 14, 15 years now and it’s never slowed me down.”

http://www.gazette.com/sports/graham...a_broncos.html

epicSocialism4tw · 09-20-2007, 04:05 AM

The greatest tuba player in the world had one lung.

BroncoBuff · 09-20-2007, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angryllama

The greatest tuba player in the world had one lung.

Is that right? Tell me more ...

BroncoBuff has asthma too ... Advair 250 once a day keeps it almost totally dormant though. Researchers have discovered that non-breast-feeding infants have 10x higher likelihood of asthma, it's true. I was supposedly allergic to breast-feeding as an infant, but I've long been hard at work on my own theory about retroactively correcting this problem later in life ... I'll get back to you after "gathering more data"

Borks147 · 09-20-2007, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

but I've long been hard at work on my own theory about retroactively correcting this problem later in life ... I'll get back to you after "gathering more data"

flashback to "shoot 'em up scene" where clive owen barges into the sex shop of of a lactating hooker in the middle of a "feeding session"

asdklfhasdkjlfhas;djklaxvnj;htfwerlh;sdjv;astr

Borks147 · 09-20-2007, 05:07 AM

but not to hijack the thread, its hard to imagine that such a big dude could be done in (or at least partially) by a problem in one of the smallest structures in your body.

its going to be fun watching him destroy merriman in a few weeks.

BroncoBuff · 09-20-2007, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aborquez147

but not to hijack the thread, its hard to imagine that such a big dude could be done in (or at least partially) by a problem in one of the smallest structures in your body.

its going to be fun watching him destroy merriman in a few weeks.

Oh yeah, that WILL be fun ... nice preview ab.

BTW - I'm 6'6" 280, and I've been cut down gasping on one knee more than a few times.

XXXII&III · 09-20-2007, 12:55 PM

I was going to keep abreast of BroncoBuff's travels through the Daniel Graham threads and reply to his comments, tit for tat, but I think I will just slowly back out of this one.

Beantown Bronco · 09-20-2007, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aborquez147

but not to hijack the thread, its hard to imagine that such a big dude could be done in (or at least partially) by a problem in one of the smallest structures in your body.

......are we talking about Daniel Graham's asthma or Bob's "social" life?

broncosteven · 09-20-2007, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angryllama

The greatest tuba player in the world had one lung.

I didn't know Arnold Jacobs had one lung.

PatsWin2002 · 09-20-2007, 01:47 PM

Asthma is brutal at sea level ....can't imagine what that is like in the thin air.

broncosteven · 09-20-2007, 01:52 PM

I know that Adolph Herseth got drunk one night playing cards after a CSO gig and ran into a street light and knocked out all his front teeth. He returned the following year to reclaim the Principal trumpet seat and hold it for another 20-30 years for the CSO.

Herseth and Jacobs were quite the tandem for decades. Check out any Reiner recording from late 50's to mid 60's. Zaratustra, Scherazade, the Wagner album with Siegfried's Rein Journey and Funeral Music, etc...

epicSocialism4tw · 09-20-2007, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

Is that right? Tell me more ...

BroncoBuff has asthma too ... Advair 250 once a day keeps it almost totally dormant though. Researchers have discovered that non-breast-feeding infants have 10x higher likelihood of asthma, it's true. I was supposedly allergic to breast-feeding as an infant, but I've long been hard at work on my own theory about retroactively correcting this problem later in life ... I'll get back to you after "gathering more data"

I have a condition that is treated as asthma. I played sports all my life and it helped to increase the capability of my CV intake.

Asthma stinks. But like anything else, dont let your prognosis stop you. Have your inhalers handy and get it after it.

Rock Chalk · 09-20-2007, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

Oh yeah, that WILL be fun ... nice preview ab.

BTW - I'm 6'6" 280, and I've been cut down gasping on one knee more than a few times.

p***Y.

Real Men Kick Asthma In The Proverbial Balls and Keep Walking.

You are not a real man.

PLOWHORSE · 09-20-2007, 03:47 PM

Great story. But didn't some guy get a 4 game suspension a while back for taking meds for asthma? Damn league said there were steroids in the inhalant! Lets hope Graham has cleared his meds with the league, cuz who knows what might happen with Goodells army of police.

Billy Clyde Puckett · 09-20-2007, 04:32 PM

Prednisone and other steroids are the most common short term treatment when an asthma attack occurs that cannot be controlled by inhalors. The guy from New Orleans was taking about 4 times the dose of medication that I have been given while in the hospital with an asthma attack. I am not a doctor but if he required those dosages, I would question if he was healthy enough to be playing football.

Merlin · 09-20-2007, 05:03 PM

Hockey must be a tough sport to play with asthma, yet Gary Roberts and Pat Lafontaine did quite well. Very gifted athletes can sometimes overcome their physical limitations (with the help of medications).

broncosteven · 09-20-2007, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billy Clyde Puckett

Prednisone and other steroids are the most common short term treatment when an asthma attack occurs that cannot be controlled by inhalors. The guy from New Orleans was taking about 4 times the dose of medication that I have been given while in the hospital with an asthma attack. I am not a doctor but if he required those dosages, I would question if he was healthy enough to be playing football.

My Dad was on that Prednisone stuff for like 20+ years. He is in real bad shape health wise now. It is only a short term option but he had a quack or something...

Everything from frequent bone stress fractures to bad immune system. He is still plugging along though...

BroncoBuff · 09-20-2007, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alec

p***Y.

Real Men Kick Asthma In The Proverbial Balls and Keep Walking.

You are not a real man.

Yeah - me and Daniel Graham - not real men

Actually, Advair (the Purple Disk on TV) replaces two medications, both pill and daily inhaler Prednisone and Flovent. You still need Albuteral though - your 'fast-acting inhaler' from time to time. Luckily I only need it once or twice a month anymore.

broncofan2438 · 09-20-2007, 07:35 PM

Wow, Graham is the talk of the mane

NaptownChief · 09-20-2007, 08:32 PM

The guy is on performance ehancing drugs. He needs to be banned from the league.

Rock Chalk · 09-20-2007, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

[B]
Yeah - me and Daniel Graham - not real men

Actually, Advair (the Purple Disk on TV) replaces two medications, both pill and daily inhaler Prednisone and Flovent. You still need Albuteral though - your 'fast-acting inhaler' from time to time. Luckily I only need it once or twice a month anymore.

No, just you

Daniel Graham kicks asthma in the balls every week by playin football.

You are a big fatty, why arent you playing football? Why you let it bring you to your knees?

For the record, Im just teasing you Buff, and all those with asthma. Its not really a joking matter, I know how serious asthma can be.

My suggestion, next go around ask God for better genes

kappys · 09-20-2007, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by broncosteven

My Dad was on that Prednisone stuff for like 20+ years. He is in real bad shape health wise now. It is only a short term option but he had a quack or something...

Everything from frequent bone stress fractures to bad immune system. He is still plugging along though...

Depends when he was on it I suppose. For a long time oral prednisone was the only available treatment for preventing severe asthma attacks. It remains the best treatment for a severe acute exacerbation. Unfortunately it is rife with side effects - weight gain, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, osteoporosis, etc. when taken chronically.

There are now a wealth of option to choose from. Still I have ran into a few regretable cases of severe asthma that still require daily prednisone to suppress despite being on all the other meds as well. Always a sad sight.

BroncoBuff · 09-20-2007, 10:28 PM

Well now wait, kappys - that 'wealth of options' are for real and they clear up alotta those side-effects. Prednisone the pill and Flovent the daily inhaler are BOTH replaced by Advair, that purple disk - which is two medicines in one. The heart-palpitations and weight-retention side effects are less with Advair, for me at least.

There's a new medicine being pimped now called "Asmanex Twist-haler" ... it's all over TV and banner ads on the portals.

Orange_Beard · 09-20-2007, 11:32 PM

Why is he not being treated at National Jewish Medical and Research center?
http://www.nationaljewish.org/
#1 Respiratory Hospital in America 10 years in a row.

Billy Clyde Puckett · 09-21-2007, 12:48 AM

I went to NJH. My asthma has an undetemined trigger that they have not been able to pinpoint. I am fine 75% of the year but in the winter, I am prone to serious attacks. I only use the inhalor 4-5 times per year, but when it hits it hits fast and hard. I am convinced the trigger is something common indoors - paint, cleaning products, building materials, etc. because the only time I have attacks is during the months I don't get much fresh air - and it doesn't make any difference where I am, NYC, Chicago, Seatte, LA, Denver, etc. NJH has been trying to find the trigger for two years.

Bronco Buff - When I use Advair I have a terrible problem of getting hoarse. They have been trying similar medications, but the problems persists. If I have a big presentation to do, I have to stop using a couple of days prior or I can't make it through the presentation. Do you have any similar issues?

09-21-2007, 12:48 AM	#25
Billy Clyde Puckett Billy=Semi Tough Big Guy Looking down on KC, SD and Oakland Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: between 5,000 and 10,000 feet elevation Posts: 12,665 Adopt-a-Bronco: John Elway	I went to NJH. My asthma has an undetemined trigger that they have not been able to pinpoint. I am fine 75% of the year but in the winter, I am prone to serious attacks. I only use the inhalor 4-5 times per year, but when it hits it hits fast and hard. I am convinced the trigger is something common indoors - paint, cleaning products, building materials, etc. because the only time I have attacks is during the months I don't get much fresh air - and it doesn't make any difference where I am, NYC, Chicago, Seatte, LA, Denver, etc. NJH has been trying to find the trigger for two years. Bronco Buff - When I use Advair I have a terrible problem of getting hoarse. They have been trying similar medications, but the problems persists. If I have a big presentation to do, I have to stop using a couple of days prior or I can't make it through the presentation. Do you have any similar issues? Last edited by Billy Clyde Puckett; 09-21-2007 at 12:53 AM..

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09-20-2007, 03:56 AM	#1
dragondawg All Pro Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,009	Broncos' Graham doesn't let asthma stop him ENGLEWOOD - Ask Daniel Graham how severe his asthma is, and he points out the four medicine inhalers in his locker. The Denver Broncos’ tight end was diagnosed with asthma in high school. He takes medication daily and during games to control the disease, which affects breathing. On Monday, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan went out of his way to praise Graham, calling his performance against Oakland one of the best he has seen from a tight end in a long time. The entire game, Graham was dealing with asthma. “The whole game it was affecting me,” Graham said. “It’s tough. But I’ve had it for a while, so I’m used to fighting through asthma.” Asthma is not curable, but can be managed. Graham takes medication, including inhalers and pills, daily. He said he also has seen an asthma specialist since his days at the University of Colorado. The specialist runs tests and figures out the correct medication to control the disease. Dr. David Pearlman, one of the founders of the Colorado Allergy and Asthma Centers, said many U.S. Olympic athletes suffer from some form of asthma. Some, including swimmers Mark Spitz and Amy Van Dyken, have had stellar Olympic careers despite the disease thanks to treatment. “In most cases the asthma can be controlled so people can be world-class athletes and even win gold medals,” Pearlman said. “It’s very impressive.” Broncos trainer Steve Antonopulos said through the years the team often has one or two players with asthma. Asthma has different degrees of severity. Graham said his asthma can be problematic in everyday life. “It’s pretty bad,” Graham said. “It’s something I’ve always had to fight through.” Graham’s asthma acted up when he moved back to high altitude. Antonopulos said after five seasons with the New England Patriots, Graham had some problems right after he came back to live in Colorado full time, but adjusted his medication. Graham signed with the Broncos this offseason. The Broncos trainers have inhalers and other medication on the sideline for Graham. Because Graham has been dealing with asthma so long, and his daily medication helps control the disease, the trainers don’t have to worry much about Graham during games. “He does a real good job managing it, from a preventative standpoint, because of the education he has about it,” Antonopulos said. Graham said he often plays through being short of breath, although he has learned when he needs to take himself out for a break. During Sunday’s game at Oakland, Graham had a challenging task. The Broncos game plan was to send him in motion before many plays, but he played almost the entire game. “He did a heck of a job considering he does have some asthma and for him to play a complete game and to be in motion as much as he was kind of gives you an idea of how important this is to him,” Shanahan said. Graham said he never worried about his asthma disturbing his athletic career, even when he was diagnosed in high school. After having a successful college career and winning a couple of Super Bowls with the Patriots, Graham hopes he is an inspiration for others who have the disease. “For people who don’t have asthma, they have no idea what it’s like,” Graham said. “I can show kids to never give up. I’ve been fighting this for 14, 15 years now and it’s never slowed me down.” http://www.gazette.com/sports/graham...a_broncos.html

09-20-2007, 04:05 AM	#2
epicSocialism4tw Tebowing the long haul all the way to the title Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: TX, USA Posts: 37,072 Adopt-a-Bronco: Champ Bailey	The greatest tuba player in the world had one lung.

09-20-2007, 05:07 AM	#5
Borks147 the dude abides... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hanover NH Posts: 1,845	but not to hijack the thread, its hard to imagine that such a big dude could be done in (or at least partially) by a problem in one of the smallest structures in your body. its going to be fun watching him destroy merriman in a few weeks.

09-20-2007, 12:55 PM	#7
XXXII&III Pro Bowler Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Aurora Posts: 503	I was going to keep abreast of BroncoBuff's travels through the Daniel Graham threads and reply to his comments, tit for tat, but I think I will just slowly back out of this one.

09-20-2007, 01:47 PM	#10
PatsWin2002 Giggity Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: South of Boston Posts: 6,270	Asthma is brutal at sea level ....can't imagine what that is like in the thin air.

09-20-2007, 01:52 PM	#11
broncosteven The Kranz Dictum MWA: Flight Director Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tranquility Base Posts: 29,044 Adopt-a-Bronco: MONEYBALL #38	I know that Adolph Herseth got drunk one night playing cards after a CSO gig and ran into a street light and knocked out all his front teeth. He returned the following year to reclaim the Principal trumpet seat and hold it for another 20-30 years for the CSO. Herseth and Jacobs were quite the tandem for decades. Check out any Reiner recording from late 50's to mid 60's. Zaratustra, Scherazade, the Wagner album with Siegfried's Rein Journey and Funeral Music, etc...

09-20-2007, 03:47 PM	#14
PLOWHORSE Who wants LOBSTER!!! Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 711 Adopt-a-Bronco: Is FONECO taken	Great story. But didn't some guy get a 4 game suspension a while back for taking meds for asthma? Damn league said there were steroids in the inhalant! Lets hope Graham has cleared his meds with the league, cuz who knows what might happen with Goodells army of police.

09-20-2007, 04:32 PM	#15
Billy Clyde Puckett Billy=Semi Tough Big Guy Looking down on KC, SD and Oakland Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: between 5,000 and 10,000 feet elevation Posts: 12,665 Adopt-a-Bronco: John Elway	Prednisone and other steroids are the most common short term treatment when an asthma attack occurs that cannot be controlled by inhalors. The guy from New Orleans was taking about 4 times the dose of medication that I have been given while in the hospital with an asthma attack. I am not a doctor but if he required those dosages, I would question if he was healthy enough to be playing football.

09-20-2007, 05:03 PM	#16
Merlin Ring of Famer Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,798	Hockey must be a tough sport to play with asthma, yet Gary Roberts and Pat Lafontaine did quite well. Very gifted athletes can sometimes overcome their physical limitations (with the help of medications).

09-20-2007, 07:35 PM	#19
broncofan2438 Faneco this... LETS TAKE BACK THE AFC WEST Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: California Posts: 6,302 Adopt-a-Bronco: ERIC DECKER	Wow, Graham is the talk of the mane

09-20-2007, 08:32 PM	#20
NaptownChief Donkeys Nightmare Football Pimp Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 7,490	The guy is on performance ehancing drugs. He needs to be banned from the league.

09-20-2007, 10:28 PM	#23
BroncoBuff *************** Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 25,433 Adopt-a-Bronco: QUANTERUS SMITH	Well now wait, kappys - that 'wealth of options' are for real and they clear up alotta those side-effects. Prednisone the pill and Flovent the daily inhaler are BOTH replaced by Advair, that purple disk - which is two medicines in one. The heart-palpitations and weight-retention side effects are less with Advair, for me at least. There's a new medicine being pimped now called "Asmanex Twist-haler" ... it's all over TV and banner ads on the portals.

09-20-2007, 11:32 PM	#24
Orange_Beard Over Jay Cutler Todd Snider Rules! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Leucadia, CA Posts: 7,836 Adopt-a-Bronco: Tony Scheffler	Why is he not being treated at National Jewish Medical and Research center? http://www.nationaljewish.org/ #1 Respiratory Hospital in America 10 years in a row.