This is the first post I ever wrote on Facebook first. Then I put it here as it’s important to me and I like it. I really like it! I can’t seem to format it the way I want to and am having other structural problems. Getting my life back doesn’t mean technical perfection or anything near that!
When I first moved here I was walking between five and many more miles a day. Walking has always helped me think, solve problems, feel good and much more.
One day I lost my breath. I began coughing constantly and went on a quest to find out what was wrong. No matter what went right in my life something always felt wrong because I couldn’t breath properly and more importantly wasn’t able to take long walks. Short ones were difficult. Somehow I never had breathing problems in stores and I hate stores! (That might be a clue as to what’s wrong. Not the stores per se but being inside. I didn’t move here to be inside!)
I gained a lot of weight. And I was convinced that I was losing most of my brain cells.
Writing, something that had been second nature to me, became incredibly difficult. I had been a walking thesaurus and now couldn’t think of the most simple words. My entire quality of life felt lost–maybe forever.
I saw many specialists (and yes facebooked it all.) I know everything it’s not….
This week I had the worst lung infection I have ever had.
The wheezing is amazing. I swear it sounds like two people having a very strange conversation. Oh you think I’m hallucinating? : ) I’m not. I know that as I made up the conversations.
Still have the infection but think it might be the best thing that ever happened to me (in the good after bad department.)
You just wanted your rebirth to be close to my birth, admit it 🙂
So so so happy to hear it! Also, this could have been a testimonial for the inhaler company.
Yes I did and was rather upset that it wasn’t yesterday. I almost did take a picture of the inhaler and put it here but lately I can’t resize photos properly here. And it would be weird prod placement!
I think that you are like most people with asthma…denial is always on our mind because we can somehow get through most days. But you are on the road to a healthier life. Trust me, it does get better.
Barbara
Thanks Barbara. The problem is it isn’t asthma. My lung function tests perfectly and other things like that. They can’t figure it out. My life’s all about mysteries!
A perfect pianism: To do the research, see that the PA’s directions were wrong and follow them anyway. That’s like three dimensions of good girl.
Oh you know me so well!
I redid the post structurally about 12 times not to be exact or anything as it kept screwing up. WordPress or Godaddy–not me! Doug I’m not taking responsibility for errors–me!
Maybe someday I will get around to denouncing that I began World War Two. You know that just because I wasn’t alive yet doesn’t matter!
It’s a great post! I’m so happy for you.
Thanks Nat. I hope you’re referring to the writing which is coming back a bit and not my state of mind but I will take what I can get
Those of us who live near U.S. Hwy 17 hope your memoirs include several pictures of THE shagging water tower.
Probably won’t get that far but you can print out a copy from my facebook, sign my name and frame it. Or maybe I will go to that trouble for you : )
What an ordeal! I’m glad you’re seeing your way back to normalcy. Well, ok, maybe I mean “good health.”. Normal is SUCH a bore. Blessings, Pia!
Thanks Carol. You have an amazing refreshing thought process. Nobody has ever called me normal and it’s never stopped me!
Pia:
You keep on getting better. I’m glad you’re writing—walking while thinking will be next. Keep it all up!
Lillian
Thanks Lillian–walking while talking on the phone you mean : )
Quality of life includes asking our doctors all of our questions – and getting answers.
I am glad you are on a better road to wellness.
Cathy–thanks for commenting. I have a disability where I basically lack hand/eye coordination. I couldn’t really take the old asthma tests and the inhalers were scary. Couldn’t do it. I had a PCP who I have a lot in common with so he treated me like family after awhile which obviously isn’t good. I think my inhaler questions/problems drove him crazy. Problem was they drove every doctor, PA, nurse, nurse assistant crazy as I don’t look as if I should have any problems. The lung problems weren’t that bad then and I decided life was easier. I read so much about new generation inhalers, knew that they wer much easier and better to use but something and I hesitate to blame my problems on them, held me back. You’re absolutely right and I never thought about that before “Quality of life includes asking our doctors all of our questions – and getting answers.” And me a medical social worker who never hesitated to ask for others. Thanks again : )
When something plagues us, don’t we all just hope for a magic cure that can make us feel better in a minute? To a certain extent, you lived that dream here! The doc handed you something, and it restored hope. I’m so glad.
As I was reading, I thought, “Oh, she has pneumonia,” but it seems more complicated than that, eh?
Well, take this win–and restoration–for the wonderful boon that it is. Yay!
Complicated barely covers it. Excellent xrays, Cat Scan, spirometer (after the oxygen treatment yesterday and normally. It’s probably allergies. I truly hope!
I can only imagine how FRUSTRATING and SCARY it must have been to consider a limited life. I am so glad your new inhaler got you back to moving and breathing. I had an injury that prevented me from moving comfortably for a bit and I was such a mental WHINER. You are amazo-balls for keeping your sense of humor and ditching the bad advice.
Thanks and thanks for the wonderful comment. I am a mental WHINER–you have no idea. I still don’t really believe the inhaler will work and wouldn’t know as I haven’t left my house since Thursday! This infection seems to like me–way too much!
So happy to hear about your rebirth! Beautiful post, as always, Pia!
Thanks Jenn and always looking forward to reading whatever you write!