BEA'S BOOK NOOK "I can't imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once." C. S. Lewis “If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.” ― Oscar Wilde

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Lung Update

It's been a while since I posted anything about my lungs and the surgery, bronchial thermoplasty, I had. The last procedure was in early October, seven, almost eight, months ago. It's hard to believe it's been that long. For months prior to the surgeries I was in and out of the doctor's office and the hospital for testing, paperwork, more testing and yet more testing. After each of the surgeries, I had a 2 week check-up appointment. Since the appointment after the last surgery, I haven't been in and it feels weird. The hospital was practically my second home and I haven't been there in months. That's a good thing, it just feels odd.

It's also a good thing that I have only been to my regular asthma doctor's office a few times in all those months. I had a big asthma flare beginning at Christmas time that lasted about six weeks, which necessitated several visits to my regular asthma doctor's office and involved an allergic reaction to a drug. That was an uncomfortable one but I've had worse ones, worse by far. Winter, and especially the holidays, are not unusual times for me to have asthma trouble so I figured I was due for one bad episode. Other than that though, I've been doing well. I still need my rescue inhaler from time to time, but those have been for fleeting episodes and I haven't needed my nebulizer or steroids except for that episode. I haven't been able to go off any of my prescriptions but I was told in advance that would be the case. I've been quite healthy and it's a little scary. It's been so many years, what with the asthma and other health issues, since I wasn't sick on a regular basis that it feels abnormal at times. But it also feels wonderful and I'm slowly exploring what I am now able to do again. Now, the asthma is not cured, there is no cure, the best I can hope for is a reduction in my symptoms and I am definitely seeing that. :)

So, my lungs are calmer, life is good, and I am looking forward to continued improvement as the improvement can continue for up to two years after the surgery. I  have high hopes for this procedure and I hope it will soon be available to all people with severe chronic asthma and not just to participants in the trial studies.

A reminder what lungs with asthma look like, oh and these are when the lungs are quiet, not in the midst of a flare. They're narrower obviously when there's active inflammation:


11 comments:

  1. Whew how scary that would be. That's wonderful you've been doing so well since the procedure. It's really amazing what they can do now days isn't it?

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    1. It is and maybe soon there will be more and better options. But in the meantime, this is a good option for anyone with severe chronic asthma.

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  2. So glad to hear how much better you've been doing! Definitely a good thing not to have to see the inside of a hospital!

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  3. Wow! What an ordeal you've been through. I'm so glad to hear you are finding some new freedoms. It will take awhile to realize you can breathe better. I hope this is a long term better life for you.

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  4. Thanks for the update, I am glad things are going well and hope it continues! As someone who gets sick a lot and 90% of it gets in my lungs I know how it effects your quality of life.

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    1. Yeah, it really sucks. I wish there were something to help you. *hugs*

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  5. Wow. Glad to hear things are going well. Hope it stays on that path.

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  6. hope you stay better and remain that way Bea! take care always!

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  7. I am happy that things are better now. My son has asthma, and it is definitely scary sometimes with him. Take care of yourself. {hugs}

    Jenea @ Books Live Forever

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  8. Thanks everybody! I appreciate your comments and I hope all of you are doing well.

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