I have recieved a couple inquireries as to how I am doing. So I thought before I updated my page I would write a quick blog.
I had Lung Volume Reduction Surgery on the 22nd of August, today is a couple days past a month of recovering. I find this very interesting.... The doctor told me that he removed 2 large bulli (which is like 2 large blown up balloons that were hard and non functioning) from the top of each lung. He said the portion of the left lung he removed as it set in my chest cavity took up about 25% and the right lung about 20%.
The strangest part to me is that he said once those large balloon shaped emphysema ridden lungs were removed and deflated it equaled only 5-6%. Isn't that amazing?! I thought so. The remaining portion of my lungs still have emphysema but not nearly as bad, but will keep progressing only much slower now.
I am recovering great. I am pushing my doctors to be able to begin exercise, but this time they are pushing back and telling me NO not for another couple weeks. I also was scolded for not taking my pain meds like I should. Hmph!!
I am yet to be able to wear a bra because 3 out of the 4 chest tubes were under my breasts and I am coward to even think about something pushing against the healing areas.
While sitting, or on the computer, or driving in the car, or going out to eat I am OXYGEN FREE. Only when I am expending energy must I use the O2. And, eventually that will change to once I can begin to exercise and build up my core. Oh yeah, and for some reason my stats drop really low at night, so I use it then also.
I know this is an old story so I won't go into it all.............. But,
June 4th, 2009 in the early afternoon I was diagnosed with severe emphysema. I threw my cigs away at the doctors office and never smoked again. While just learning of a non curable disease and quiting smoking I decided I would comfort myself with food and I did it well! In a year and a half I put on about 40 pounds on top of an already heavy body.
Today I finally hit my 100 mark. I have lost 100 pounds! I still have 25 to go to be at my optimal weight range but I am in no rush. I dropped 5 dress sizes.
I am on the brink of a new life. A thinner, stronger, much healthier one.
Please throw out those cigarettes and know that for 3 years I have went through so much, stress, fear, loneliness, pain..... you name it and I didn't run back to cigarettes for comfort. In fact I built myself a much better life.
If I can quit and go through all of the above anyone can. Please believe those who tell you cigarettes will kill you. Second hand smoke can permanently harm those around you.
I love this site and all it's members, thank you for all the support I have recieved, it means the world to me.
