Hi to all my friends, and those friends I haven't met yet,
Giulia left a message on my page asking how I was doing since surgery. I am sorry for not keeping everyone updated. You all have been so good to me, I hate that I haven't stayed in touch better.
Nearly 4 years ago I was told I had emphysema and was given terrible odds on living past 5 years without transplant or lung surgery. Of course I quit smoking that day.
On August 22nd, 2012 I had Lung Volume Reduction Sugery and they removed a good portion of each upper lobe of both lungs. This was done to free up space so that the left over lungs could expand and allow me to breath better.
Since then I have been eating well and exercising. If anyone has ever had that kind of surgery you would understand I never want to experience that again! I was on oxygen 24 hours a day and on a bucket full of medications.
Since surgery I am down to the bare minimum on meds and I am hoping when I see my lung doctor next month he will totally remove my oxygen from me. Right now I use it only at night. The last month or two I had been going to physical therapy to regain strength and begin to build up my core muscles which were lost by living a sedentary life because of my emphysema.
Two days ago my physical therapist told me I was finished. That I had exceeded his expectations of what progress was possible. 🙂 He sent a report to my doctor whom I saw this morning and she gave me the green light to join a gym and begin to exercise on my own. So... I left her office and joined a gym!
I am down 100+ pounds and have lost 6 pants sizes. I am now shopping in the Jr. Dept at the clothing stores!
I am healthy. I feel like I did when I was in my 20's. I don't need my handicap sign anymore, I park further away and walk in the stores now!
When I was being released from the hospital after surgery the surgeon told me I still have emphysema and it still is progressive and sooner or later I will probably need a transplant. The best I can do is to keep my body in shape and healthy, that's how I will prolong the inevitable.
I can't imagine coming this far and feeling this good.... just to lose it again! I will fight myself tooth and nail to be healthy.
Just one preaching paragraph. If you are struggling to quit, or haven't yet... Don't be ridiculous... smoking KILLS. There is NO cure for Copd and it is the 3rd leading cause of death... far ahead of breast cancer. If you have had colds that seem to hang on, a cough that won't go away, get out of breath walking or climbing stairs then you might want to get checked. Those are all symptoms of Copd. Don't write it off like I did to "just being out of shape". Just throw them away and don't ever pick them up again.
Finally, A Great Big Thank You to EVERYONE who has been beside me during this adventure, and for all of you whose prayers were sent and recieved gladly. I so appreciate the kindness and support I have gotten here. Hugs and love to all...... Kellie
