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Sick Lungs Don’t Show!

I’m so tired of people at work and home telling me that I “should be over” pneumonia by now!

What they don’t know is that my cilia is different from theirs. Cilia are little tiny fiberlike  protuberances  found in the lungs, respiratory tract and inner ear that wave clean the airways clear of mucus, dirt and germs.

Folks with COPD have marked abnormalities in both cilia structure and function. They’re hard and paralyzed, making airway cleaning much more difficult.

Cilia-SEM[3]605

That means germs like pneumonia and influenza get in easier and leave slower. Folks with COPD need to have their Influenza and pneumonia vaccinations up to date – which I do – but there are germs that aren’t covered or slip past in spite of vaccinations.

I was diagnosed in the week between Christmas and New Year. There are techniques that COPDers use to assist the movement out. But it takes time and I’m still coughing out the bad stuff. That takes energy. Just breathing takes 20 times more energy than normal! Coughing takes a lot more.

All I do is work and sleep.

I just found this article about what I want my family and friends to know:

https://copd.net/living/want-friends-and-family-to-know/

I often feel embarrassed for coughing or losing breath. I try to cover it up and keep up with you which is very exhausting. I shouldn’t sit in my recliner and do nothing but everything does take more time – and energy. I feel like I have a BIG S tattooed on my forehead!

You do not want COPD! Don’t think for a minute that you’re too young! In 2000, 3.9% of the U.S. population between the ages of 25–44 were diagnosed with COPD – that number is growing! If you have asthma the odds are even higher.

Supermodel Christy Turlington said she had early signs of emphysema at age 31. Singer Amy Winehouse reportedly had early signs too—when she was only 24. 

Whether you already have COPD or want to dodge the bullet – there’s only one solution – Quit Smoking ASAP!

Smoking Cessation is the only way to prolong your life with COPD. Yes, you can take meds, use oxygen therapy, do any number of things that do help – if and only if you don’t smoke!

Is it really worth it?

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14 Replies
TristanNani
Member

Thomas

Hope you feel better soon and get the rest that you need.  Take care of yourself first so you can be there for your friends and family.  

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Barbara145
Member

Hi Thomas. I wish you could take some time off work.  I cannot imagine working while you are sick.  I know how tired it makes me when I have an exacerbation.  You are in my thoughts and prayers. Take good care of yourself. 

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Daniela2016
Member

I hope your lungs will clear up sooner than later, and wish you a speedy recovery Thomas.  I am not well myself, and have to work; to provide, and can't afford anymore STD without potentially impacting my position here.  So I totally understand what it means to get home from work and be expected to be all fresh and ready to interract with family.  Too bad they don't really understand, surely they don't have bad intentions, just inappropriate expectations.

Feel better, and get into that recliner as often as you can 🙂

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Christine13
Member

So sorry you have to work when you're so sick.  Family quite often doesn't understand unless they are going through what you are.  I will be keeping you in prayer everday.  Praying for healing for you.

xo

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Posamari
Member

Its a tough one, especially with family and employers, but part of the healing process is not to get too stressed out. When I was diagnosed with walking pneumonia, one of the main catalyst in quitting smoking, it took several rounds of antibiotics, inhalers and 3-4 months before I was 'back on track'.  Rest as much as you can, drink plenty of fluids,  but you already know all that. Wishing you a quicker recovery and more understanding.

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Stopforgood
Member

Prayers Thomas. Take good care of yourself during this more difficult time.  You have so many folks lifting you up in prayer.  Thank you for sharing you knowledge and support for with us.

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TerrieQuit
Member

Thank you so much for the wonderful article. My mother always tells me that I am growing old and have as many ailments as she does. She is correct. I am aging just as quickly even though I am 20 years behind her. She never smoked! She says"you are sick all the time" Bless her heart, she really doesn't understand what I did to myself. 50 cigarettes a day for 45 years is just overkill. I pray that things work in their natural order and she does not have to go through the pain of losing me!

God Bless you Thomas, take the time you need to heal. Make sure you are resting and getting a lot of fluids right now, and don't worry about keeping up! It's hard enough that you have to go through it! Feel better Soon! My prayers and thoughts are with you!  ~Terrie~

I Won't Quit on my Quit! (ever again)

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Giulia
Member

Sorry you're still suffering from the pneumonia, Thomas.  Thanks for the information and link to that article.  Healing prayers going up.

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Silverstar
Member

Thomas, thank you for the link, I read the article and a little about the author, and it all makes me very sad.  My impulse is to offer pity, but instead I will say that asking for help and understand is an act of courage, and I pray for the understanding you need from family and friends.

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