Not Good

[Thomas3.20.2010]

Well, I am very well aware that pneumonia has bad consequences for COPD but I'm in a state of shock!

My Spirometry Test results were very disappointing.

My lung capacity is now 25% less than a Year ago!

That's the bad news!

The good news is that because I have asthma along with all the other components of COPD

some of the lung capacity might come back.

I have a follow-up with my pulmonologist in May.

Meanwhile he put me on Spiriva to complement the Advair I have been taking.

The doctor said that most people with my lung capacity are disabled.

The only reason I'm not is because I work so much I'm used to herculeon efforts on a daily basis.

SSD requires that you make less than $1000/Month and takes 6 Months to qualify.

By then I'd be bankrupt and who would pay for my meds? No work, no Insurance!

Retirement isn't even in the horizon.

All I can do is not smoke, exercise, and take my meds. 

...and pray!

[elvan]

Oh Thomas, you work SO HARD, I hope that some of this is reversible.  I am on Advair and I was on Spiriva but they switched it to Incruse, I was not having any issues but doc wanted to change.  I will have testing of my capacity in August.  My oxygen sats are staying up, my second lung CT Scan showed lung nodules (one ore more) that are likely benign and something else that they wanted me to have checked with my doc asap, the letter said it should not be ignored.  I saw the doc yesterday and she said I have calcium deposits in my coronary arteries, she said that the newest recommendations are not to take calcium supplements.  I only started because my calcium was so low when I had lung surgery.  She said to keep doing what I am doing and that I really should try to find a pool to work out because it is best for joints AND lungs.  

I am saying many prayers for you, Thomas.  

[Thomas3.20.2010]

Thank You, Ellen! I have 2 nodules and broken glass. 

I have to say that my pulmonologist is impressive. He took the time to show me the CT Scan and explain what we are looking at! My GP would have never done that! He also pointed out some bronchiectasis that I didn't  know that I have.

I told him that the best way to get me to comply with meds is to educate me on what they do and how important they are. I tend to doubt myself and second guess the medicine. So now we'll see! I'm going to give it my best shot and hope for some improvement by May. I also am learning to accept that like it or not I am reaching a state of disability. God will provide!

[Posamari]

Thomas--- please do not be discouraged! I acquired walking pneumonia last fall. It took a GOOD 3-4 months before I was back to square 1 before I got sick. That included the cough, fatigue, respiratory issues, etc. I was so depressed! Ugh! The respiratory specialist confirmed it would be several months before I had it all behind me. She was right.  You still need to give it some time, truly. You WILL feel better.  ((Hugs))

[c2q]

I am very glad to hear you say that you are going to give it your best shot, Thomas. The news you got could be very discouraging. My heart is torn up about your SSDI situation, medical bills, the whole 9 yards. My brother became a quadriplegic after a stroke 7 years ago, with limited use of one arm. Once an award winning oil painter, he can no longer paint. Recently he became the children's art instructor at his church. He says this gives him a greater fulfillment than anything he has ever done before. There is life beyond disability.  Much love to you.

[elvan]

Yes, He will.

[Wanda45]

God bless you, and many hugs.  Please take care, a lot of people depend on you

((((Hugs))))

Wanda

[Mortalzeus]

What an amazing spirit you have!  Bless you and many prayers!

[JonesCarpeDiem]

Prayers for you brother.

[Giulia]

Sorry.