Here a med, there a med, everywhere a med med . . .

[aztecan]

I was out of town this past weekend and began experiencing problems breathing.

I was in Laughlin, Nev., and there was no reason for me to be out of breath or feeling like my chest was being restricted.

Laughlin is only about 3,500 feet above sea level. That's nearly 3,000 feet lower in elevation than where I live.

It felt like a weight was on my chest I couldn't shake. It has come and gone since about Saturday.

So, I went to see the doc today. He had a cancellation and, what with all the folks having heart attacks around here, I wanted to be sure it was nothing.

I was sorta right. It wasn't a heart attack.

It was my COPD rearing its ugly head again. Darn stuff is a pain sometimes. 

I have apparently been experiencing some sort of asthma/bronchitis stuff. No, I don't have a better name for it.

So, the doc has put me back on Advair twice a day. I had stopped using it a few months after I quit smoking last year because I didn't think I needed it.

I guess I was wrong. 

I also guess I should have quit smoking sooner - or never taken it up in the first place.

Hindsight is always 20-20, ain't it?

At least there is a bright side. It is not another pill. Its an inhaler. And, at least its just one. I was on three at one time.

And, it wasn't a heart attack. I am the same age my father was when he had his first heart attack, so I'm a bit paranoid. Call me silly.

So, all in all, I can't complain. After all, I did this to myself. 

HUGS,

Mark

[rondrond]

Sorry about the COPD...
glad you aren't having heart problems.
So, are you supposed to use this inhaler now forever? or is it short term? I don't know much about COPD.
ronnie

[aztecan]

It'll probably be something I use for a while. I may end up needing it for the duration.

COPD is a pain because it basically makes it tough to breathe and the main cause is smoking.

Go figure.

HUGS,

Mark

[AndyArrow]

Well you asked for it so here goes.  Dear Silly, 

I'm sorry you've had to go through this.  Doubly sucks that it happened on a nice little vacation.  I really hope you will only have to be on Advair for a little while.  And it's good to know your ticker is still in good working order.

I get being nervous since your father died at this age.  My father died when he was 52 and I think about that a lot.  The great thing is you know what it is and your doctor and monitor you closely.

Gentle Hugs & Stuff  (don't want to squeeze too tight)
AA

[heartforyou]

Hey Markie Mark,

You take good care of yourself.... don't want to have to fly over and resuscitate you...or would it be ..mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

hug and kiss

hermie

[BT65]

Mother Mark, oh dear.  COPD is what killed my father just two months ago (but he continued to smoke, heavily).  The more I hear about folks having this, the more I think about quitting smoking. 

Sorry the doc added another med (I know how that goes), but like you said, at least it's only one (just one more, right).  And, I'm glad you didn't have a heart attack.  Take care of yourself, kay?
  Luv,
Betty

[bear60]

Mark
I'm sorry to hear about your COPD.
I quit smoking 2 yaers ago because I failed the breatholyzer test and my doctor said I now have emphysema........that..... and the bars here went non smoking.  I had reduced myself to just going out one night a week and having a few after dinner drinks with a pack of cigarettes, not a great idea.
You'll probably outlive all of us.

Joel

[AlanBama]

Honey, I'm glad it wasn't your heart!  But COPD and breathing/lung issues scare me tremendously.   I've just known too many people (smokers) who face and deal with these problems on a daily basis.   My "Mom" has a daughter that she has taken care of for 20 years, due to emphysema.   She cannot leave the house; is on oxygen 24/7, 365 a year.    It's a terrible, cruel disease.

Take care of yourself, ok?  I'm so glad you stopped smoking.

hugs,
Alan

[J.R.E.]

Hey Mark,

Sorry to hear about the COPD. I understand that this has got to be rough for you. Try not to be so hard on yourself, and by all means, try not to look back in hindsight. We've all done that before, and we know how that will drive a person nuts ! The main thing, just try to stay focused, and take care yourself. Your doing allright...



Take care(((HUGS)))----Ray

[Miss Philicia]

Mark, sorry to hear about this new turn of events for you.  I've gotten bronchitis sometimes twice a year since I was in college, so I'm familiar with how much lung issues suck, so I can only imagine how much more you are dealing with such an issue.  At least you've already stopped smoking -- maybe with more time your lungs will repair themselves more (?) not sure how that works. 

Try not to be paranoid about your father age/issue thingie -- you're under constant medical care thanks to HIV!  It does have it's benefits in a really warped way you know.

And "ps" to Joel -- you've not previously fessed up to me about sucking on cancer sticks again.  For shame!

[aztecan]

Thanks all.

I think being in Laughlin in the casinos with refrigerated air and lots of people smoking really set it off, but it has been coming on for a while.

People have been asking why I'm out of breath all the time, especially when I answer the phone. I didn't realize I sounded out of breath, or at least not that bad, but I guess I did.

Joel, is there anything the doc can give you to help ease the emphysema? I know that can be a real pain as well.

Oh, and Betty honey, do think about packing off. I know I should have years ago, but didn't.

But I have now and my life has improved as a result.

Onward and upward, eh fellow adventurers?

HUGS,

Mark

[AndyArrow]

Suddenly I start singing Up Up and Away in my beautiful balloon by the 5th Dimension.   

Onwards & Upwards!

[aztecan]