Author Topic: I've Done It This Time (Read 63043 times)

Jeff G · « **Reply #150 on:** March 11, 2015, 08:37:28 pm »

Im wishing you luck and wishing you had stayed in the hospital too … end of nagging now .

Buckmark · « **Reply #151 on:** March 11, 2015, 08:40:59 pm »

Quote from: BT65 on March 11, 2015, 08:12:40 pm

So I went to my doctor, who wanted to admit me to the hospital. I told her no way. It was because even after a breathing treatment my biox rate was so low she said I was borderline hypoxia. So, she diagnosed pneumonia, acute exacerbation of COPD, and gave me Doxycycline, Prednisone, Spiriva, and Albuterol.

That's quite a cocktail. And not the good kind.

Quote

I have not smoked since this morning, it seems counterproductive at this point.

Um.... yes, indeed counterproductive.

Quote

I'm having a difficult time catching my breath, and with congestion. Well, we'll see how this goes. Wish me luck.

I'm worried about you, Betty. $:-\$

*hug*

BT65 · « **Reply #152 on:** March 12, 2015, 06:04:55 am »

Made it through the night without having to utilize the ER. Breathing is a bit better but still labored at this point and still have a lot of congestion but that's to be expected. Will keep this updated. Thanks al!

Betty

Edited to add: thanks Henry, and Jeff. And thanks David for the texts. I appreciate everyone's concern. Thanks all!

Wade · « **Reply #153 on:** March 12, 2015, 12:11:16 pm »

Did they mention giving you a portable
Oxygen tank ? May make you more comfortable while your recuperating.
its scary not being able to catch your breath.
I know I been there.
You Take Care ! Wade

BT65 · « **Reply #154 on:** March 12, 2015, 12:43:38 pm »

Thanks Wade, no they did not mention portable oxygen. If it's still bad tomorrow when I go back (the doctor is making me go back after two days, can you imagine? it's like they're torturing me lol), I will ask about one.

The Prednisone is helping. She has me on 10 mg, taking 6 a day. And I'm using the inhaler every 4 hours right now until things calm down.

The not smoking is going well. What I did this morning (okay, I know this isn't ideal) is inhale enough for the smoke to get in my mouth, then breathe out. Habit thing I guess. Haven't had one since then. First thing in the morning with coffee is very difficult.

I did manage to clean the bathroom and shower. So there's that. Hopefully things will get better. One of the drawbacks is that it seems better in the morning, then gets worse as the day goes on. And I cannot take a deep breath without feeling like I'm going to pass out. So, I avoid that lol.

Betty

BT65 · « **Reply #155 on:** March 13, 2015, 02:27:17 pm »

Went to the doctor's today. She has ordered a home nebulizer to be used every 4 hours throughout the weekend, other than when I'm sleeping. She also ordered home oxygen. Not permanent she said, just to get me by right now, then to get weened off. Oxygen rates are supposed to be near 100; when I walk mine falls from 90 to 84. The nurse said even 90 is not good.

So that's the skinny for now. Still can't take a deep breath and getting out of breath pretty fast when up and around. Just doing a little laundry today, that's about it. Will keep everyone updated. Thanks for the continued thoughts.

Jeff G · « **Reply #156 on:** March 13, 2015, 04:19:49 pm »

Thanks for the update Betty !

Wade · « **Reply #157 on:** March 13, 2015, 06:21:50 pm »

Thanks Betty,
Hope you start feeling better!
Wade

aztecan · « **Reply #158 on:** March 15, 2015, 04:37:44 pm »

Betty, thanks for updating us.

I am still very concerned about you, please take care.

HUGS,

Mark

anniebc · « **Reply #159 on:** March 15, 2015, 05:10:41 pm »

Dearest Betty

Jeff may have stopped nagging but I'm just about to begin (in the nicest possible way of course

)

You already know that giving up smoking is the most important step you can take, I know it's not easy, but it has to be done, every cigarette you smoke only adds more damage and will make your condition worse. You can do it.

Trying to keep active isn't easy either but it's really an important part of being healthy, exercise can help your muscles and circulation you will benefit from good excercise, but again it's not easy but it's very important, it helps you to keep your muscles going and when you exercise your muscles regularly, they are able to do more work on less oxygen.

We need you to get better Betty, do as the Doc says, and use your inhalers, they will certainly assist in making your breathing a little better.

Big hugs
Aroha
Jan

P.S sorry I just realised this is *Long Term Survivors Forum* and I shouldn't be posting in here. Hope Betty sees it before it's removed.

BT65 · « **Reply #160 on:** March 15, 2015, 07:38:26 pm »

Mark, thanks. Jan, if it's up to me, it won't be removed. Actually, everyone should be happy to know I have not had a cigarette in like 3 days. Or more, dunno. I do have my e-cig, and that's helping stay off the "real" ones. Jan, I appreciate your concern and of course take everything you say to heart; you've been the nurse all these years, and you must know something lol. I love you. Can't wait to meet you!

I do have to get better so I can meet everyone later this year. And I'm very excited as the guest list continues to get more interesting. Now Mini and Mum! Anyway, there's a certain couple people to thank for this trip, won't get into it here, but just having some bumps in the road makes you realize how lucky you are, and how much worse it could really be. Love you all!

BT65 · « **Reply #161 on:** March 16, 2015, 08:37:08 am »

Well, thanks to the breathing treatments and inhalers, I have a pretty nasty case of thrush. Not unexpected, I wondered if that would happen. I have Nystatin on hand but of course that isn't clearing it, so I have e-mailed my doctor for a script for Fluconazole. Hopefully he'll get that sent to the pharmacy and I can start on that soon.

Still not smoking, just the e-cig. I know that's not like totally nicotine free, but it's better than real cigarettes (even my doctor says so). I believe it's been a week already. I never remember the date when I quit smoking, I guess I should jot it down.

Doing a breathing treatment now, then I will probably take a little oxygen since I have some stuff to do around here. I'm going to stay home for a while. My women's group is meeting tonight, my supervisor is bringing the ladies over. So, there's a little extra pocket money I can save for Memphis. I suppose that's it. Just wanted to keep everyone in the loop. Thanks again for the concerns.

Betty

wolfter · « **Reply #162 on:** March 16, 2015, 09:24:47 am »

I was on Fluconazole for quite a while after developing crypto and hated it. Hope you tolerate it well and clear up this infection quickly.

take care of yourself and I'm sending positive energy your way.

BT65 · « **Reply #163 on:** March 16, 2015, 09:41:27 am »

Thanks, Greg. I can tolerate it in short doses, like for a week. It is pretty rough on the liver. But, I have to get this thrush cleared, it's covering the whole inside of my mouth, including the tongue, under the tongue, etc. You get the picture. I don't know why my doctors never heard of Mycelex Troches. Those things work. But anyway, thanks again.

Greg, I know you and I had a bumpy road at first, but your friendship is invaluable to me. Thanks.

Betty

wolfter · « **Reply #164 on:** March 16, 2015, 12:12:44 pm »

Quote from: BT65 on March 16, 2015, 09:41:27 am

Greg, I know you and I had a bumpy road at first, but your friendship is invaluable to me. Thanks.

Betty

Well hell yeah. I was a miserable, nasty, confused, sick and angry lost soul when I first joined.

BT65 · « **Reply #165 on:** March 16, 2015, 12:20:28 pm »

Well, but you're so delightful now! Seriously, I wasn't in the best shape when I joined either. There's a story behind that, but I was mistaken for the biggest train wreck to hit the forums. Just because I was so outspoken. I mean, the person I was mistaken for is downright evil. Lol.

Wade · « **Reply #166 on:** March 18, 2015, 12:07:03 pm »

Betty,
I had an old friend who used to get nasty bouts of thrush,
he would rinse out his mouth with a vinegar and water solution.
He swore by it, just thought I'd pass it along.
Wade

Tonny2 · « **Reply #167 on:** March 18, 2015, 12:45:48 pm »

ojo Hi Betty, its worth to try it...Bubba you sounded like my mother, lol, she uses vinager for everything, lol hugs ojo

Miss Philicia · « **Reply #168 on:** March 18, 2015, 05:05:56 pm »

Sorry to read that now you have thrush on top of everything else, Betty

aztecan · « **Reply #169 on:** March 18, 2015, 09:44:01 pm »

Betty, not to beat a dead horse, but if lil ol me could quit smoking when I had a three-pack-a-day habit, and not kill anyone in the process, I have high hopes for you.

BIG HUGS.

Mark

BT65 · « **Reply #170 on:** March 21, 2015, 08:18:07 am »

Thanks for the well wishes. The doctor gave me a two week supply of Diflucan, so I'm covered there and the thrush is starting to go away. And I haven't had a real cigarette in 12 days. I'm using the e-cig. I know, I can see people rolling their eyes, but for now it's keeping me off the real thing, and the congestion is getting better. Slowly, but it is getting better.

Went to my ortho's yesterday. Xray was taken and I not only have a fracture down the whole first metatarsal, but now there is a break down the 4th metatarsal (all same side). And I told the dr that when I walk it feels like my knee is going to split open. He said it's due to the rod rubbing on the bone and skin in the knee. So I asked him if the rod is going to come flying out of my leg lol, and he said it shouldn't as long as nothing else in that area breaks. Lovely.

Well, what can you do except just keep going. I'm really missing working my part time job that I had to separate from. Luckily I am still doing the women's support. It's only like 3 or 4 hours a week, but it's better than nothing. I'm not released to do any heavy duty work, so I've been doing stuff around here, like spring cleaning, etc.

And that's about it for now. Good vibe, thoughts etc. still much appreciated!

Betty

mitch777 · « **Reply #171 on:** March 21, 2015, 02:53:00 pm »

Dear Betty,

I have been busy being self-indulgent visiting Palm Springs and I never logged on other than to quickly check my pm's and now I read all of this!

Geez!! What a mess!

Wishing you my best and sending you big (((hugs))).

Love you,
Mark

BT65 · « **Reply #172 on:** March 22, 2015, 12:19:28 pm »

Thanks, M. I read about you being in Palm Springs. I'm glad you had a good time, and I understand you will be moving there? Or at least want to?

Betty

PS Still not smoking real cigarettes!

Jeff G · « **Reply #173 on:** March 22, 2015, 12:37:42 pm »

Betty Betty Betty Betty … we all voted and it’s been decided that you are to get well immediately . Your cooperation is appreciated .

wolfter · « **Reply #174 on:** March 30, 2015, 01:19:01 am »

Betty, I'm not gonna play "preach to the choir" with you.

BUT, I hope you're taking it easy and figuring how to finally mend these problems. Be it another doctor, finally sitting still, medication or a combo of all of them.

I tried to be normal too quickly also and that probably assisted with later injuries.

I hope you don't mind sharing my osteo updates on your thread? I've discovered a lot of info on osteo and HIV. Especially concerning Medicare and your insurance provider. I've been on Boniva for almost 2 years and am elible for another covered BDS in May. But after being switched to Humana, they refused to cover this drug.

They provided a 3 month temporary extension as I called constantly. I'm not switching drugs based on my insurance company's advice. That's what I have a doctor for.

Then I found several articles explaining why Humana and other want to switch us over to the more costly injectable drugs. At that point, Medicare will pay for it. Alas, not a hit to the insurance company.

Boniva is so much cheaper and since I've been on it so long, we need to see if it made a difference. They will all tell you there isn't a lot of research and data and HIV and osteo issues. They simply don't know, which I totally understand. But, I don't want someone that doesn't care about my wellness but rather is looking at the finacial aspect even if it eventually costs them more.

Rambling after a couple of glasses of wine (finally, several days dry now). Take care darling and we need to talk soon.

BT65 · « **Reply #175 on:** March 30, 2015, 03:25:09 am »

Well, I've got insomnia, have had for the past 3 days. Not sure why, no med changes, still on Stribild etc. I'm sitting in my big chair and will probably fall back asleep for a while around 4or5.

Greg, I'm sure my osteo dr doesn't know anything about HIV and osteoporosis. I would be interested in the research if you ever want to put up the links to what you've found.

Besides my first metatarsal bone being broken, my fourth metatarsal is also. I have a "shoe cast" that I wear when I am up and it helps greatly. I'm still able to drive and I do my own shopping now, as long as the store has one of those rideable carts, and I carry everything into my house myself. And there are days that I am able to use my cane most of the day instead of my walker.

There has been some change in my health care. My primary care dr's office is stopping all chronic pain management because of the government crackdown on prescribed opiates. So he referred me to a pain dr. Everyone here knows the issue I have with my knees. Well, this pain dr is wanting to do this procedure that burns 3 nerves around the knees, which he hopes will take care of the pain. It's called nerve ablation. First they numb the nerves, then call the next day to see how it worked before they burn them.

He also switched me to a much lighter pain med, increased my Ibuprofen and doubled my Lyrica. It's working out so-so. Hopefully as time goes on it will get better. We'll see. So, that's what's going on right now with me. If you've read all this, bless your heart, lol. Will keep this updated, when I remember.

Betty

Wade · « **Reply #176 on:** March 30, 2015, 02:25:27 pm »

Hi Betty ,
Hope you start getting well soon ,it has to be really frustrating .
Not smoking can really fuck up your sleep patterns !
My brother in law has been using the e cig for some time,
With no smoking. They have nicotine ,but are missing the tar and
Carbon monoxide and other bad things in cigs. Hope it's still goin well.

I've never heard of that procedure for you knees , but might be a good bandaid
till you can get them replaced. Maybe your doc
can give you some sort of sleep aid , you heal better when rested .
Just get well.
You have to go to AMG in one piece ,or you'll get charged for two rooms LOL !
Hopefully next year I can make it and meet everyone , never know ,
maybe this year, but had a lot of going on .
You Take Care , Wade

wolfter · « **Reply #177 on:** March 31, 2015, 12:52:54 pm »

In a nutshell Betty, if a medication requires a medical procedure ( a needle), then medicare covers it. Otherwise, if it's just a medication then your prescription drug provider foots the bill. It's in their best interest to suggest injectables instead of paying the cost of a pill.

My main issues is that there isn't much research for us old fucks regarding bone issues and HIV.

The other Greg is an avid runner and I can't run like I used to. I'm certain that even though my ankle healed, it must have healed at a weird angle. I pointed out to him last night how my new Born loafers are showing signs of walking incorrectly. It's hard to explain but in addition to the loss of feeling in that leg, I can only jog a mile or so before it hurts so bad that it sends jolts through my entire leg.

BT65 · « **Reply #178 on:** March 31, 2015, 01:18:25 pm »

Well, I can't jog at all but can attest to how it looks weird when the shoe shows how the foot is not healed properly. My roommate bought me slippers for one of my Xmas presents, and I can't wear them now because they're permanently deformed because of how my bones healed wrong. I totally get it. But, at least you can run. I can't make it yet through the grocery store without one of those riding carts. Yesterday I just started riding my recumbent bike for 20 minutes. That's about all I can do lol.

wolfter · « **Reply #179 on:** March 31, 2015, 01:25:03 pm »

You do know it's because we are stubborn and probably didn't do as directed.

I rec'd a call Sunday as we were wine shopping in Columbus asking if I'd bar tend. By the time I closed my calf hurt like a sob!

I just can't wait to get my bike out now that we're getting great weather. my little 20-25 mile rides don't cause these issues.

mitch777 · « **Reply #180 on:** March 31, 2015, 05:00:19 pm »

Quote from: wolfter on March 31, 2015, 01:25:03 pm

You do know it's because we are stubborn and probably didn't do as directed.

Sorry Betty, I know this is your thread but I was wondering if Greg is still being stubborn by jogging. With all that you went through I would ask your doc if this is the right approach as jogging is a pretty high impact activity and I doubt he would approve.

I love you two and I would hate to see this thread go on to infinity because you pushed yourselves beyond what your bodies are capable of to heal properly. You both have already done that already, now stop it now!

This coming from a long term smoker.

BT65 · « **Reply #181 on:** March 31, 2015, 07:20:53 pm »

M, lol. Thanks. I appreciate your concern, but all I do is walk and things break, screw jogging!

Oh, it's only been a couple weeks since I had a real cigarette and believe me, I think of getting a pack every day.

BT65 · « **Reply #182 on:** April 14, 2015, 03:35:59 pm »

So today I had my nerves numbed around the knee. Now mind you, this was the left knee and they told me I had to have a driver. So, I thought, cool, they're going to sedate me.

But NO! No pain meds, no sedation. The doctor gave me a couple shots that is supposed to "numb" the area somewhat. I think it number my outer layer of skin. Because when he stuck in those three big needles, son-of-a-bitch. That shit hurt. I mean, like serious hurt. Because they went into three place around my knee, with the needles going into my bone, and all the way down into the bone (he said the nerves run along the bone). I kept cussing lol.

The nurse said I did "great" and said females are the stronger sex. who knows. It's numb right now, but keeps popping whenever I move. What I mean is, the top bone is collapsed into the bottom one (not from today's procedure lol), and the bones keep "popping" in and out of each other.

So, we'll see how this goes. Wish me luck. This could be good if it works. Just wanted to update.

Edited to add: this morning, when getting out of the shower, my second to the big toe on my right foot was burning. I looked at it, and there to my amazement was a blister that went up the side of my toe, and covered the top of my toe. I put antibiotic ointment on it, and band-aids. Hopefully it will heal okay. Going to the bone doc Friday, seeing the nurse practitioner, will ask her for some antibiotics. Now I'm wearing a toe separator between these toes. My foot was never right after breaking all the bones. I tend to walk with it turned in, which puts pressure on the outside of the foot, and smashes up the toes.

Miss Philicia · « **Reply #183 on:** April 14, 2015, 03:58:59 pm »

ugh those three shots sound excruciating, Betty -- at least it's over with. Is this something you will need to endure again?

wolfter · « **Reply #184 on:** April 14, 2015, 07:46:17 pm »

So hoping this gets you some much needed comfort. I recently pointed out to Greg how my right shoes are all wearing on the side. I have a new pair of Born loafers that are almost ruined already. I guess since at least I'm walking I shouldn't bitch except that I might as well stop buying expensive shoes.....damn.

BT65 · « **Reply #185 on:** April 14, 2015, 09:59:16 pm »

Quote from: Miss Philicia on April 14, 2015, 03:58:59 pm

ugh those three shots sound excruciating, Betty -- at least it's over with. Is this something you will need to endure again?

Oh, that's just the beginning. They're going to call tomorrow to see if it worked, because if it does, he's going to burn the nerves, same side. As in sever by burning. And I asked the nurse if he sedates people for that or uses pain meds, and she said no because he has to ask questions during the procedure.

If it's successful, he's doing the other knee...same procedure(s).

Forums Index

Welcome

Author Topic: I've Done It This Time (Read 63043 times)