Wednesday, December 12, 2012

More answers!

   I saw my doctor, who referred me to a pulmonologist. His office set the appointment and I got in this last Monday. She had most of his records and I picked up my chest X-ray; asked how I ended up there and when we were done talking I found out I don't have COPD after all. I have pulmonary fibrosis.
   There are two kinds of this; one is caused by an auto-immune system attacking the lungs and can be treated. Mine is the other kind...it's possible to slow the decline, but not halt or reverse it. I go in for a high-resolution CT scan on Friday (happy 36th anniversary) and as soon as they can schedule it a pulmonary function test; then I see her again between Christmas and New Year's. After that, when she knows more she said she may try to refer me for a 2nd opinion if we can get my insurance to cover it.
   Over the last 3 weeks I used up all my vacation from work and last Thursday they let me go as I can't do my job anymore. The pulmonologist more or less said that I probably aggravated this immensely by trying to get through work as short of breath as I was. Then numbers I've seen in forums and messageboards are very heartening to begin with...
   Today I finished the application for disability. In the meantime, the holidays go on and we've been trying to get shopping done and "stay in the spirit". The tree is up but the only thing on it so far is the USB cable that I've been using to print stuff as I file things. Kind of appropriate for the e-shopping I've been doing!

   I'll post more as I know more-may life be kind to each of you!

   alan

7 comments:

Doris said...

Ah Alan, so sorry to hear about the job. I'd like to think they have set you free with a decent package.

Good luck with the next raft of tests and try to keep you pecker up. Hugs.

Anonymous said...

Sending you good luck and best wishes for finding a good healthful way to manage this illness. I hope you are able to enjoy the holidays and that your health improves.

Thank you for keeping us posted.

Anji said...

Thinking of you. Hope everything falls into place soon.

ryssee said...

Just clicked on my old bookmark for your blog for the first time in a long time. Happy to see you back! Unhappy to see you're having these health issues though. Best wishes to you and hugs as well.

Doris said...

I hope you managed to have a lovely festive time with loved ones. Hugs from across the pond. xxx

Nancy said...

Hi Alan,
Was looking for you on facebook to say happy birthday. Clicked on here and I am sad to hear you are feeling so poorly. I read your post when you said you had been ill and have been wondering how you are doing. I am sorry about your job, but if you can't breathe, then you shouldn't be there. You need to take it easy and see what this new doc has to say.

I do hope you will have a good birthday though. I also hope the New Year brings good things to you, better health and some great doses of happiness.

I miss seeing you around. You take it easy and listen to your wife, and docs! <3

Nancy said...

Alan, I came by to wish you a happy birthday. I read the post about your health issues when you posted it. I am so sad to hear about how hard things are and that you lost your job. But, if you are having trouble breathing, then you should be taking it easy. It sounds like a terrible time you are going through and I feel bad that it's happening to such a great guy!

I hope you can at least enjoy your birthday. I also hope the new year brings you better health and lots of love. Sure do miss you. <3