after a week and half playing with an oximeter led to a doctors appointment this morning.
I knew I'd experienced a decline in my lung function over the last year and it had been much more dramatic these last few months after a couple of rounds of broncitis/pneumonia this summer and one a few weeks ago. Buying the oximeter gave me numbers to put with it: sitting at rest, doing nothing, anywhere from 92-96%; doing most anything at all drops it into the mid-80's; continued activity into the low 80's and I've seen the numbers as low as 78-79 in a few instances. 2 weeks ago they sent me home from work as my lips were turning blue and I was coughing up blood as that last round of chest misery broke up. (Made me think of Mark and all the stories I've read of surfers getting slammed and how at least they were having fun before they got to that part!) The blood is supposed to be a side effect from the COPD and coughing too much, but the blue is what led me to research oximeters and find one for $34 that was quick and accurate.
So going in with those numbers and the other symptoms have led to my being scheduled for a sleep test, along with a stress EKG to see if my enlarged heart is part of the problem. Also I'm being set up not only with oxygen to sleep under, but a portable unit that I'm supposed to wear to work, etc.. I'm not quite sure what my employer will make of that one!
I just know I'm tired of being exhausted all the time and that my quality of life isn't what I wanted for my 90's, let alone my 50's!
So that's where things are at here. I hope all of you are well and looking forward to the holidays with your loved ones gathered around you if you can! I know I am!
May life be kind to each of you!
alan
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6 comments:
I hope that this challenge can be remedied, or at least that you grow accustomed to the oxygen quickly. A colleague of mine got a CPAP machine and she says that her quality of sleep is wonderful now.
Thanksgiving 2012 has come and gone here in Canada, but I wish you and yours all the best for the holiday!
Take care.
All my best wishes; prayers and as my rugrats would say " Hope youse feelin' better Papa " - This just tears me up to hear of health issues for you. Know that far in the middle of the Pacific my best thoughts and wishes are with you. Aloha my friend; Stay healthy and take care!
Ah Alan that's a tough one and what with the COPD. I hope that you are able to get things under control and more comfortable, even if that means changes. Sending you hugs from a stranger from across the Atlantic!
I've coughed up blood after being slammed while surfing, too. I can't imagine it after just doing everyday stuff. I really am sorry you're having to deal with all of this, and that you need oxygen even at work. (Though it sounds like they're working you like a rented mule, and it's better to have the help you need than not.)
Blue is a bad thing here, and so is exhaustion. I really hope that you can find a way to improve your quality of life. You deserve it.
I hope things start looking up for you, alan. Thanks for keeping us posted. Take care.
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