I'm fine! It's just smoke!! whew

[susandennis]

It was nearly a year ago that I got pneumonia that took me 6 months and about $800 to get rid of. And, in the process, I learned that I have asthma and emphysema/general COPD and have about half the lung capacity that I should have. The lung doctor (one of my least favorite people) assured me that the slightest cold, flu or any other type illness will lay me up even worse and for longer next time. I'm pretty sure he was exaggerating but he's such an asshole, I can't be sure.

So I live in fear. Not of dying, but of coughing for months and then having to live tied to an oxygen tank.

This morning on the way to the pool and on the way home, I was coughing and not in a good way. I felt fine, just coughie. I stayed quiet all day and still felt fine and the cough went away.

Tonight, on the news, I find out that our air sucks now. We have smoke and some kind of atmospheric whatever - in Seattle proper, the air is moderate - not clear but not dangerous. But, I'm guessing it is bad enough for my lungs to be saying no thank you and my being inside all day is why I got 'cured' this afternoon.

I'm enormously relieved. I can stay inside if I have to. That's cheap and painless.

Comments

[rosehiptea.livejournal.com]

I'm glad it was nothing serious.

[susandennis]

thanks, me too!

[ciddyguy.livejournal.com]

One thing to keep in mind, it's been so dry since mid August, if not early in that month that dust could also be a culprit too.

I noticed that when I shot photos of my old stomping grounds Thursday morning, things looked a bit dusty, and dry.

[susandennis]

good point about the dust. i hadn't thought of that.

my plan is to stay inside and keep the windows up in the car.

[ciddyguy.livejournal.com]

At least until it rains anyway. :-)

[fyremaven.livejournal.com]

Lung doctors are usually not the most personable people..i work with some of the best in my ICU. He's right though, unfortunately. Though if your lung capacity is reduced from general COPD i thought there were things you could try to increase it? Maybe using an incentive spirometer at home on a routine basis will at least increase your vital capacity which would really help when it comes to catching a minor cold or dealing with bad air.

Glad your cough went away, though. :)

[susandennis]

Oh! I have one of those. My neighbor ended up with a bunch after all his surgeries last year. His wife brought me a never used one saying I might need it one day.

I put it in the closet and didn't think about it again. I might just get it out and use it.. Thanks!!