Ooops

[susandennis]

I hit a massive speed bump while working through my todo list. Every once in a while - far less often these days, thankfully - I hit a patch of something - dust, usually - and get attacked by my COPD. My lungs have a fit. I can't breathe for coughing. I can't get the dust or whatever out of my face/mouth/through/lungs. It hurts. My nose runs, I pee a little, I just gasp for air. I think today's thrill came from the dust out on the terrace where I had to rearrange things to get everything I wanted into storage.

I take my magic cough stopping pill, and suck down my inhaler and sip water continually and try to sit still and make it go away. I know from experience that it does. And it's already starting to now.

I spend most every day completely free from any sign that my lungs are shit. I breathe easily and, these days, make no concessions for things I want to do and can't. I can do whatever I want. And then I get attacked and remember. Ooops. Remember all those cigarettes you enjoyed??? I do and that's cool. I'm lucky it's not worse.

I did get everything done on my list though except for the errands. Still too early. So I think I'll just sit here and do a little internet surfing while I get my breath back.

I did snap a pick of all the 'kids' going to new homes today. They are now in bags ready go go.

Comments

[fitzjameshorse.livejournal.com]

I miss them

[susandennis]

Aw, thanks! They will be back. Maybe not for a week or two but absolutely they will be back

[roasted-beets.livejournal.com]

May I ask how long you've had COPD and had you given up smoking before you found out?

[susandennis]

Sure! Let's just do the history.

Age 14 started smoking
Age 54 stopped smoking
Age 64 diagnosed with COPD*

Interesting how it all hits on the 4's. Hmmmm wonder what 74 is going to bring.

*The first couple of COPD years were not great. I had a basket of inhalers, nearly no voice, skin problems and I could barely walk across the street. The last couple have been WAAAAY better. I have one inhaler (w/ another for emergencies) only. And I can pretty much do what I want.

My lung doctor credits the swimming (retraining my lungs to rhythmically and steadily take in and expel oxygen).

Feel free to ask anything. Really. I'm happy to share.

[egg-shell.livejournal.com]

Monsters, and Dolls and Bears, oh my! Except I don't see any bears.

I always love seeing your big batch before shipment. Colorful and fun.

[susandennis]

Oh! I forgot to snap the bears! Geesh. In all the years, I've never done that. Well, they are in bags by the front door. Maybe I'll just liberate them for a quick pic.

[laura davidson (from livejournal.com)]

What an awesome group!

And I am so glad that your COPD has eased off the crap so much that it's a surprise now when it happens. I remember when you first had the diagnosis and were dealing with it - and lately you have sounded so, so much better. So glad for you!

[susandennis]

Thank you. It was horrible before and now, not bad at all. I think these little attacks are staged so I'll know how good I have it! All better withing an hour and a half. Not bad at all.