Update 4.5 years later

[wendyco]

Jackie had asked me a few weeks ago to update since it's been so long since my LVRS...it was done Oct 13th 2009..had to think a lot and re-read some of what I had written so I wouldn't bore you all with repeating myself.

You know, Blossom aka Jackie aka WonderWoman, does a way of making you really think about where you are and where you've been. to start, this past year is the best I have felt since the surgery. saying that, I will back up just a bit....

the year after my surgery, I had to have a chest wall hernia fixed...more surgery. the surgeon (same as the LVRS) had never seen this before and ended up drilling holes through my ribs to attach what was needed to repair the hernia...interesting to say the lest. I have had no more problems with that since. I have continued to walk at least half a mile everyday as I have two large dogs that demand it ...if the temp is above 28 degrees and the wind below 30mph, I will go out and walk. otherwise it's the treadmill.. I also have continued doing upper body things. I can sit and take my time and I do...


Two years ago, the summer of 2012, we all refer to it as the year Colorado was burning. we had wildfires that created smoke in my area from June until late Nov. I did loose function during that time and it has not returned.

so, that brings us up to date generally speaking. I have done the 5K to benefit the humane society each year since my surgery. I will be registering the end of this month for my 5th year in a row. I have a mental thing going that says I MUST do this. my kids know that if I miss a year, things are very bad with me. I often make "light" of my sob and my kiddos are very aware of what I do but they also know how much I push to "keep moving"....

last year I broke my large toe and was afraid I couldn't do it, but I did...I have had a problem with my knee this year and found out I have progressive degenerative osteoarthritis so have started a series of shots in my knee. the usual cortisone didn't work so on to different med in there. I know and have made it clear to my doc's that I must walk no matter....I am an example of using it so I don't loose it.

went down to National Jewish this past week and the numbers are pitiful but I"m not .......Fev1 is between 19 and 20 but my DLCO is down to 15.....I use 3-4 liters of Liquid 02 24/7. (had to remove the TTO back in 2010 due to severe bacterial infection)

I still walk everyday, take care of little grandkids and now my mother also. it is a challenge but it has kept me going on this earth this whole time. my attitude is one of feeling so blessed to be able to breath each day and enjoy all the small wonders of the world around me.

and YES, I would do it all again in a heartbeat!!!!!!!!!

[jim]

It's been a long and arduous journey for you Wendyco, but what a fine example you have set for all of us. Through all the pain and suffering you never gave up, you continued to take a step forward each day, though I know that no doubt some days you didn't think so.

So here you are today, still very determined, I'm so very proud of you, sending you big PATS on the back, that you are so deserving of.

Take care, take it one step and one day at a time. hug4U

[susanny]

Wendy, you are a fine example of a woman determined to make the most out of life, no matter what the hiccups that get in your way. I wish I could be as strong as you and wonder why I'm not. I have a question: are you on the list for a transplant or was the LVRS the only way you wanted to go? Do you think it really did you that much good? I would say that if you are able to care for your mother and grandchildren you are doing fantastic, but I wonder how with such low numbers. I am confused. I supposed you might be as well but not questioning it just thankful that you are able to to it.

I love your story and wish you good speed on your next 5K.

Sue

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Just to let you know as well Wendy... I've read your post. I'll comment later. Just didn't want you to think I was ignoring or missed it.

[bobbioh]

Zoom u r amazing girl

[aero63]

Wendy,

Thanks for the update and I remember all these things. You are strong and amazing.

Funny isn't it? How taking so much time and energy to help others (your mother) and grandkids, can just make it so it pushes and keeps us going.

Keep on keeping on lady!!!

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Well lady (Zoom); my hat is off to you as I deep bough as well! And; like Antoinette and undoubtedly others; I remember all these things clearly. You ARE an inspiration to many. Rather than wallowing in self pity; you meet challenges and engage in life head on!

You and I; We're big believers in the need/necessity of exercise and you certainly have carried that forward to the nth degree! You have my respect and admiration!

I guess you're also a prime example of what they say to COPDer's.... it's not the numbers that matter; it's how you feel. And lady; you are sucking every bit of of living and doing more than so may "healthy people" Even to driving to another state to visit your sister with a 90+ year old Mom this past year or so. (I know; you didn't mention this but I am!)

Thank you for sharing Zoom. You've GOTTA feel good about what you've been accomplishing and I know that I feel priviliged to set you up as an example and... call you ....my friend!

[John]

Wendy Thank You ! We are very proud of you .I love that picture of you in the calender running the race . Your a good poster girl for COPD breath well my friend thumbsupde1

[wendyco]

Thank you all for your kind comments. As I read back through this I realize some of this sounds like I do more than I really do. As far as taking care of the "little ones," my youngest GD is now 5 years old so I'm not running after her like I was a few years ago and many of my older GK's help me out. My oldest is now and "hangs with Gma" often. I am so blessed to have the family I do. they have always been supportive and never made me feel as though I should do more than I can. I know others have run into this and I would be horrified to have this happen. It's hard enough to breath and deal with everyday living but to not have your loved one's understanding and support would just be "too much" to handle.

My mom still takes care of her own needs. I fix her meds every week and read important things to her and help her fill out checks and such as that. we are in the process of buying a home together so I can be more helpful to her. we had to have her give up her drivers' license last summer so I'm the driver now also.

moving two homes into one may do me in, but my kids will help out a bunch..

As far as exercising everyday, I am a nut about it but I also know you have to take baby steps. Jackie will verify this, when someone first starts to try to exercise I encourage little, baby steps to start out. I realize that when some folks hear what others can accomplish, it can discourage them. we all started out slow......................back in '04 I had a spinal fusion..when I first tried to walk I could only make it to my sidewalk from the first door. every few weeks I added to this.....the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time...

As far as a transplant goes, I will not be going that route. I was one of the fortunate ones to be able to have the LVRS and am grateful it went well without too many complications.

I want each and every one of you to know if you ever have any questions you may always ask. I'm wide open to all of you

[sallybrown]

What an inspiration you are, Wendy! A true example that our lives don't have to be "defined" by our numbers. Leading a purposeful life like you do and being with loved ones are key to being a "successful" person. And think of all the love that is shared on this board! Thanks for updating us. My prayers and thoughts are with you.