THANK YOU...

[Evie]

I tried to send a private message to lavishgail, thrice and they didn't post. I guess I am meant to come here!

(edited// OOOOOPs---I figured out my error-- I was looking in the IN BOX for my message)


I just popped in to apologise for withdrawing without a word and thank her for the kindness extended to me. I feel bad thinking she be concerned and worry about me...

I fell ill in August, had zero energy, ached everywhere. Especially my legs and feet. At the end of the month my calf swelled up so I finally went to a doctor. In December, after a round of blood tests, ultrasound & CTscan ruled out many possible illnesses (diabetes, thyroid, heart, kidneys, cancer, vascular) I was diagnosed with Lymphedema, another non-curable illness. My lymph system is compromised which caused the swelling. I should be grateful I don't have cancer, but 4 months of appointments, tests and long waits between I was spent. This diagnosis, which I have never heard of before has thrown me for a loop. I even cancelled Xmas and New Years and started sneaking cigarettes.. thinking WTF -- why bother quitting??? I can't blame COPD for this, but have not found a cause for it either.



I am finally able to face my situation, accept it and move forward towards better health. I am back on champix, wearing compression socks, elevating my legs as often as possible and saw a massage therapist to deal with my lymph fluid; to rid my body of toxins. I needed to have one hour sessions @$120.00 each (OUCH) - 5 days in a row, to get my lymph back on track and learn how to manage this on my own. I will be okay. Poorer than poor - but OK.
 


PEACE

Evie

[sallybrown]

Thanks for the update, Evie. I have been thinking of you.

Sorry you are going through a rough patch right now. My sister also has lymphodema. Hers is due to the removal of lymph nodes in her armpit area that showed malignancy after breast cancer surgery. She has a compression sleeve for her arm and exercises she does daily. She has a PT also. She is managing it well. I am very proud of her resolve.

Follow your care plan and stay strong. Stopping smoking would be a positive step.

Sending positive energy your way.

[lavishgail]

Hi Evie,
I'm sorry I thought I did answer you're message I read them and sent back to you, but maybe my message did not go throufh, I'll check! Take care and do only what you can when you can!
Love Gail!

[sharon]

I am sorry to hear you have something else to deal with. Copd is enough by itself. I have been having a hard time breathing lately.

I hope you doing better now. And was able to quit smoking.

[lavishgail]

Hi Evie,
I have 2 names on here, so sorry. The Gail name is me but I had to make a new name bc I lost my password on the last name so I never close this appt. Maybe that's why I never have battery left on my phone? Something to look into.

Sharon I'm so sorry youre unable to breath! Did you tell you're doc? Maybe you can turn you're machine up? Per Doctors orders ( turn up your machine )and it will help. I'm on 2 and half litters. If I need more my doctor told me what I can do and how high I can go!

if you want to message me Evie it's under lavish Gail a quick made up name to be able to get back here.

Take care all and feel better girls!xxoo

[Evie]

I am doing a lot better. Thanks for your support. 

I don't sneak cigarettes anymore and I  have a plan for dealing with the lymphedema.   It could be worse than it is. I was diagnosed really early, and compared to many I am fortunate and feel grateful. There are 4 stages to this condition, the first one is stage Zero and it is rare to spot the symptoms at this stage.  Credos to the Doctor.  All I need to manage this are compression garments,  leg elevation pillow, manual lymph drain/massage, lots of water, a healthy diet and exercise.  All of the above are basically TLC  for myself, and easy. 

Except the exercise bit.  COPD is getting in the way of that.  I am not sure what stage I am at. No one has suggested oxygen to me yet.  And I am not going to mention it!  I am short of breath over the smallest of tasks.  My lungs are weak, more from lack of use than progression of this disease, I thinks. I have read of Lung Rehab classes, and even if they were available where I live, I'd think...  AS IF!?  
I literally live on a hill... simple walks even feel way out of reach for me.  Last year I had the hardest time working in the gardens.  I sat down, cried and gave up. Spring is around the corner ... instead of ordering seeds and bulbs this year ...

I ordered on line a breather gadget that's supposed to help build up the lungs, but that was over 3 weeks ago.  I am looking for it everyday in the mail!  I bought one of those pedal things to keep under my desk... a sitting down exerciser - It's a start.  I need to take charge and do better.... any helpful tips would be very much appreciated

P E A C E 
Evie

[lavishgail]

Hi Evie,
I'm no good of help, I'm skinny as he'll and lay in bed all day! I can't go for a walk bc the snow is past my knees. I suppose I could walk up and down my street the long, long driveway! To much fun doing that . I'm so sorry you have this disease! I really do pray for you! I think many of us if we have COPD also have another immune disease which one came first with me Idk? All's I know is: one thing I can barly do is make my bed. I do it though everyday by golly! Today I changed sheets and put clean ones on. Then remade my whole bed ugh. After that I scrubbed down the bathroom and now laundry! I'm so out of breath!

Evie, I have to sit and put my 02 on. I suggest if you're asking me? That you speak to you're doctor about seeing a pulmonary doctor for pulmonologist if you have not yet. If you don't take oxygen when you do need it you could hurt your brain oh, I suggest that you talk to your doctor I don't know too much about this but I do know your brain will suffer and still with you. I hope you feel better I'm saying my prayers for you and I'm thinking of you. Thanks for writing me I appreciate that you can just message me anytime try it again and I'll see if I can see it I was going through some hard times back then take care sweetie, peace out! Oh ps.
Yes I did quite Smoking July so 7 months yesterday! Yahoooo...thanks for asking!

[Evie]

Thanks for your concern... Curious what dictates needing oxygen... I really don't know.  I have an oximeter and seldom go below 90 - and IF ... it's not for very long, less than a minute.

I was sent to a pulmonologist but I didn't get to talk with  or even meet him ... His secretary did the spirometer test, the results were forwarded to my GP and he changed my puffer.  Covid 19 paranoia?

[lavishgail]

Covid19 paranoid as well!
I know for me my chest burns and hurts if I need mine! Just hang in there and perhaps give your doctor a call and keep him updated on your progression they do Zoom conferences with you over you phone or computer!so if you feel not so good about anything call the doctor! Love and Joy to you Evie.