Day 17 - May 16th

[filcab]

Hi Guys,

Day 17 – May 16th and we are still waiting for the leak to stop. Because of the frailty of my lung walls, this may still take a while. The last several days have shown a marked improvement, so I am very optimistic albeit with guarded optimism.

The improvements are very subtle, but positive. I had a large area of subdural emphysema, which is an air and pleural fluid mixture that spills out of the chest cavity to surrounding areas. My subdural went from my waist to my lower neck, front and back and up and down both arms, to my lower forearm. If you pressed on my skin, it would feel like miniature bubble wrap under the skin. The medical term they use here is, “rice crispies”! My subdural has now receded except for two small pockets on the lower front ribs. A sign that the leak may be slowing down! I had the leak actually stop for 20-30 minutes, but then it started again. Another positive!

As far as the hospital stay itself goes, I haven’t had this much fun since puberty! The staff is great and it is such a treat to have so many of them say, “Well, you know how you feel”, and then not only hear you out, but act upon your wishes. If they can’t fulfill your wish, they don’t dismiss it with, “You just can’t do that!” They will fully and patiently explain why they can’t do it. That have taught me a lot in the past week and a half, and I was able to help them a fair amount about how we as patients feel about our disease and how the medical community can improve in their interactions with us. It was so nice to know they were listening and reacting favorably.

Because of the weak internet signal in the hospital here, I don’t pick up the web very well and my postings will be very sporadic. Please know that I hold you all dearly in my heart. I have heard this said before, but now it has become the truism I live by and has helped to carry me through – “God has brought me to it! – God will pull me through it!”
Breathe gently,

Phil

P.S. – I have gained 8 pounds in the hospital and went from 96 lbs. To 104 lbs.!
Phil

[morningstar]

Praise God,

You sound great Phil, I will continue to pray for you. Just keep keepin on. All good things come to those who wait. Bless the doctors and staff at the hospital for there caring ways. And if there is anything at all I can do for you or your family all you need to do is ask.
I don't think I have ever told you but I think now is a good time.
I believe that had you not taught me to breathe over at CI I would be a dead woman today. It has saved my life and helps control the panic. I THANK YOU...

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Wooooooohoooooooo....you made it on! Way to go!

O.K. folks....this was my surprise that I was hoping for you!

[cheryl]

Wow Phil - it sounds like you're doing great. Putting on weight too....that's just wonderful. Don't be discouraged about the leaky lung - it took mine 7 weeks to finally close. I'm sooooo glad you're doing well. Always in my prayers!!!

[bobbioh]

Phil,So glad your at least enjoying the staff and they are responsive to your needs and feeling.See you are sick in the hospital and still making a diffrence in the education of people who deal with people with COPD.Congrats you are a awesome man,And I personaly admire you.You have such streanth and courage you are a beacon to us all.Take care and breath easy take your time we are all here waiting on you. bobbioh

[larrynz]

Just clicked on and noticed Phil on line.

HI PHIL

Just take it easy.

[John]

Good to see you on line Don't forget to exhale dam it

[maryaz]

Gosh Phil, I am going to use up all my WOW's on you. When I read you even gained weight it was another WOW! That is good. !

It has to help to know that you are exchanging knowledge. What a switch in a medical area. You can stay a little longer but we want you back with us one day. They cannot keep you. !

Seriously, I am always praying for you and your lovely family. Go slow and get well. Thanks so much for sharing.

John is reminding you to exhale. I am telling you to keep humming. I still see you jetting by on your scooter tho (in my mind).
www.copdandsomuchmore.com/breathingfilcab.html

Bobbi has posted a really nice message and I ditto what she expressed so well. You are a very special person.

I just cannot control my excitement when I know you are able to post a message. Jumping up and down. !