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Wed 10 Sep, 2008 07:49 pm
Great News, Dys Has COPD
His regular doctor, after viewing a chest x-ray, told dys to see a pulmonary specialist.
As many of you know, Dys has been in very poor health for the past two years, including a frightening weight loss. After seeing the specialist and being given three inhalers and a prescription for Prednisone, he felt better the very next day and has continued to improve each day since the checkup, six days ago.
We both are feeling hopeful that his health will continue to improve to the point that he won't suffer from chronic fatigue for the first time in a couple of years and that he will finally put on some of the weight he has lost--he didn't have any to lose before all this happened.
Part of the problem stemmed from his childhood in Saudi Arabia. The houses had primitive airconditioning, mainly freezing cold. Coming in from a day which typically reached well over 120 degrees, into a freezing environment, meant that most of the occupants got pneumonia on a regular basis. That and a smoking habit have combined to mess up his lungs, big time.
The great news is that we finally know what the problem is and we can see (and Bob can feel) the effects of the medication. It had been so long, that I think we both had become used to his fatigue and had come to accept it.
For now, we are both reveling in his feeling good for the first time in over two years.
Hooray!
@Diane,
Well, hell, if COPD is good news let's celebrate! I guess if it means he'll be feeling better with meds, it is good news. I was worried about him.
@Diane,
Auntie Molotav,
When he and I spoke recently, I could hear the difference.
Hugs to ya both...
I'm very happy to know Dys is feeling better.
But what's COPD?
@Diane,
I am glad that they pinpointed his problem and now Dys can have proper care targeted at COPD. Prednisone will make him feel better and give him a good
appetite as well - he also should drink lots of water along with it. Hopefully,
he doesn't have to take steroids for a prolonged period of time.
To your health, Dys!!
@CalamityJane,
my prednisone protocol is for 9 days, i have spent today in and out of the kitchen eating everything i could find. Cat scheduled in 2 weeks, now using spiriva and advair plus hypertension mscan eds.
Better living through chemistry!
Right on!
I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better and I hope that your health continues to improve. Please take care of yourself.
@Diane,
Best news I have heard in a while. I rejoice for the two of you. Certainly knowing the true nature of the problem should give an advantage heretofore missing. When I see dys we are both going to do the Zorba the Greek dance.
@fbaezer,
Fbaezer, COPD stands for "Chronic Obstructive Pumonary Disease." It can have different causes such as emphysema, asthma and chronic bronchitis, for example. Dys has chronic emphysema with asthma.
The great news is that he can feel incredibly better than he has in a long time. It is treatable, but not curable.
Littlek, Rocky, Calamity Jane, fbaezer and Boomer, I know you all are cheering for Dys and that is something we both treasure. Many of you were aware that Dys hadn't been feeling well and you were worried about him. Needless to say, old cowboys are a tough breed.
@edgarblythe,
Oh Edgar, I can hardly wait to see the two of you doing the Zorba the Greek dance. Rocky might be too young to know about Zorba, although it was such a classic that many younger folks have seen and enjoyed the film.
Camera will be at the ready.
@Diane,
Diane, great news! Dys, thank God! or somebody. (Maybe your Nuni nose ring?).
At first I thought I read it that he had OCD - and I wondered, what's new about that? Then I reread it and realized it was COPD. At last he is diagnosed! What took do damn long?
Anyway, as you say, it's treatable, and I hope you hold a shotgun to his head to make sure he does what's supposed to. I'd love to see a pic of him with a bit more meat on those chicken bones so when that happens, post 'em.
I'm so happy for you both - the mystery is solved.
@dyslexia,
Treatable COPD's good news. Medication and hunger is even better.
Is there any ice cream left?
@Diane,
Any fool doctor could tell you that German sports cars are bad for yer health... Next time, buy a real Eyetalian.
Saudi Arabia ?
Now you're just making **** up...
now its time to eat tofu...
Very glad to read this Diane. I hope Bob continues to improve and wish the best for both of you.
You know, I never really liked Bob.
@dyslexia,
dyslexia wrote:
my prednisone protocol is for 9 days, i have spent today in and out of the kitchen eating everything i could find. Cat scheduled in 2 weeks...
I really think you should feed your cat before then.
@fbaezer,
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease...(we call it COA(airway)D here.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronic_obstructive_pulmonary_disease
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