Icky News From the Doctor

I went to the doctor today about my lungs/cough. I've got two seperate things going on. One: I'm allergic to just about everything airborne. There were 37 things listed on the test and I was positive for 34 of them! Mold, mildew, histamines, most trees, pollen, dust mites, ragweed, late fall pollen, cats, and dogs (and some other things I have no idea what they are) I also have allergic enduced asthma (my allergies cause my asthma attacks). So I have pills to take, stuff to squirt up my nose, an inhaler medication, and an emergency inhaler for the asthma attacks!!! HOLY FREAKIN' COW - this is me!! I don't do pills at all!!!!!! I have such a hard time swallowing pills (before I had wls) now it's all I can do to take my vitamins!!! Most of the time I just plain forget!!! Now I've got to be taking some sort of medication morning, noon, and night (literally) And this could be for a long long time. Two: I have no idea what the medical terms are for this. I was pretty in shock about all the medication and didn't quite get this part of our conversation. But I can't breathe deep enough for a body my size. They did a lung function test and said that it was fairly low. I dont have any idea what this is or what would be done to help with this. The doctor gave me a breathing machine thing for me to do twice a day and chart the results. So, I'm having quite the pitty party today. I'm very down and depressed over all of this. I wasn't expecting all of this that is for sure. Then I feel guilty for feeling this way cuz there are so many people with so much more serious health issues. I have no reason to whine. I just want to crawl into bed and hide. Laurie - need to get a kick in the butt back into life!!

Wow Laurie! What's up with all that???? I never really heard of adults developing allergies until my sister was diagnosed about eight years ago. Stuff she was fine with all her life, all of a sudden she couldn't tolerate. Very weird! You have a right to whine since this was all unexpected. Things will be fine. You'll get into a routine and it will just become part of your life. See what happens when you get into your 30's? LOL! Your body freaks out in one way or another. Hope you feel better soon! Diane

Laurie, I can give you a "been there, done that" chant. Years back had a crappy nasty cough. Every day for weeks. Was at the movies with a friend and she said "You are wheezing." So I went to an allergist and was allergic to most stuff. Was put on antihistimines, nasal spray, two inhalers (one steriod and one sort of steriod) and then my "as needed" aka emergency inhaler (albuterol). It was all brought on by allergies. This was spring. Ends up I needed this in spring and fall but was pretty good with just the "as needed" the rest of the year. I did allergy shots for a while but got sloppy on it and stopped. Funny thing is - it seemed to get better. Last year I thought I was having problems again...ends up the cough was from my blood pressure meds. Doh! Good luck with all of it. I know how you feel and know how overwhelming it is. Hugs to you, Kathy

Laurie, I'm so sorry to hear about your breathing difficulties and all of the medication you need to take. Please know that I'll be keeping you in my prayers and hope that it gets better very very soon! Any chance they can give you liquid medication rather than pills since you have diffiulty with them? I hope the breathing machine helps you lots and that you're feeling much much better soon. Big hugs from me, Wanda

Hi Laurie, Sorry for the shock of the news with your health. Guess I can't say I will 'help kick your but back into life'. I think you are gonna need a little time to let all the news sink in and all the changes that come with the package. I have several children with ADHD. When young, and in school I asked their teachers to not put more than one paper on their desks at a time. Because they had no trouble learning but if you put 3 worksheets on thier desks at once ex. math science and history. They would feel swamped and like they were drowning. But one at a time seemed and 'felt' do-able. I find when I am hit with a boatload of medical information and diagnosis I too feel like I am drowning. Be kind to yourself. YOU have been handed a boatload of diagnosis and new medications and treatments. Give yourself time to let it sink in. Give yourself time to wrestle with the anger and indignation at even having to deal with this stuff. It's totally normal to be upset. You will develope a routine to take your meds ( and hopefully those 'O so wonderful vitamins' that we truly do need.) Hang in there. We are here for ya. * maybe do something very special for yourself today to offset the news and help yourself feel a little better. You are worth it! Mary

OH GIRL~ I feel for you : ( BUT...ya know what...THIS is NOTHING compared to what you have ALREADY proven yourself at...I am SURE of that... YOU will come through with flying colors because YOU can !!! God bless and keep ya, love ya, TJ

Thanks TJ I needed to hear that today!!! Hugs, Laurie

I can relate to the allergic thing. I was allergic to every grass except bermuda, all trees except pecan, pollen, dust, ragweed, ROACHES, etc. The cool thing is I never have to dust again....that's my hubby's job! I hope your breathing improves with the machine. Keep your chin up.