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Post by BDG on Jul 15, 2008 12:42:38 GMT -5
I recently got tested for my shortness of breath and they found that my lungs have calcified, due to severe case of pneumonia or exposure to asbestos, I am going to get an asbestos test done asap. My lungs are working at 68% meaning there is a 32 % loss there, due to the calcification my lungs have hardened and will not expand properly. My O2 saturation is around 96% sitting down, if iget up and move around fast or very much it drops, at this point the lowest it got when tested was 91, I was gasping for air at that point.
Anyway I was wondering what to do to improve my air quality, my Dr., took a whole four minutes to give me the news and that was also all the time I had to ask any questions, as you can imagine I was in shock and could barely form a sentence.
I did ask what can be done and is there any medication he could give me to help and he said , nothing could be done except a surgery to scrape some of it off when it got worse and there was no meds to help. I left with an appointment in six months to see if I have gotten worse and nothing else, no brochure on improving air quality or anything else.
So here I am sick, no help and so I am on my own, hubby works overtime and has so much to do it is not funny and so the house is my job and no money to hire help.
I am maintaining as well as I can though, since I got this news I have been slower than usual to do anything, I guess my mind is still fumbling around to understand, usually when I get bad news or have a problem I just close down and fold up until I can deal with it.
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Post by BDG on Jul 15, 2008 12:56:06 GMT -5
I also wanted to say to those of you who are struggling to understand what the problem is on why you are having such an issue cleaning house, maybe for some of you it is health related, whether from depression or some other physical problem. I view depression and a lot of other so called mental illnesses as a chemical problem so I also see it as a physical problem as well. Anyway if you can please get a physical and have anything bothering you in the least checked out.
Over the years I have been having issues with slight breathing problems that eventually became significant, I kept ignoring them thinking it was related to my wieight, as a matter of fact everytime I mentioned them to the dr. that was what they said, you need to lose weight.
Finally because I became insistent they sent me to get the tests done, all they ever said was see it is 96% (while I was sitting) thats good. It was only after I demanded they walk with me and leave the O2 counter on my finger that they sent me to someone, a specialist, who could order the tests I needed. Amazingly that was the first test, to make me walk for a certain amount of time checking the O2 saturation counter periodically and writing it down.
Anyway what I am saying is if you are experiencing any fatigue, tiredness, any twinges that you want to put down to nothing or l*a*z*i*n*e*s*s* (mods I hope you see why I had to throw that word in there)then go to the dr. to make sure there really are no problems and if they ignore you demand a specialist in what is bothering you.
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Post by heylady1 on Jul 15, 2008 13:23:07 GMT -5
Really sorry to hear this BDG  At least you are finally getting the care you need!! Of course, some of the ways to improve your breathing involve keeping the house very clean. Which is difficult to say the least  .... anyway, suggestions include vacuuming with a hepa filter if possible, dusting, keeping clean sheets and pillowcases on the bed. You can steamclean your bed or even iron it and the pillows too. That will kill off any dust mites that may be living there. I also found this on a quick search. It may help somewhat if you aren't breathing to your full potential... www.somatics.com/breathng.htmI know that right now my housework is suffering because I'm anemic and any energy I do have is kept for my job. So yeah, health problems can really slow you down on keeping up with things around the house. A vicious circle for sure.... I hope they can come up with something to help you!!!  |
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Post by eaglesflight on Jul 15, 2008 13:23:17 GMT -5
I remember you talking about being short of breath and such and I feel very bad that things had to get this bad for you to be taken seriously. Is there any way you can hire someone to help out with the housekeeping? Just someone who comes in for an hour and does the mopping and wiping will help you out a lot. |
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Post by metamorpha on Jul 15, 2008 13:45:41 GMT -5
(((HUGS))) I'm so sorry to hear this news. If you can, invest in some hepa air filters, and look into what plants are best for removing toxins. We have ferns, English Ivy and pepperomia in our family room and bedrooms to filter EMFs (electromagnetic fields) but these plus (I think) salvia, peace lilly, cactus, and a few others are very good at processing toxins in the air.
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Post by messymimi on Jul 15, 2008 17:02:11 GMT -5
This is distressing news indeed. Go very easy on yourself.
Have you checked into getting free help from teenagers needing service hours? Maybe through a church school? Just a thought.
Let us know how the tests turn out.
messymimi
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Post by packusratus on Jul 15, 2008 17:17:17 GMT -5
First, I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Really, take it easy on yourself. Do your home little by little but don't put any huge pressure on yourself. You're more important.
Second, you're right regarding physical/mental problems. I agree that mental problems are physical too because it's usually a chemical imbalance. In fact, recognizing my thyroid condition only made my depression worse, along with real trauma like loss issues and my diabetes, I learned to give myself a break. I also learned that I needed to make sure to take charge of my health and I'm much more aggressive with my doctor. I pay closer attention to my body, especially moods and my period. Those two things tipped me off that my thyroid treatment wasn't balanced. I'd cry at the slightest thing and my periods were ridiculously heavy. Come to find out that of course crying is a sign of depression but heavy periods is a sign of low thyroid hormones which leads to depression.
Anyway, our health most definitely impacts our abilities to clean up. I think the connection is cyclical. Now that my kitchen is clean I'm making wiser food choices.
Now take care of yourself. Get yourself treated and realize you can't do everything. Get help from friends and family if possible too. Also the suggestion of getting help from community service organizations might be a good idea too. I know part of my cleaning spree is to clean up enough to hire a maid. I simply need regular help with this.
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Post by Ms.Choc-o-lot on Jul 15, 2008 18:11:18 GMT -5
Oh, dear. I'm so sorry to hear of this diagnosis.
I suffer from moderate asthma, and so I can relate, to an extent, to the breathing problems you are suffering from. HUGS!
Can you get an air purifer - to help improve the air quality?
Also - the dust mites are a big deal.
I'm horrible about dusting, because right now in my life, my asthma is better when I leave my dust alone - it doesn't bother me, if I don't bother it. Not a clean situation at all.
Do you have an area Vo-Tech school? Some of those students may be needed service hours - I know the daycare dept (not sure what it is called) has the students get a specific number of hours.
Do you attend worship services? If so, there very well may be someone there willing to help you out - it just takes asking - which is very hard, I know.
HUGS!!!
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Post by CaringFriend on Jul 16, 2008 2:51:59 GMT -5
Anyway I was wondering what to do to improve my air quality........ I have read where mothers of asthmatics wipe down furniture using a damp cloth instead of dusting in the usual manner. Even the finest furniture can be cleaned this way. It removes the dust without causing it to become airborne. They also eliminate carpeting which hangs onto the dust. Wood flooring, tile, or vinyl can be cleaned with a damp mop or rag. Upholstered furniture is not good for people with breathing problems. These are things over which you may have little control right now, but when making decisions down the line, keep them in mind. I would say that if I were in your shoes I would get rid of absolutely everything that sits out. Clear the end tables, coffee table, night stands, dresser top, etc. I even got rid of my coffee table because I couldn't keep it decluttered. In your case, by eliminating knickknacks, there will be fewer surfaces which will accumulate dust. Then it will be easy to damp dust. I also read that if a person has breathing problems, they should not hang laundry outside to dry. It's shameful that the specialist didn't take time to give you the proper information you need. Be sure to ask your family Dr. the next time you see him/her. |
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Post by BDG on Jul 16, 2008 10:51:51 GMT -5
Thanks everyone, your kind words mean a lot to me. I have an appointment with the nurse practitioner I see on Friday and plan on asking her to set me up and appointment to have the asbestos test and to see what if any options I have to help me with my breathing. Right now I notice I can't take deep breaths just really shallow ones, I am trying to deep breath as much as possible in hopes that it help my lungs expand and not get any worse, though no one told me to do that, I figure it can't hurt. Yesterday I began to do a few things, simple things, like fill up the washer and dryer, clean the commode and the sink in the bathroom, made a macaroni salad to go with the already cooked chicken we got on sale for supper. Hubby took the garbage off so I helped finish bagging that up. I also put clean sheets on my bed. Today I am going to run the roomba and the scooba in the computer room and kitchen, I am going to load the dishwasher and when that gets finished wash a load of my clothes, I washed all of hubby's yesterday, jeans and t-shirts for work. I am going to try and vacuum the den, which is where I spend most of my time and maybe dust the den. For anyone interested I found these little bags full of dust cloths at the dollar tree, (I think), they are the paper towel but stronger, things with the liquid cleaner and polish already in it and they reseal, I actually keep them in the den so they are right there and I don't have to look for them, for when I get the urge to dust, I have to act on it fast, the urge to dust is fleeting and disappears fast.  I find that getting up and doing things makes me feel less helpless about the medical situation, I am doing something for myself and that empowers me to a certain degree. I want to get back to at least being able to keep the house fairly clean on my own. |
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Post by WestsideStory on Jul 16, 2008 12:19:32 GMT -5
Sorry to hear your lungs are giving you so much trouble. I hope that the nurse practitioner can give you a lot of useful advice and help. You mentioned absestos (am I spelling this right?) Do you have black lung disease? I certainly hope not. I wish that there were more that I could do to help and support you. Lots of caring hugs -- WestsideStory
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Post by BDG on Jul 17, 2008 10:48:33 GMT -5
Thank you!
The drs. exact words were, "I've never seen this in a woman before. I've only seen it in severe cases of pneumonia and asbestos exposure folks and miners." So I don't think that I have what is called black lung, since that is from coal dust, though it is probably similar in regard to what it does to your lungs, but that is just a guess on my part."
As for asbestos exposure I did work in an older schoolhouse building, and hubby also worked in material that contained asbestos when he was helping put in pipelines. I could have what is called secondary exposure. Hubby is also having breathing problems, though not as severe as mine. I just realized this the other day when he took out his inhaler he had just gotten prescribed and used it. I am going to have the asbestos test and also make him request the dr. schedule him one too.
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Post by threeg on Jul 18, 2008 22:41:21 GMT -5
So sorry to hear this BDG! Calcification of the lungs? Who knew it even existed? I have asthsma and also have scar tissue from previous bouts of pneumonia, but this is news to me. I have always tried to "stomach breathe" to breathe better. Try filling your lungs enough to expand your stomach. You can see it as you do it. It will help strengthen the lungs' breathing capacity. My Pulmonologist suggested it years ago. It helps a lot. Please take care, and keep us informed of your progress. 3g |
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Post by Fivecat on Jul 18, 2008 23:21:49 GMT -5
I have interstitial lung disease, which is a hardening of the lining of the lungs, which sounds very much like what you have. Mine is probably from heavy smoking, but my pulmonologist has given me treatment. First, i was put on a high dose of prednisone for 3 months. She said prednisone is the only treatment for it. However, i am also on 2 inhalers which really help. One is called spiriva and for copd patients and the other is adair. both of these are maintenence drugs and help my breathing a lot. Also, i have abuterol and combivent inhalers to use for immediate relief as well as i nebulizer that i can use abuterol here in the house. So i think you need to check with another dr, a pulmonologist, because it doesn't sound right to me them saying there's nothing they can do and not even giving you a rescue inhaler. Seriously, seek out another dr, this is nothing to mess around with and if this one is just throwing up their hands, then that's not the dr you want to be seeing. Keep us posted, Fivecat
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Post by creativechaos on Jul 19, 2008 0:52:38 GMT -5
Hi BDG;
So sorry to hear of your health news. Good for you for being persistent in standing up for your self to get some care and get someone to finally listen and give you the tests you needed!
I am pro alternative health. If I had that diagnosis, I would seek out all solutions, including alternative solutions. I have found a lot of health support on the internet through groups dealing with similar or the same health issues as I am. They often are more helpful than doctors or so-called "experts" because they are experts in knowing their own bodies, and the pitfalls that can go with trying to get the best care and solve their health problems. Your doctor sounds clueless! I'd seek out a better doctor who listens to you!
There must be some way to remove or reduce some of the calcification besides surgery; I hope you find them. Have you looked on the internet or tried to find a support group for people who are dealing with the same kind of thing? I have had great success with herbs and homeopathy. Do you have a naturopath in your area, and would your insurance cover seeing a naturopath?
Wishing you the very best on your healing journey.
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