another medical update....

Today I had three appointments related to my health.
First Appointment:
Three times each week I meet with Pulmonary Therapist for an hour and a half. During this time I walk on a treadmill, use a "Cat's Eye" machine for my arms, a sitting eliptical machine, a stationary bike and hand weights. Midway through each activity my oxygen levels are recorded as well as my breathing rate monitored. I am doing great.
The other day I was walking on a treadmill next to Margarite. She also has Interstitial Lung Disease. She is older than I am. She is on a lung transplant list and everytime her cellphone rings I wonder if I am going to be there when she gets the call that it's her turn. Margarite can't eat much. She is losing weight. It takes her a long time to chew her food because it take up a lot of oxygen to do that and with the goal of getting new lungs, this is working against her.
I am gaining weight. I'm not happy about it but walking on the treadmill next to Margarite makes me realize that we all have our obstacles to deal with. We want what the other has, but only if we can pick and chose.
We can't pick and chose! We get the cards and we get to play them. That's life.

My next appointment was with my Dr. Adl, my lung specialist. I received a call earlier this week that after talking with Dr. Cohen (my rheumatologist) that she wanted to see me. Dr. Cohen is worried that my treatment with prednisone is too long and maybe we should try another treatment. After meeting with Dr. Adl, I was assured that "clinically evaluation" would indiciate that there is improvement in the sound of my lungs. Only the Pulmonary Function Test or CT Scan can offer proof of this and that is scheduled for July 26th. Dr. Adl did offer great words of encouragement and told me that she is really impressed with her interactions with Dr.Cohen. I have decided to still hire a "Captain of my ship" and have made proactive calls to an internal medicine doctor to fill this role.

Third appointment was at "Slow Poke" in Grafton. Here I met with a woman who works with people to help create a balance in health through nutrition. I learned a lot, bought a few new things and hope that I can make smarter choices for fueling my body and get my family on the right track for the future. This will be a slow process but one well worth it.

I have to go to bed. It's 12:45 and I want to be working by 7:30AM.
Good night my friends.
Kris B