I just had my beginning 2018 meeting with my pulmonologist. It went well. I had been freaking out about my results of my pulmonary function test (PFT) because I couldn’t figure out how to read the results. They “looked” better, but the last time I thought that, I was worse. So I went through a week of anxiety. I did try to control it, but it is hard to control emotions during the holidays.
Getting back on topic.
The doctor was pleased with all my results. I have regained an additional 10% on my lung capacity and about 15% on my carbon dioxide diffusion. He asked me what supplementary things I was doing that have helped. I told him that I was doing…
- Yoga every morning, about 20 minutes, Monday through Friday.
- Reflexology massages every 8 weeks.
- Pedicure every month.
- Black cohosh and turmeric supplements an hour before going to bed.
- Reiki each night before bed.
- Eating Paleo style for its avoidance of inflammatory foods.
He looked at me and said keep it up. One thing I did not remind him of was my grounding sheet. I am sure it is boosting the efficacy of my medication.
Bottom line is that everything is to remain the same for medication right now. Maintain other exercises and processes, but keep the yoga no matter what happens. He says it is good for increasing lung volume and relaxation. I knew that, but I just nodded. He then ordered my labs for every two months, and echocardiogram (once a year) and another PFT with a walking test in four months before I return.
What a relief!! I was so tired after that. I had really worked myself up to hear horrendous news.
He did ask one more time about the sleep test. I politely explained to him why I keep refusing it. This time he understood. (pay deductible balance up front and 20% of procedure upfront = $2000) I told him that if I ever get $2000 to waste, I will make sure to have that test done.
That week of anxiety over my test results have given me a flare up. So, here is the golden nugget I learned so far. Don’t look at the preliminary results. It is not worth the nausea and flare up. So, in April, the results will go in an envelope and stay there until I can meet with the Dr. and have him explain.
I do understand that not all my follow-ups will be positive. I have various serious conditions that all lead to an early grave. It is my job to stay real and focus on Self Care this year. I didn’t start until August of last year with that motto. Let’s see how 2018 ends with it going all year.
Here is a smile from the week before Christmas.
