Had my second oximetry and spirometry test today this year. It has been six months since my last one. I know that August, September and October were unusually brutal to me this time around. I wasn’t sure if it was the stress of returning to work, the work air or the palms in bloom. Well, Even though I have been feeling much better since Thanksgiving week (after the heart catherization- which was normal). My suspicions of my worsening health have been confirmed.
Oximetry = 6 minute walk test. Spirometry – blowing in to a machine
Oximetry test – First oxygen reading sitting down before exam. 98% – normal
After first 6 minutes walking – no oxygen assistance – 77% – bad
After next 6 minute walking test with 2L oxygen – 82% – still bad.
After a third run of 6 minutes of walking with 4L – 94% – normal
Never before have I gone to three rounds of walking or needed the oxygen increased. I am not feeling quite as depressed as I did in June. But, I did a devotional first and while I was walking I said the following repeatedly…
“I belong to God and He belongs to me. No one can take that away from me. He is in control of my situation and I need to be content. I will stay positive. I am in control of my mental health.” Again, again and again.
I have paid for this blog for an additional two years…..Let’s see if I live long enough to renew it. I am sure I will.
I have told my friends and church family. I am happy. I have beat one doctor’s prediction of my condition already. He said I would be on full time oxygen by this time and bed bound.
I still work, walk the dog, go to churh and volunteer at the Joseph Dreamhouse pantry. I do not walk as far. Daisy doesn’t care. She just knows it is time with me. I can’t work as long at the food pantry. The owner doesn’t care. She knows I am giving my heart. I may cough at work from talking too much sometimes. Most people don’t care. I am there doing my job and helping others. So I sit way in the back by the doors at church. That way I can escape should I start coughing or someone’s perfume is overpowering. If I think a situation may compromise my health, I don’t do it. Period. I will make other arrangements to be with that person in a better situation for me.
So, I can honestly say that today could have been tragic for me emotionally. I refuse to let it affect me that way.
I will continue to fight and enjoy each day.
By the way, I just finished my degree for Business Administration. On to my next project!
