Update time-
So, since I last told you about my adventure with this chest cold, I finally got in to see the Pulmonologist the day after Thanksgiving. Ended up going on 10 days of a broad spectrum antibiotic and nebulizer twice a day.
Spent two weeks coughing up wonderfully grosse stuff. But, I am still trapped into using oxygen for almost everything. The coughing is finally dryer, but I am still struggling to breathe. I even started having anxiety attacks going up the stairs from the car.
After having to sleep with oxygen for over a week now, which I have not needed in 5 years, I begged the Pulmonologist for more steriods and nebulizer medication. Dr. wants me to get a lung transplant.
Been on it three days now, still waiting for improvement. I know that getting better takes time.
I feel worse now than when I was first being diagnosed with MCTD. At that point in time I was under a lot of stress. Here we are again with me feeling horrible. What are the extenuating factors:
- Stress from lack of assistance at work, having to cover other jobs
- Stress due to family emergency regarding immediate family member
- Stress from holidays and being caught unprepared
So, besides being physically ill, there is a strong mental component.
I am spending the next two weeks redoing tests at the hospital to see if I am in a flare or declining severely fast. After that will be another Dr. appointment.
I will let you know what happens.
Either way, this has kept me in constant prayer with God. I thank him for every breath.