I know this post is a lot later in the day than usual, but that’s because I’ve been at the doctor’s office all morning. As I’ve mentioned on here before, I have asthma. But as of late, it’s definitely been….well…unchecked! Truthfully, I hadn’t been to an asthma doc since 2005 before I went abroad. At the time, I bought a ton of medication to get me through my travels, and it lasted long until after I got back to the States. After it ran out, I kinda forgot about things…until recently.
Truth? I’ve been having a hell of a time breathing lately! I’ve been experiencing all the symptoms–coughing, draining, shortness of breath, wheezing–you name it, I’ve had it. Even worse? It FINALLY occurred to me that my high heart rate might have something to do with my lack of breathing capacity instead of whatever other possibilities I had considered. In light of all that, I finally went to the doc this morning and got some tests done.
Yup. My lungs suck.
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They gave me an oxygen test which deduced that I was getting enough oxygen, but not 100% of what I should get. Instead, I was at 94%. Still okay but not outstanding. My lungs, on the other hand, are just naturally inflamed and put me in the 57% bracket. In short, I only get 57% of the air that most women of my height and weight get. No bueno, and my doc agreed that it probably is a large reason that my HR sky rockets when I run.
The good news? I got some drugs. And no, not those kind!
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I’m back on my emergency inhaler and my dry steroid inhalant. Those two combined should make my breathing effortless. I’m also on some intense steroid for the next few days to reduce the lung inflammation back to where it should be. After that, the other medications should regulate it.
It sounds like a lot, but I’m actually really, really excited and relieved to have this taken care of. I don’t talk about it a lot on here, but it’s a very scary feeling to be unable to breathe. I was getting exhausted with the symptoms and frustrated with having to self-regulate my breathing so that I didn’t launch into a full-scale asthma attack. And the best part? I won’t sound like I have emphysema anymore! HOORAY!!
What did you do today??
14 Comments
Yep – I got it – running or any physical activity in cold weather sends me into dry hacking coughs – ICK Good to get on top of it. It has definitely not stopped me from doing anything though – just need to be prepared. Today was school work for kids, laundry, and a good surf session!!!!!!!
I don’t have asthma, but I have a good friend that does and she’s had attacks while out running before. I can’t even imagine what it feels like not to be able to breathe! I’m glad you were able to get some medicine that will help!!
I don’t have asthma, so I can only imagine how hard that can be at times. Good for you for still being so active and fit! Today, I worked and then did absolutely nothing. It was glorious and my foot needed it 🙂
My husband has asthma–he uses his inhaler before every run. He’s never had an “attack” since I’ve been with him because he’s so careful now, but he’s described them to me. Our little boy has a touch of it, too. So glad you’re getting it dealt with–I bet it will be life-changing.
Scary stuff!! O2 sats of 94% sound like it’d be a little uncomfortable, hopefully the meds will help you out! You perform so well considering you only get 57% of the normal oxygen of your fellow runners/triathletes!
Wow, you rock for running despite all of this!
I don’t have asthma but it sounds really scary. I hope it all gets better soon!
I am glad your OK, that is scary
Asthma sucks! I hope the drugs help and that you are feeling better real soon.
Glad you got it checked out. Scary stuff. Hopefully you will be back at 100% in a few days! Way to be awesome in spite of that!
Hopefully now that you have the drugs you will it will help! i have not had asthma and am so happy for it, it does not sound fun or easy to deal with.
I had really bad exercise induced asthma in jr high and high school, but it seemed to go away when I was in college. But at my last check up, my doctor recommended that I go back on an inhaler so I don’t do long term damage to my lungs.
Which reminds me, I need to refill my inhaler prescription.
Glad you made it to the doctor! I hope this will help you breathe easier literally!
Glad you got meds to help you breathe again!!! Also glad you may have fixed your heart rate problem…… Not glad that you have an excuse for your HR and I have absolutely none for mine…..