Complete Surprise

By susanh

1 min read

I am a 65 year old woman. I smoked for nearly 40 years, thankfully finally, successfully quit about 12-14 years ago. I first noticed this Spring what I thought was a sinus infection. Sinus congestion and pain that would not go away. Being early in the pandemic, my doc's office sent Rx for antibiotic with no visit. Helped a little for a while. Became teary on a bike ride with my husband that "something" was just wrong and I didn't know what. Made a call, got an x-ray. Got diagnosis over phone and an inhaler.

Beginning and accepting my journey

This was about 6 months ago. My pulmonary function test was within normal. My symptoms mostly minimal, but just don't go away. The congestion is most noticeable. So began my journey, and I am accepting of this, for today. Feel blessed I don't have to struggle with quitting smoking now, it was really hard. Grateful my weight and activity level is ok today. Just learning what to expect, how to hold onto my general good health.

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Barbara Moore Moderator
Hi Susan H, Spring is a funny time for us. Allergy season starts with a rapid pace and we can develop allergies and outgrow them as you get older. I wonder if you have been tested for allergies or if you are allergic to anything you are aware of? Perhaps a quick chat with a doctor will put your mind at ease. Barbara Moore (site moderator)
1. whirledpeas Member
 Okay if I jump in here? I'm new to the site, like in the past week or two, and already have appreciated the insights. Speaking of allergies, I am having an exacerbation caused by nothing I can identify. I had asked about cold and damp weather having a debilitating effect, because my lung capacity has steadily diminished in the last several weeks, and got to the point on the weekend that I had to revert to 24/7 use of oxygen, instead of only at night. Got a chest x-ray Tuesday and saw my pulmonologist yesterday. It was the oddest thing: no wheezing, no cold, no fever. I'm not sick. And yet, hardly any air is moving, and I find myself gasping for air from the least amount of walking. I was diagnosed with emphysema and severe asthma about ten years ago, and have used oxygen for a little over three years. I am a 72-year-old woman, 5' 4," now down to 111 lbs, from an average of 125. In February, I was lucky enough to have a procedure to insert three pulmonary valves, called Zephyr valves, which are placed in the big air pockets, and move the trapped air out. Within three months I didn't need any oxygen except to sleep. This is a procedure which has just recently, within the last year or so, been approved by the FDA, and my wonderful pulmonologist is one of a handful who performs it. It has been a blessing, to say the least! So, when I began having problems, my thought was that one of the valves may be displaced. That sounded like a major thing. Well, the valves are fine, but apparently it was caused by an allergic reaction to something. Since I haven't had any allergies or symptoms in years, I have no idea what caused it. But a dose of prednisone and an antibiotic are making me feel better already. Anyway, thanks for listening. Thought the valve story might be a new wrinkle, also. They are making a big difference in my life, although I need to exercise more. Have been sitting at home since covid, most recently using a recumbent bike for exercise. It's not enough to get through a six minute walk test, so I will next try a portable treadmill. I appreciate your wisdom and compassion.
2. whirledpeas Member
 @Janet Plank Hi, Janet. I did like the recumbent bike, but it wasn't really helping my stamina. So I got a small treadmill, and I have gone from less than 4 minutes to seven, walking. It is a struggle, but I can see improvement. I do enjoy the recumbent bike, though. Let me know how it works in the long run.
Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi <inline-mention user-id="2470696" username="susanh"/> , and thanks for sharing your story here with the community. Glad to hear you've been able to quit smoking - that is a genuine accomplishment - one you can be proud of, especially after 12-14 years! Keep up the good work! Have you had an opportunity as yet (during the pandemic) to be seen by your doctor or a pulmonologist? What are you thinking about having a pulmonary function test result within normal range and still have persistent congestion and pain? Do you think you should follow up for an appointment and assessment? Please do let us hear back from you when you are able to and have the time. All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
1. susanh Member
 I followed up with my PCP, did the testing, had exam. I see her again in April. May see pulmonologist after. I spent first few months after my dx saying, "Really?" I read stories and think Oh, I have it easy. I read info and figure some things have changed, and I can accept it, since no alternative.
susanh Member
I followed up with my PCP, did the testing, had exam. I see her again in April. May see pulmonologist after. I spent first few months after my dx saying, "Really?" I read stories and think Oh, I have it easy. I read info and figure some things have changed, and I can accept it, since no alternative.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi again, <inline-mention user-id="2470696" username="susanh"/> , and thanks for your reply and explanation (which I see duplicated, down below). Glad to hear you will be seeing your PCP in April and perhaps even following up with a pulmonologist. I think this is a good plan. If you are managing the congestion and pain - so be it. But, if you find those symptoms remain persistent or even worsen, you may want to consider scheduling the planned doctor visit earlier. Please do check back and keep us apprised of your progress, if you don't mind. Warmly, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
2. susanh Member
 Thanks.
susanh Member
Thanks.