I don’t like copd (and I’ll never capitalize it)
I am a newbie to this site and have probably already commented in too many places.But, I’m 67 years old (that age where you really don’t care what people think) and right now I’m 67 years old and on steroids (I’m on red alert and pumped!).
As I read many of your stories they really rip my heart out. Should I really be here? For all appearances, I am a normal, healthy 67 year old male. I am only approaching the battlefield……….so many of you are in the middle of that battle field and in the heat of battle every day of your lives.
I wanted to share some things I don’t like about our monster, because I know you’ll understand and there’s really no one else to share them with who “really” understands.
- Just every once in a while (I don’t know how to spell occasionally) I will have sentences that trail off into nothingness……the air is gone.This doesn’t happen very often, but just often enough to remind me.Fortunately, I have the male speaking gene and can zero in on man talk which includes grunts, groans, and much shorter sentences like: Yes. No. Fine. OK etc. (be very careful when using “fine” in any conversation with your spouse)
2. At the slightest hint of a sore throat or head cold I panic………..I know exactly what is about to happen.My wife can get a head cold, take some otc meds, and then it’s gone.Every time that happens I look at her and ask – How did you do that?
3. I will have periods where going to sleep is a challenge.It’s mild but just enough to be annoying.The Rice Krispies guys – Snap, Crackle, and Pop – are messing with me.My wife can’t hear it, it is all internal.It’s hard to go to sleep when the sounds of your own breathing are keeping you awake, and your little demon is reminding you that he’s there.
3. Dreams!!! Sometimes there are dreams where my breathing is very labored, or I’m having that suffocating feeling.They wake me up right away, and I am always fine……but it is scary.
4. The most humbling……….apologizing to my wife for being so sickly. There are so many things to do outside around the house.......but I can't take that chance.
I have learned more in a week on this website than in all the hours I’ve spent in doctor’s offices.
Seems like:
All the opticians I’ve seen in my life have perfect vision.
My dentists have all had perfect teeth (naturally).
My pulmonologist is a marathon/ultra-marathon runner.
They don’t understand………..
Oh well……just wanted to get that off my chest (whoa!There’s a pun in there somewhere!)