Oct. 26, 2009 - Monday

Feeling much better this morning.  I will be heading out for work shortly.  If you read this, please pray that the Lord will strengthen me to get through this day, and that I can get through it with no asthma flair ups.  Thanks.

• 1 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Oct. 25, 2009 - Sunday

I was completely wiped out after working all week.  Lots of asthma flair ups.  I quit using the latex gloves in case that was causing the problem at work.  Yet, I wonder if it could be wearing the N95 masks so much.  (I just can't see it being a good thing for an asthmatic to wear such a tight-fitting mask and breathing in the same air over and over.) 

This morning, I finally got up at 9:35 but could easily have stayed in bed.  Dealing with stomach cramps early on.  Now just a sour feeling in my gut and sour taste in my mouth -- the kind you get just before , yet I haven't  as of yet.  

Heavy feeling in my chest/a bit of coughing/sneezing.  

After being exposed to so much H1N1 at work, I wonder if I'm coming down with it.    (I *did* read a report the hospital sent out, and nationwide, 99% of the positive tests ARE positive for H1N1, so it's pretty certain I've been around it a lot at work.) 

If I do end up sick, I will have dd post updates.  That is, unless we decide to send her to stay with my parents since I don't want her to get it.  I know I am overly-cautious about it due to seeing so many of the younger generation fighting it.  OTOH, if it's H1N1, she has already been exposed because I would likely have been contagious yesterday (even before feeling any symptoms). 

• 1 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Oct. 17, 2009 - Soy Soup

Since I've figured out that milk is a huge allergy for me, I am learning to cook differently.  Last night, I really wanted potato soup for supper.  Yet, it calls for 2 c. of milk.  Instead, I split the recipe in 1/2, using two pans for it.  One batch got the milk.  The other batch was made using dry soy, mixed with water.  It was delicious!  And no asthma issues afterwards!  WOOHOO!   I was a bit concerned that it might upset my stomach since drinking soy milk does that to me, but I was fine after eating it.  That is a great feeling to know that I can just make some minor changes, yet still enjoy some of my favorite foods. 

• 3 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Oct. 4, 2009 - Update on prayer request below this thread

Update:  I made it through the night w/o going to ER.  

I think it was a severe allergic reaction to the flu shot that I got on Thursday.  I found the paper they gave me when I got the shot.  Here's what it said:

"Signs of a sever allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, or dizziness."  I highlighted all of the symptoms I experienced last night. 

I still feel very washed-out this morning and pretty weak.  If I start having trouble breathing again, I am heading to ER.  (The sheet of paper I have also states there is a federal reimbursement program for those who suffer allergic reactions, so why make myself suffer if there is compensation?")

  

Several people have told me that an allergic reaction should have occurred within minutes/hours of the shot, but I still find it very odd that all of the symptoms I experienced last night match those that are listed in the information I was given about the flu shot.    So it leaves me  .    All I know is that I really did think I was going to die last night.  Last night was awful, and so very scary. 

~~~ On a happier note, my oldest brother made the front page of the Sunday newspaper!  http://www.ktonline.com/local/local_story_276225856.html

• 3 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Oct. 3, 2009 - Emergency Prayer Request

• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Sep. 15, 2009 - Swanson Vitamins

I found a website that has great deals on vitamins.  In dealing with the chronic asthma, I read The Bible Cure For Asthma by Dr. Don Colbert.  I went to the above website to order several things Dr. Colbert recommended, using along with my regular meds.  I saved over $236!  Here is how I did it:

I played around with the promo codes I had on some mailers I received from Swanson's.  I figured out which code would give me the better deals, and I placed TWO orders instead of one.  Even with the additional $4.99 shipping charge for the second order, I still came out way ahead!  My actual cost for the items, including both shipping charges was around $111.  (Not a bad investment in my health if the products will do what I hope they will.) 

For those who may also have asthma issues, I wanted to list what Dr. Colbert recommended.

• Lipoic Acid - 100 mg. 3xs a day,
• Natural E - 400 units a day,
• CoQ10 - works synergistically with the Natural E (didn't recommend how much to take),
• Vitamin C - 250-500 mg. 3xs a day,
• L-Glutathione - no recommendation on how much to take,
• Grape Seed extract - 50 mg. 3xs a day (I didn't get this one because I think I might find it cheaper locally.)  This one is a very powerful anti-oxidant --even more powerful than Vitamin C.
• Selenium - 200 mcg. per day,
• Quercetin - 500 mg. 3xs a day (recommends increasing it over time to 1000 mg. 3-4 times a day),
• Omega 3 - 700 mg. 3xs a day,
• Moducare OR NaturLeaf (You don't need both of them.)  Moducare is 3xs a day/NaturLeaf is 2xs a day.  (I skipped these because they are rather pricy.)

** Please note that Dr. Colbert did not recommend stopping any asthma meds that you are currently taking.  These supplements are to be used along with your prescribed medicines. **

Along with buying the above mentioned items, I also purchased Nature's Secret Ultimate Cleanse.  It specifically mentioned that it is even designed to clean toxins from the lungs.  Since I started having asthma problems after the neighbor sprayed chemicals on their lawn, I figured it was worth a try. (Update: When the package arrived, I discovered it has soy in it, so I had to send it back.)

I also bought some time-released energy capsules, as well as some anti-stress herbs.  Since asthma is often stress-induced, if I can find something to help me with my stress level, perhaps I will feel even better.  My mom has pointed out how much added stress we have had recently (The effects of the economy on dh's business, the loss of his work truck when someone totaled it, my having to get a job after being a SAHM for nearly 13 years, continuing with hs'ing even though I am working nearly full-time hours and sometimes OT, the weight of trying to manage my home and do things as close to how I did them as a SAHM, the loss of church fellowship since I have to work many weekends, how tired I am, and how sick I feel most of the time.)  Update:  The anti-stress herbs seem to be helping.  Though I'm still crying a lot, I'm not quite as stressed.

I am hoping these items will really help me so that I don't even need to visit the asthma/allergy specialist.  I just can't get past the fact that it will cost me $262 just to walk in the door.

I also wanted to show you my great buy.  I got a Coach purse on Ebay.  These purses run nearly $300, yet I got mine for $36.00!    I normally don't pay that kind of $ for a purse, but I kept hearing how they last and last (kind of like the Energizer bunny).    And sometimes, you DO get what you pay for.  And the purse is much nicer and prettier than it looks in the picture.

• 5 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Sep. 1, 2009 - 9/1 Asthma update

I just had to post this and tell you that I have felt better today than I have in MANY weeks!  

My numbers aren't all that much higher, but there was definitely something different about the way I felt.  I could breathe easier w/very little pain (and I only had that a couple of times).  Now I did notice that I didn't feel quite as good when I left work today.  I suppose that could be because it is so breezy today, so there is likely a lot of pollen in the air.  I simply can't bring myself to close the windows, though I know I should.     (I also checked the pollen count for today, and it is in the high range.)

I am wondering if the Singulair has anything to do with the sudden turnaround.  I've been on it now for about 10 days.  Whatever the reason, I am VERY grateful!

• 4 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Aug. 25, 2009 - Doctor Visit

Well, I went to see the doctor today.  I spent over $100 and don't feel we are any closer to finding a solution.  He even admitted that he is baffled as to why I'm not getting any better.

I told him that my numbers are not really much higher, even w/both inhalers twice a day.  He wants me to up them to 4xs a day.

He even had me do a breathing treatment in his office.  It actually made my peak flow numbers go down.     Not only that, I was VERY dizzy and light-headed after doing the treatment.  It was awful.     Though when he checked my lungs again, he said they did sound better than they did when he first checked me.

I did mention what happened after going to the vet's office -- throat feeling like it was swelling shut, couldn't breathe very well, itching, etc.  He thinks it would be a good idea to check with an allergy specialist and see how much it would cost to have the allergy tests done where they pr*ck your back, etc.  However, he did say it would likely be at least $500.

He prescribed singulair since it is looking like the asthma may be allergy-induced/related.  I told him that I'm taking 10 mg. loratadine each AM and an antihistamine at night too.  I asked if I should go ahead and add the psudoephedrine to the AM loratadine.  He said yes, and to keep taking them w/the singulair since they all work together.

I creid all the way home because I'm so frustrated.  I'm working my b*tt off at the hospital, and for what?  So I can pay all kinds of medical bills.     And when I say working my b*tt off, I am serious -- we had over 600 patients come through admissions yesterday!     (The normal count is around 200.)

• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Aug. 11, 2009 - Asthma update

I posted yesterday about the iced chai tea I have been making.  After having a couple of cups of it over the weekend, I discovered that the asthma was getting worse.  Not only that, but my throat started feeling like it was swelling shut, and it was hurting.  I decided that perhaps I have a milk allergy.  Yet, I still wanted to drink my chai tea!  I found an alternative in some soy milk.  I tried it yesterday and today, and it is wonderful!

I am currently researching alternatives to milk.  I've heard that soy isn't a great alternative, so I may quit that one soon.  I do want to find something in a powder formula to replace my current dry milk that I use in so many things like my instant cappuccino mixes, hot chocolate mixes, cream soup mixes, etc.  If any of you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them! 

I also figured out that I cannot eat macaroni salad.  I checked the ingredients, and milk was not listed.  However, after eating some for lunch, my chest felt funny.  The best way to describe it is that it felt like I was having a panic attack, but I wasn't panicked about anything.  I ate more macaroni salad for supper, and in about the same amount of time, that feeling in my chest came back.  The only thing I ate for lunch and supper that was the same is the macaroni salad.

Everything I've read about asthma recommends keeping a journal on what I've eaten on days when the asthma really acts up.  I'm glad I am finally making some connections with foods, so that I can eliminate those that seem to aggravate my symptoms.

I came home this evening after work and checked my peak flow reading.  It was up to 400, which is the HIGHEST it has been since I started using it!    I know a lot of it is due to the power of prayer, but I do believe that some is from changing dietary habits.  I am looking forward to seeing how I feel once I have been off of milk for several days.  I may be a new woman! 

• 4 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Aug. 5, 2009 - Asthma (again)

Asthma update:

I have only had to use the inhalers about once a week for the last couple of weeks.  However, after the huge change in the weather, I have resorted to using them again because my peak flow dropped quite a bit.

I am working 8 days in a row.  Today was a 4-hour shift (overtime hours for which I volunteered), so I got off at noon.  I was so tired that I wanted to take a nap when I got home.  I didn't want to use the inhalers before I slept because I knew they would give me the shakes, and it is hard to sleep when you feel jittery.  I still didn't sleep well because it felt like something was sitting on my chest.  As I listened to myself breathe this afternoon, I could tell that it is taking a lot of effort to breathe, which in turn, really makes me tired.  I still have four days to work before I have one day off, and three of those four days require that I be up at 5:00 AM. 

I have used the inhalers twice today, and will likely be using them again before I head off to bed.

What is really bad when I struggle like this is that I get very emotional, depressed, and I stress-out very easily.  Those are the times I start doubting my ability to make homeschooling work while I am working full time.  I just want to throw my hands up and say, "I quit!"    (But I won't make a big decision like that when I am feeling so emotional.) 

• 1 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jul. 26, 2009 - Sunday

A couple of weeks ago, when I went to church, I had an asthma flare-up.  It started once I started trying to sing during worship.  I was so frustrated because I had missed four Sundays in a row (3 health-related absenses, and one due to work).  However, this week I was able to sing just like normal, and no problems!  PTL!  I am on my second day with no asthma medicines, and so far, it seems to be going well. 

I do notice that I cannot walk nearly as fast as I used to walk, so I do try to pay attention to my body when I'm up moving around.  If I find I'm getting short-winded, I slow down.

Today's service was awesome!  I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to worship the Lord, but I also really enjoyed Pastor Kevin's message from the book of Jonah.  It was very enlightening and also challenging.  We all have "Ninevites" whom we don't believe will get saved, or whom we don't believe deserve God's mercy.  Yet the people on God's list often aren't on our list.    His message challenged me to start believing for the salvation of people whom I'd basically "written off".  It was very interesting to see how he went to the book of Matthew and pointed out people in the geneology of Christ -- people whom we would normally have "written off," like Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and "Uriah's wife," as it refers to her in that portion of scripture.  Who are the "Ninevites" you have "written off"?

• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jul. 20, 2009 - This week and a helpful website

I started having serious asthma troubles on July 13.  A friend, who is also a doctor, suggested I "up" my meds, which I did.  I also followed up with a doctor visit.  I noticed on Sunday that I was feeling quite a bit better.  Today I felt even better.  I checked my peak flow meter even before using the inhaler and my reading was higher than anything I registered last week.  I am starting to feel like "me" again, and it feels simply wonderful.    If you haven't struggled with asthma before, you can't understand how much the lack of oxygen can affect your moods.  I was really depressed and short-fused last week.  I attribute most of it to the lack of oxygen, and the toll it was taking on my body just to manage to breathe.  I had to walk at a snail's pace just to keep my breathing nice and steady so that I wouldn't be huffing and puffing.

I found a very neat website that had several suggestions for alternatives to traditional medicine for asthma:

http://www.homemademedicine.com/home-remedies-asthma.html

• 4 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jul. 18, 2009 - Prescription

I went to pick up the higher-dosage steroid inhaler today after work.  Even after applying a $20 coupon, it was over $192.00!    I didn't buy it.  I don't have that kind of money to spend on medicine that *might* last me 30 days.   

I had a couple of smokers come through admissions today.  To say  I am highly allergic to cigarette smoking is a HUGE understatement, and now with the asthma, it only makes it worse.  I've gone downhill ever since they sat down at my desk this afternoon.  I started losing my voice even while they were sitting there, and now I have no voice at all.  I have to really strain to get any power in my words.  I am taking a break from talking now that I am home.  It would sure help if dd could remember some of the sign language we learned a few years back. 

• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jul. 18, 2009 - Doctor Visit

I went to the doctor again yesterday since the asthma has been flaring up all week.  I told him what numbers I was getting on my peak flow meter, and his comment was, "You're not getting very much air into your lungs.  That's not good." 

He put me on the steroid pack again (6 days), upped BOTH of my inhalers, gave me a Spiriva handihaler.  The Spiriva handihaler is a neat little gadget, but dh is very concerned about the side effects.    We are looking into alternative treatments too. 

The doctor also ordered a chest x-ray, so I will get that done once I finish my shift at the hospital today.  He also told me to go to the license branch for paperwork to apply for a handicap parking permit since I have to walk so far to get in the doors at work.  The slightest walking leaves me very short of breath.    That's not a good way to start the day.

I'm off to work now.  TTFN!

• 1 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jul. 14, 2009 - Asthma help and Swanson Vitamins

Since being diagnosed with asthma, I have been doing a lot of reading, trying to figure out ways to deal with it without going broke in the process.

One thing I have been using is called Bronchitis & Asthma Aide.  If you click on the link, you will find a wonderful website where you buy things much cheaper than what the health food stores sell them for.    Most of the time, this natural homeopathic remedy works for me.  Occasionally, I do still have to resort to the inhaler.

One thing I have noticed when using the inhaler is that I tend to get the shakes really bad.  I also feel like I'm ready to jump down someone's throat.    That is not a good feeling.  A doctor's wife told me a method to help curb the shakes.  After using the inhaler, gargle with some water.  Follow that with rinsing your mouth, then take a large drink of water.  I did that the last time I used the inhaler, and I had NO nasty side effects!

Here's another plug for the website that I linked to above:  The first time I bought from this company, I spent around $75, but I got well over $150 worth of items.  Also, before I bought from them, I signed up for their emails, and patiently waited for a discount for any online orders.  It took less than a week for that email to come through.    They even offer a double-the-difference price guarantee. 

Dd had to clog Monday night at the fair.  I was absolutely miserable, and on the verge of a panic attack because I was getting scared about having so much trouble breathing deeply.  Thankfully, Traci, one of the adult cloggers who also has asthma, walked me through it and was able to help me calm down.  I used my inhaler 4 times on Monday (the maximum allowed), and the last time, it only helped me breathe deeply for about 15 minutes.  Not pleasant to see it end so soon, and know that I couldn't use the inhaler again.    To say that this is very frustrating and very scary is an understatement.  If you think of it, please pray I get some relief, as we do not have insurance to cover lots of medical treatment for this.

• 4 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jul. 12, 2009 - Asthma

It felt so good to be in church, after missing the last four weeks. 

• Week #1 - sick with bronchitis and asthma
• Week #2 - dealing with side effects from the antibiotics
• Week #3 - my back was out
• Week #4 - I was working

I was really looking forward to worshiping the Lord through the songs.  Yet, when I started singing, my chest began to get very tight and my throat felt like it was closing in on me.  I sat down and  because I was so frustrated.  I wanted to worship the Lord with all that was in me, yet I physically couldn't do it.  I ended up taking 2 doses of the homeopathic remedy I've been using, with great success.  It didn't work.  I finally had to break down and use the inhaler.  I feel better now, but I continue to cough quite a bit.  I think the a/c is bothering me.

I decided to make a category just for the threads I post about the asthma.  Who knows?  Perhaps someone will need to read them.  Or maybe someone will see them and have some great advice to share with me.    (hint, hint!) 

• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jul. 7, 2009 - Swimming

Dd and I went swimming after I got home from work.  Actually, she swam.  I did water aerobics.     Now that I am working, mainly sitting down all day, I have noticed that my back is hurting a lot more.    It felt wonderful to get in the pool and stretch it out quite a bit. 

Once we got in the pool, it dawned on me that I haven't been swimming or doing any kind of exercising since the doctor diagnosed me with asthma.  I also didn't bring my inhaler up to the pool with me.  I did just fine without it!    In fact, it has probably been nearly two weeks since I have used the inhaler. 

Once we finished at the pool, we headed to the store to get a few things we need for her 13th birthday party this Friday.  We also bought some fresh fruit so we can make fruit salads.  Yum! 

• 1 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jun. 19, 2009 - Update on my illness

I have been sick for nearly two weeks now.  I went to the urgent care center 9 days ago and never seemed to get better.  I finally went to my doctor yesterday.  Both doctors agreed that the wheezing I was having as I exhaled was a classic sign of asthma.  I also developed a bad case of bronchitis and a nasty sinus infection.

Dr. Joe gave me some different antibiotics.  Thankfully, he had some samples in his office to give me.  Otherwise, they would have cost me over $7.50 per pill.    He also prescribed some steroids to help clear up the issues with my lungs.  It was late in the day when I saw him, and being that I am very anxious to start feeling better, I decided to take the steroids yesterday evening.  It is a pack where you take 6 pills the first day, 5 the next, 4 the next, and so on.  Even with the codeine in the cough medicine, I was still "buzzed" from the steroids.  I didn't get to sleep until after 3:00 AM and I was awake again by 4:30.  I took my next dose of the steroids this morning, hoping to give me the energy to get through the day at work. 

I had some errands to run, even in the 95 degree heat.  Since the wind was really blowing, I was quite winded by the time I made it to my car on the back recesses of Walmart's parking lot.  I thought I was going to have to get out the inhaler on the way home.  (I hate that inhaler, by the way.)    That stuff is nasty, but it does help when I'm not doing well.

I decided to lie down for a while after I got home.  I never got to sleep, but it gave me a second wind this evening.  I dusted and vacuumed the entire house, cleaned mirrors, lamps, etc.  I washed the tiled walls of the bathroom, cleaned the countertop in there, washed the trashcan, washed the baseboards in the kitchen, put away the laundry, and straightened up some of the clutter that built up over the week.  And I did this all in less than 30 minutes!    I guess that is a  side to being on the steroids. 

Last night when I came home, I was in need of a good cry.  There's been a lot of things building up that have me very frustrated.  Once I started crying, I saw that I really needed to let loose and just sob.  However, as I began to sob, I realized I couldn't breathe!    That sense of panic when you can't get enough air hit me hard.  DD went running for my inhaler.  By that time, I wanted to cry because I couldn't cry, or else I'd risk another asthma attack.    And we all know that a good cry can do much better than hours spent in a counselor's office. 

Work continues to go very well.  I really enjoy the job.  I've met some really interesting people, seen people I haven't seen in years, met some humorous people, and I've even met a few cantankerous coots too!    Let's just say there's never a dull moment on the job. 

• 1 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link