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still stunned how after 60 years of smoking 2-3 packs a day I haven't
had a problem and very seldom think about it.
It has been 9
months since I had the aorta valve replacement surgery and though I
feel I have come a long way I am still having problems. I really don't
know whether that is due to the operation or just my old age!
I
have had a few rough days/nights but I have also had some really good
days/nights more than I have had previously. I still find it very
unsettling to lie flat on my back, consequently I find it impossible to
have a cat scan and have had to cancel twice. Really don't know where
that fear is coming from. Sleep still is a problem a few nights a week.
After a couple of more Mended Hearts meetings I decided this support group doesn't offer much support and it was just taking up my time without accomplishing anything.
Last month my pulmonary doctor diagnosed me with COPD and prescribed Spiriva. When it didn't 'kick in' within a week I called him back and he now prescribed Advair, reluctantly as he had some hesitation since I have arterial fibrillation and felt it would act adversely.
The Advair seems to have done the trick. Now living in a senior residence there
are 300+ doctors here and most had advice for me. It seems many are
taking both Advair AND Spiriva.
Also, it was suggested I get an 'emergency', a 'quick reliever'
inhaler. I spoke to my primary doctor, as I won't be seeing my
pulmonary doc until May 4, and he agreed to prescribe for me Xopenex to use when necessary. Since I have been carrying the inhaler on me I
haven't had a problem breathing but then I don't know what would
constitute an 'emergency' or 'necessary' though I think not being able
to breath would be the test and so far that hasn't happened.
I
have been keeping my doctor appointments and prescriptions down to a
minimum. In April, aside from appointments with my primary for testing
blood thinner levels and minor problems I only had 2 doctor
appointments including the oneupcoming this Monday with my Ophthalmologist
. In may I have 2 appointments scheduled of which one is with my
vascular surgeon regarding the operations on my legs. I do have to set
up appointments with my cardiologist, urologist, podiatrist and
dermatologist but they can wait. :O)
All in all it has been one of the better months since the operation but I am still not up to what I would call par.
