May 10, 2006
On My Back Again! (not what you might think!!)
Friday was my first day at "Bronco Busters". It's an exercise and support program for people with COPD, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. My respirologist recommended the program to me, believing I will benefit from the exercises that strengthen my muscles and help me learn to get the most out of life every day. My problem is slightly different than most of the people there due to the fact that I have radiation fibrosis, but the symptoms are the same. Shortness of breath is a fact of life for me now and this program will teach me how to manage this and other symptoms of reduced lung capacity. The exercises seemed innocent enough and I breezed right through them. When I woke up Saturday morning, it felt like I'd been hit by a truck! Every muscle I had (and a few I didn't know existed!!) was screaming in agony from lack of use. I also had a sore throat; the kind that feels like it's been sliced by a knife. Not nice and very uncomfortable. As the day wore on, I had moments when I felt chilled, and then I'd be fine. A cough developed, different from my "usual" one and I began feeling tired enough to lay down. I managed to continue to do odd jobs around the house and outside in the garden. Sunday was a repeat of Saturday, except I went to bed early because I felt so rough. By Monday, I had to call and cancel the appointment with the gasto-entologist because I was too sick to get out of bed. My body felt worse than ever, pain wise, and this is coming through although I'm on mega-pain meds. A low grade fever developed (101.5 F.) which hung on all day until late afternoon. Although Tuesday I managed to get out of bed a few times for short periods, I still spent the majority of the day on my back! Sinus congestion has been a part of this scenario and the cough has left me with additional pain in my chest. Sounds like a cold, yes? Such a simple thing could be life-threatening to me if it were to develop into pneumonia, so I need to be extra cautious. Staying away from crowds and hospitals is one way to avoid picking up "bugs", but this new exercise program is with a group of sickly, older individuals and is located in a long-term care hospital facility. Hmmm...what to do? what to do? Today is much better, and aside from the cough and congestion I don't feel too bad. Not sure if I'll make it to class on Friday or not, depends on how I feel. This could be a problem for me but I hope not. I sure would like to benefit from the expertise of the professionals there and it would be great to pick up some pointers on making life easier.
Posted by Sue Checkley on May 10, 2006 01:16 PM