The Top10 Things You Should Do If You Test Positive For Alpha1

  • Have A List Of Questions When You See a Doctor About Your Alpha1(If you try to remember the questions you want to ask you may forget half of them)
  • Learn To Breathe Effectively
  • Limit Or Eliminate Your Alcohol Consumption
  • Don't Be Afraid To Be Proactive About Your Alpha1
  • Get Plenty Of Rest(You will likely have a higher oxygenation level)
  • Avoid Sick People(You have a lower immune system than most people)
  • Drink Plenty Of Water
  • Eat Healthy/Avoid Processed Food(Carbonated beverages)
  • Start A Careful Exercise Program/Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program(Your muscles will become more efficient so they won't use as much oxygen and if you have surgery you will likely recover quicker as well)
  • Stop Smoking

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Walking The Tight Rope

In September I received a very chilling prognosis. I've never really felt great for a couple years but, I could never understand why. I saw my lung doctor on September 27th, 2013. He told me I had 1-3 yrs to live with no chance of transplant and where did I want my oxygen and concentrator prescription sent.When I stopped at the local Apria when I got home I asked the gentlemen who help me load my supplemental oxygen concentrator " Has anybody prescribed these returned these shortly after being prescribed them?" He responded" No. But, that doesn't mean you can't." Within two days of returning home I was having such a time breathing I went to one emergency room until I realized they had no clue what they were doing and there was a good chance I could die. I went home, fed my animals and headed to the next ER. There I was admitted and although it took over 30 hrs to get my airways open enough so I could lay down to rest they got Dr Hogarth involved. He asked for respiratory therapist to be brought in and I feel the best I have in 2-4 years! I spent three days in the hospital. My Oxygen level is up, heart rate down and the filter on the lense cap of my future has been altered. I was off work for three weeks and for the first time I wasn't sure I'd be able to return to work. And I'm the type of person who has never dreamed of retirement. When I returned to U of Chicago to visit Dr Hogarth I was released to return to work. Although he would have liked me to keep the supplemental oxygen & concentrator if it was paid for he was ok with me returning it. When I stopped by Apria the same gentlemen met me to help. I said "I'm here to return the concentrator & oxygen tanks." He simply said "Good.". I've been out shoveling my driveway and I have better cutting numbers at work! In spite of the financial setback I'm doing pretty good. It looks like I will be able to make first half of taxes and I haven't had to open up a charge account at the feedmill yet for propane. It's as high as I used to pay for fuel oil to heat the farmhouse I used to rent. Life is good!!!!!
 
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