Sunday, June 29, 2014

Here we go again

In my archives, you will find a post entitled "Decision to have the last Word"  you can read it by clicking on the linked title above.  

One part of that post is copied below:
One day my husband and I were sitting in the exam room of a young Indian pulmonologist waiting for the results of tests done the week before.  Truthfully, we were not prepared for what followed.  This young doctor had certainly not had time to hone his bedside manner because, he stepped inside the room, shut the door and turned to look in my direction and bluntly said the words that will be forever etched in my memory, and I quote verbatim "Your test proved exactly what I expected.  You have Pulmonary Fibrosis.  You will be on oxygen within a year and dead in five."

Well last Friday I was once again in the office of this same doctor.  I had been feeling poorly for several days and then suddenly had problems breathing when I went outdoors in the hot humid weather of central Missouri.  I was sure I once again had pneumonia.  I've had it many times and always in the summer months.  Once the doctor had ordered a chest X-ray and a battery of pulmonary function test plus, referred me to a heart specialist for a stress test and echocardiogram he turned to my husband and me and bluntly said "You know the median life expectancy for your illness is seven and a half years.  I have been seeing you for three. I'm sure this is just the natural progression I expected from the beginning."


So starting tomorrow morning I will begin the weeklong battery of expensive testing: knowing that in the end, the result will be "Oh, you just had a bout of pneumonia."  Why did I even bother to go to the doctor in the first place and why can't I find another one closer to home to switch to.   

But, I could be wrong so wish me luck.  
       



2 comments:

  1. Oh dang, I remember this doctor. JERK!!! It seems pneumonia is becoming more and more commonplace. Out here, folks oftentimes develop a particularly nasty lung disease called "Valley Fever."
    Crossing fingers and toes, and prayers thrown in for good measure!

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  2. Good luck. Hoping for the better news.

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