LIVING THROUGH MODERN MEDICINE

A picture of the Sunset here in Sequim

I just put the picture on because I liked it.  The reason for my blog is to let everyone know what is going on with me.

I know that I had written earlier about my bout with Bronchitis back in the middle of August.  I have been to the doctor three times.  I had a breathing test which was abnormal.  I have been on two kinds of inhalers and have been using a Nebulizer.  When I went on Flovent I was doing much better but I still was short of breath just doing the simplest tasks. It has been nearly three months since I have not been winded to some degree.  Some days were worse than others depending on what I did.

Finally Wednesday I was able to see the Pulmonary Specialist.  He put me on Symbicort.  Symbicort is for Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis and COPD.  This is a miracle drug.  Yesterday I woke up and was not winded at all.  Going up the stairs and going for a short walk and doing a few other things and I was breathing just fine.  I was so used to being winded that all day I kept expecting to get short of breath, but I didn't.

Today I went to the store and carried a couple of heavy bags downstairs, did laundry, baked cookies.  I cleaned my Microwave.  A couple of weeks ago I would have been lucky to do just one of those things.

I have a follow-up appointment with the Specialist in May.  I am supposed to call if I have any problems before then.

The Specialist says I have Asthma and I could have a bad spell if something triggers it such as a bad cold or Bronchitis or something I might be allergic to. I am sure I have had Asthma for sometime without realizing it.

I just cannot say enough about Symbicort.  Symbicort has given me back my energy.  It is indeed a miracle drug.  The downside is that it is very expensive.  One inhaler lasts one month and costs $319.00.  Thanks to my dear Clayton who was a longshoreman for over 25 years, I have wonderful insurance.  I only pay $1.00.  I wonder how many people could benefit by it and not be able to get it because of the cost.