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Year Three, Day 171: Slowly Breathing


I did it again!

I jog/walked 1 lap at the track this morning at sunrise. I had to get there early, before the school children started showing up. The public is only allowed to use the running track outside of school hours.

So I popped out of bed at 6:50 and headed over to the track. With my flashlight.

I was stiff and sore this morning.  I really need to start working on eating healthier.

I must sound like a broken record! Yesterday after my Baby Gracie shift, my son-in-law dropped me off at the Cascades Max Station. I was just going to have a cup of tea, but I hadn't really had dinner. So I went to Panda Express.

I did pretty well. I had veggies, beef and rice.



The problem is, I was feeling the need to just sit and relax and read.  I had held Baby Gracie for about 3 hours earlier. I love time with her, but I felt the need for some quiet pondering.  After my meal, I got out my Bible, prayer journal and devotional.

I did some lovely reading.  But I just wasn't ready for the ride home.  So I headed over to the frozen yogurt joint across the way. And had a lovely cup of Irish Creme frozen yogurt  topped with berries, nuts, coconut and hot fudge.

It was so yummy!  I felt very happy eating my treat and just relaxing after a long weekend.

But when I got home, I had trouble falling asleep. My legs felt restless.  I started to cough and wheeze.   Oy.

I'm wondering if it is a sugar reaction?  I definitely notice the restless leg issues after I've consumed sugar.  But the cough?

Anyway, this morning, after my run, I came home and was still tired. I thought maybe I'd take a little nap before my hoop  and piano practice session.

Alas, I had a horrible coughing and wheezing fit. Heavy on the wheezing. I felt short of breath. Then I felt a bit panicky. My mind started to race. My heart started to pound. What if I stopped breathing? What if my COPD gets worse? How will I teach? How will I take care of my granddaughter?

What if I can't run?

Nope. Not an option. Run, I shall!

I took control. I sat up. I breathed slowly in through my nose, out through m mouth. Drank some water.  I adjusted the pillows, so I was not laying flat on my back.

I kept breathing slowly. I read an article on COPD that said to breathe in slowly through your nose.  Hold your breath and then exhale twice as slow.  It helped the wheeze and to still my racing heart (and thoughts). 

Breathing almost normally again, I lay down on my side. And slept for 2 1/2 hours!

Now I am feeling much better. I went out to hoop. It is a lovely, clear, blustery fall day. I took all of my vitamins, drank some water with vitamin c powder and made some hot tea.

I practiced for about an hour.

But I am going to make a doctor's appointment for later in the week. I think having an inhaler on hand for my episodes would be good.  I talked to my daughter about it this morning. She is worried I will depend too much on the inhaler. She suggested getting one, but keeping a record of my asthma attacks. And ask the doctor how frequent I should use the inhaler.

Smart girl, that one!

Today, I am heading to the library to print some flyers for my upcoming concert. I will share them with you tomorrow.

But for now, I wish you a happy Monday!

Talk to you tomorrow.

Love,

Zita

P.S. Here is today's hooping video:



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