I had a most extraordinary doctor appointment yesterday. My hope is revived! I saw an FNP (Pulmonary Nurse Practioner) at the Oregon Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine.
My FNP was extremely thorough. She spent a long time with me talking about my condition. I had an appointment to discuss sleep apnea, but a short while into our consultation, she said we needed to address my asthma. Interestingly enough, the clinic specializes in lung conditions and sleep apnea. Both of which I seem to have!
She told me my asthma was not well controlled. She was not pleased that I had been given so my Prednisone at my PCP. She was also surprised that I had not been tested for, or officially diagnosed with asthma.
She asked me about allergies. I told her I seemed to have allergy symptoms year round, especially in the spring. She asked me if I had been tested. I had not.
So she promptly wrote me an order to have blood drawn downstairs which they would test for allergies! I couldn't believe my ears! At last! She also ordered a "spacer" for my inhaler. Apparently, without the spacer, most people don't get enough of the medicine in their lungs. Especially if they are short of breath (like me). They tend to not inhale deep enough, or soon enough after administering the dose.
I love this FNP! She even stood up and gave me a lecture, using the white board, about asthma and sleep apnea! My brain was very happy! I have done some research on my own, but she filled in the gaps.
After our visit, she first sent me to schedule my overnight sleep study. The young woman who set up the appointment was also very thorough and friendly. I will be checking in at 8 p.m., two hours before my usual bedtime. I am to bring pajamas, my meds, and a change of clothes. They will check me in and apply sensors to my head, chest and legs. I asked her if there would be water available. I usually wake up several times a night. She said yes, of course!
Then looked at me and smiled. "Would you like to see a room?"
"Yes, please!" I exclaimed.
She led me down the hallway, which looked like a hospital. Then she turned the corner, and motioned toward and open door. I peeked in. It looked like a hotel room. A very nice hotel room, with a big cozy bed, television, and night stand.
"Wow!" I said. "This will be like a mini vacation!"
She laughed and told me she and many of the staff wished they could take naps there are their breaks.
"But it's not allowed", she winked at me.
After setting up my sleep study, I headed downstairs to have my blood drawn. The phlebotomist was stellar! Got a whole tube of blood with the first poke. (Usually I am told I have small veins, and I am poked like a pin cushion several times!)
A few pointers my FNP told me regarding my allergies:
I can't tell you how this has raised my spirits! We had a long talk about my health goals. I told my FNP how I was on a mission to lose weight and get in shape. I told her how frustrated I was because I am finally exercising daily and eating healthy, but I am so tired, and get winded easily, so my exercise is not ideal.
She told me that she absolutely wants to get me healthy and exercising again!
Yay!
I don't have a hooping video today. I spent the night in Vancouver. Tomorrow is my finally moving day. I did go for a short walk/run at the park near our new place. It was lovely. Our new routine will be for me to head out first, early, about 7 a.m. I loved the fact that the park was nearly empty. One lone jogger. I think I can even do my hooping videos there!
When I get back to the apartment my daughter will hand the baby off to me and she will go run with her sister!
I have a pedometer app on my phone. It says I did 739 steps this morning which equals .29 miles! I had a brainstorm. I will walk on the path to the baseball diamond, and the run between the bases! The dirt is soft and I can imagine I just hit a home run!
Oh Good Lord. I just received a breaking news text. There is an active shooter at a newspaper in Annapolis, MD. Multiple people shot, building has been evacuated. I pray for the victims. I pray for our world!
It seems that just when we are going back to enjoying our life and not worrying about mass shootings, when we are comfortable in our lives, another one strikes. Then the pain, the prayers, the political battles over gun control, the media coverage. The fear, the helplessness and vulnerable that ascend.
Then the dust settles, and the cycle begins again.
I don't know how to tie this in to today's blog except to say that this motivates me even more to take care of my health, so I can care for my family and be of service to those in need. And to be present in this crazy life. Not only to be vigilant, in case terror or tragedy strikes, but to enjoy the beautiful God-given moments when life is peaceful.
On that note, I wish you a safe, happy, peaceful Thursday.
Talk to you tomorrow!
Love,
Zita
My FNP was extremely thorough. She spent a long time with me talking about my condition. I had an appointment to discuss sleep apnea, but a short while into our consultation, she said we needed to address my asthma. Interestingly enough, the clinic specializes in lung conditions and sleep apnea. Both of which I seem to have!
She told me my asthma was not well controlled. She was not pleased that I had been given so my Prednisone at my PCP. She was also surprised that I had not been tested for, or officially diagnosed with asthma.
She asked me about allergies. I told her I seemed to have allergy symptoms year round, especially in the spring. She asked me if I had been tested. I had not.
So she promptly wrote me an order to have blood drawn downstairs which they would test for allergies! I couldn't believe my ears! At last! She also ordered a "spacer" for my inhaler. Apparently, without the spacer, most people don't get enough of the medicine in their lungs. Especially if they are short of breath (like me). They tend to not inhale deep enough, or soon enough after administering the dose.
I love this FNP! She even stood up and gave me a lecture, using the white board, about asthma and sleep apnea! My brain was very happy! I have done some research on my own, but she filled in the gaps.
After our visit, she first sent me to schedule my overnight sleep study. The young woman who set up the appointment was also very thorough and friendly. I will be checking in at 8 p.m., two hours before my usual bedtime. I am to bring pajamas, my meds, and a change of clothes. They will check me in and apply sensors to my head, chest and legs. I asked her if there would be water available. I usually wake up several times a night. She said yes, of course!
Then looked at me and smiled. "Would you like to see a room?"
"Yes, please!" I exclaimed.
She led me down the hallway, which looked like a hospital. Then she turned the corner, and motioned toward and open door. I peeked in. It looked like a hotel room. A very nice hotel room, with a big cozy bed, television, and night stand.
"Wow!" I said. "This will be like a mini vacation!"
She laughed and told me she and many of the staff wished they could take naps there are their breaks.
"But it's not allowed", she winked at me.
After setting up my sleep study, I headed downstairs to have my blood drawn. The phlebotomist was stellar! Got a whole tube of blood with the first poke. (Usually I am told I have small veins, and I am poked like a pin cushion several times!)
A few pointers my FNP told me regarding my allergies:
- Replace pillows once a year.
- Cover the pillows with an allergy pillow case.
- Try Fluticasone Proprionate nasal spray before bedtime. I have used this nasal spray, but in the morning. She said it is not a stimulant and will help clear my nasal passages so I can get better sleep.
I can't tell you how this has raised my spirits! We had a long talk about my health goals. I told my FNP how I was on a mission to lose weight and get in shape. I told her how frustrated I was because I am finally exercising daily and eating healthy, but I am so tired, and get winded easily, so my exercise is not ideal.
She told me that she absolutely wants to get me healthy and exercising again!
Yay!
I don't have a hooping video today. I spent the night in Vancouver. Tomorrow is my finally moving day. I did go for a short walk/run at the park near our new place. It was lovely. Our new routine will be for me to head out first, early, about 7 a.m. I loved the fact that the park was nearly empty. One lone jogger. I think I can even do my hooping videos there!
When I get back to the apartment my daughter will hand the baby off to me and she will go run with her sister!
I have a pedometer app on my phone. It says I did 739 steps this morning which equals .29 miles! I had a brainstorm. I will walk on the path to the baseball diamond, and the run between the bases! The dirt is soft and I can imagine I just hit a home run!
Oh Good Lord. I just received a breaking news text. There is an active shooter at a newspaper in Annapolis, MD. Multiple people shot, building has been evacuated. I pray for the victims. I pray for our world!
It seems that just when we are going back to enjoying our life and not worrying about mass shootings, when we are comfortable in our lives, another one strikes. Then the pain, the prayers, the political battles over gun control, the media coverage. The fear, the helplessness and vulnerable that ascend.
Then the dust settles, and the cycle begins again.
I don't know how to tie this in to today's blog except to say that this motivates me even more to take care of my health, so I can care for my family and be of service to those in need. And to be present in this crazy life. Not only to be vigilant, in case terror or tragedy strikes, but to enjoy the beautiful God-given moments when life is peaceful.
On that note, I wish you a safe, happy, peaceful Thursday.
Talk to you tomorrow!
Love,
Zita
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