I had a doctor's appointment today with my Pulmonary Physician's Assistant. I really like her. I do not go to my primary care physician anymore. It was like entering the Twilight Zone. I have nothing else to say about that experience. I am just moving forward.
I found out today, that I do indeed have asthma. That is my official diagnosis. Not COPD as my previous doctor said "I probably had".
She was quite pleased with all my hard work and progress. We are going to try increasing the dosage of the Q-Var, which is an inhaled steroid medication used to treat asthma. It is used daily as a long term treatment, it is used to prevent inflammation in the lungs. It is not a "rescue inhaler", like Ventolin which is a bronchodilator. I use Ventolin when I am having trouble breathing, or controlling a very constricted cough. This inhaler opens up the airways during an asthma attack and helps me control my breathing and coughing.
I told my PA I haven't had to use my rescue inhaler in about a week. I haven't been coughing at night, and my sinuses are not as clogged. My chest feels slightly congested today, but better than several weeks ago.
I told her about Qi Gong and my diet. She nodded her approval. But as a medical professional, I understand she would not be able to prescribe alternative treatments.
We talked about long term side effects of the meds I am taking. She stated I could also take an over the counter allergy pill since hay fever season is in full swing. She recommended Zyrtec. She assured me all of the meds I am on are safe and do not interact with each other.
"It is in your best interest to do whatever you can to breathe better", she advised.
I agree!
It does make sense to increase the Q-Var. I have been on a very low dose.
She will see me in three months. If I have not made any more progress, we may consider the next level of medications. One of which is an injection.
I am hoping I can stay balanced at this level. The less meds, the better. I am still going strong with Qi Gong. In fact, I think I owe quite a bit of my healing to the breathing exercises!
I am at the Fort Vancouver Library now. I just checked out another book on Qi Gong: Women's Qigong for Health and Longevity: A Practical Guide for Women 40 and Over by Deborah Davis.
I am definitely doing my research!
I am sticking to my wheat free/soy free eating. I really feel this helps. More water is always on my list. I probably need to start carrying a water bottle with me. I like to travel as light as possible, but I am still not drinking enough H20.
I may be moving yet again this summer. My granddaughter is sleeping in a crib in her mom and dad's room. And that is not going so well. For her parent's sanity, and everyone's rest, she needs her own room. We currently have a two bedroom apartment. We have not yet decided what the next living situation will be, but I definitely want to be involved in the daily life of this child. She is so precious, intelligent and creative. Plus, she loves music like her Zma!
Lately we have been having daily "piano lessons" - only about 5 minutes or so, but enjoyable for both of us!
I am leaning towards finding a church pianist job. I miss playing piano regularly and this would give me financial security in addition to teaching, for a room or maybe even a small apartment.
Even if I keep living with my family, I think I would like a church job. I've been subbing at churches in the are for the last several years. I will keep it in my prayers. Hopefully God will point the way to a lovely church that needs a pianist!
On that note, I am going to head home and do some reading, practicing and playing with granddaughter.
I have 4 church services coming up in April. Need to keep these fingers in shape. And hopefully my lungs will hold out!
Happy Wednesday!
Talk to you soon.
Love,
Zita
P.S. Today's hooping video got cut short. My granddaughter cut in and decided she wanted to play her "crawling through the hoop" game! It is Day 26, Part 1, because I am hoping to do Part 2 later!
I found out today, that I do indeed have asthma. That is my official diagnosis. Not COPD as my previous doctor said "I probably had".
She was quite pleased with all my hard work and progress. We are going to try increasing the dosage of the Q-Var, which is an inhaled steroid medication used to treat asthma. It is used daily as a long term treatment, it is used to prevent inflammation in the lungs. It is not a "rescue inhaler", like Ventolin which is a bronchodilator. I use Ventolin when I am having trouble breathing, or controlling a very constricted cough. This inhaler opens up the airways during an asthma attack and helps me control my breathing and coughing.
I told my PA I haven't had to use my rescue inhaler in about a week. I haven't been coughing at night, and my sinuses are not as clogged. My chest feels slightly congested today, but better than several weeks ago.
I told her about Qi Gong and my diet. She nodded her approval. But as a medical professional, I understand she would not be able to prescribe alternative treatments.
We talked about long term side effects of the meds I am taking. She stated I could also take an over the counter allergy pill since hay fever season is in full swing. She recommended Zyrtec. She assured me all of the meds I am on are safe and do not interact with each other.
"It is in your best interest to do whatever you can to breathe better", she advised.
I agree!
It does make sense to increase the Q-Var. I have been on a very low dose.
She will see me in three months. If I have not made any more progress, we may consider the next level of medications. One of which is an injection.
I am hoping I can stay balanced at this level. The less meds, the better. I am still going strong with Qi Gong. In fact, I think I owe quite a bit of my healing to the breathing exercises!
I am at the Fort Vancouver Library now. I just checked out another book on Qi Gong: Women's Qigong for Health and Longevity: A Practical Guide for Women 40 and Over by Deborah Davis.
I am definitely doing my research!
I am sticking to my wheat free/soy free eating. I really feel this helps. More water is always on my list. I probably need to start carrying a water bottle with me. I like to travel as light as possible, but I am still not drinking enough H20.
I may be moving yet again this summer. My granddaughter is sleeping in a crib in her mom and dad's room. And that is not going so well. For her parent's sanity, and everyone's rest, she needs her own room. We currently have a two bedroom apartment. We have not yet decided what the next living situation will be, but I definitely want to be involved in the daily life of this child. She is so precious, intelligent and creative. Plus, she loves music like her Zma!
Lately we have been having daily "piano lessons" - only about 5 minutes or so, but enjoyable for both of us!
I am leaning towards finding a church pianist job. I miss playing piano regularly and this would give me financial security in addition to teaching, for a room or maybe even a small apartment.
Even if I keep living with my family, I think I would like a church job. I've been subbing at churches in the are for the last several years. I will keep it in my prayers. Hopefully God will point the way to a lovely church that needs a pianist!
On that note, I am going to head home and do some reading, practicing and playing with granddaughter.
I have 4 church services coming up in April. Need to keep these fingers in shape. And hopefully my lungs will hold out!
Happy Wednesday!
Talk to you soon.
Love,
Zita
P.S. Today's hooping video got cut short. My granddaughter cut in and decided she wanted to play her "crawling through the hoop" game! It is Day 26, Part 1, because I am hoping to do Part 2 later!
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