I'm Tired Of Coughing

The last few days I have been doing lots of coughing.  Okay, I always cough a lot but it's been noticeably worse the last few days.  My throat is so dry and scratchy.  I think it's the cold dry winter air.  I purchased a personal size humidifier for my desk at work.  At first I thought it was helping but now I'm not so sure.  The one I run at home during the night is a warm mist vaporizer.  I'm hoping this will pass, I'm tired of cough drops that don't help much.  Plus I'm tired of the sore throat it has caused.

So far my breathing is okay since the last dilation.  Not 100% but I'm able to keep walking on my treadmill so that's good.  Especially after all the Christmas snacks that I've been enjoying.

I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas.  I know I did.  My family spoiled me with lots of nice presents.

Not sure if I posted since the surgeons office phoned.  He wants to see me in March and I get to have a ct scan with contrast beforehand.

I wish you all a Very Happy New Year!

Relieved And Confused

Just when you think you have a game plan - things change.

Yesterday I had my appointment for the surgeon to do the bronchoscope and dilation.  

I had to be there at 11:00 and the way I worry about traffic and crowded parking garages we arrived at 10:30.  Traffic wasn't bad but the garage was pretty full.  Once inside they took me right back to be prepped for surgery.  By 11:00 I was in and ready to go.  Then she said I wasn't scheduled for the OR until 1:00 so we waited and waited.  The whole time my blood pressure was being monitored every 10 minutes and I had an IV going.  Plus this surgeon requires the leg pressure sock things to prevent blood clots.  They said he always requires a shot of heparin.  Silly me thought they'd put that in my IV but I was wrong.  It went in my stomach!  It actually didn't hurt that bad but it sounded awful to me.   By 1:30 or 2:00 I was informed that the OR I was scheduled for had to be used for an emergency and I was on hold.  It was after 3:00 before they finally took me back.  The procedure and recovery took about an hour.  

While waiting to go back for the surgery the nurses were discussing the resection surgery and how major of an ordeal that is.  Saying maybe 10 days in hospital and very important to do exactly as told afterwards and a very long time off work.  I was asking lots of questions and preparing myself for the upcoming surgery.

Well, after the procedure the surgeon came in to see me and said at this time they're cancelling the resection surgery.  He doesn't feel it's worth the risk.  He says the narrowed area is short but just really too close to my vocal chords for comfort.  He doesn't want me to end up with a trach and/or lose my voice.  He said as long a I can come for these dilations as needed and they work enough to help me function through normal daily activities then we'll just stick with these procedures.  Wow... that's not what I thought I'd hear.  I'm very glad he went in and took a look so he would have a game plan for the surgery since he then found out he didn't think it was wise to continue. 

It's a relief and yet confusing.  I guess it's just something I will have to live with and just take it one day at a time.  Thankfully I have a wonderful family to help me through the bad days; when the narrowing worsens and I have no energy.  They take great care of me and I thank them for that!

Thanks for all the prayers, texts and messages.  Today I'm breathing good and relaxing at home.  Back to work tomorrow.

It Has Suddenly Become Real

I got the call today.  Actually I got two calls today.  First the surgeons nurse called to tell me the bronchoscope is scheduled for next Tuesday.  I have to be there at 11:00 AM.  The procedure will be around 1:00.  Okay, this is good. She said both surgeons will be involved.  They will dilate while in there so hopefully I'll be able to breathe easier until the resection surgery.

Then this afternoon she called back....and that's when things got REAL!  She said the resection date has been set for January 31st.  I'm glad to have a date set, that's what I've been wanting since I decided to go ahead with this.  But now it's real, it's going to happen.   I try to stay strong and I think I've been doing a good job of it so far.  My family and friends worry about me enough, they don't need to see me get upset.  But it sure would have been easy to break down today.  I'll admit I had a few tears when I got home and saw my family but it didn't last long at all and they were cheering me up and making sure I knew that things would be fine.

Not much else to tell at this point.  I'll let everyone know how I'm doing after the procedure on Tuesday.  Wish me luck and keep the prayers coming.

More Waiting....

I'm still going to have the resection surgery but now it's been delayed.  It won't be in the next few weeks like originally planned.

This morning I had to be at Barnes for a chest ct scan at 8:00 AM, thankfully we left plenty early because there was some freezing rain when we left and then traffic around St Louis was backed up.  After the scan I saw the surgeon at 10:00 AM.  He was very nice and I feel very comfortable with him.  He said he would like to go in and take a look before the surgery. He's scheduling this minor surgery for the next two weeks, they'll call to let me know when.  He will dilate while he's in there but not do the laser, as that seems to just make more scar tissue to build up. I asked when the resection would be and he said probably in January or February.  So now I wait.  I was disappointed because I want this over with.  I will try not to dwell on this and just be patient as I wait.

I've read a lot about this surgery and what other people have gone through.  So needless to say I had lots of questions for the doctor today.  He took his time and answered them all in detail.  I took a few notes because I figured I'd forget something.

Here are a few of those questions:

Have you done this surgery before?   Yes, it's not a common procedure but I do at least five a year.
Of those have you had any problems?  No, all went as planned.
Has anyone had to return for further surgeries or dilations?  No
How long will I be in the hospital? Approximately one week.
How long will I have the chin stitch in? 4-5 days
How long before I can eat? Probably two days
How long is recovery time? 6-8 weeks is normal

He said the section of my trachea that is narrowed is short, which is good.  But, and this is a big BUT- it's very close to my vocal chords.  They will do the very best but I have to know there is a chance my voice could be effected.  Also due to the location there is a chance I could end up with a trach.  This is something I'm going to try and not think about.

After I saw the surgeon I had to go to pre-op dept.  That dept is always busy and takes forever.  It's never fun spending the day at the hospital/doctors office but at least everyone I had to deal with was very friendly.  It's amazing how nice they all are at Barnes Jewish.

I couldn't have made it through the day alone and thankfully I'm never alone.  My family is ALWAYS there for me.  Today Phil drove me there and sat by my side, as usual.  If you know Phil he hates waiting so this was really like a cruel punishment for him.  He didn't complain once!  If you know me then you know I hate riding in a car, especially in bad weather or traffic, but thankfully Phil drove extra cautious and never scared me once.

Now I wait for the call....

Stressed!

This time of year people should be excited about Christmas and busy shopping.  I'm not really feeling it, at least not yet.  My mind is so busy with so many different things.  My upcoming appointment with the surgeon tops that list.  I don't like waiting.  I want to know right now what they have decided and when surgery will be.

Who's happy about the threat of snow for Thursday?  Not me, we have to be in St Louis for my appt that day.  Plus my daughter Sarah and her new fiance will be flying back home that evening.

I'm feeling more and more tired and that annoys me.  I want to be Christmas shopping or even doing house chores but instead I sit in my recliner.  I planned a day off  to shop with Sarah next Monday, I hope I have enough energy to enjoy it.  I'd like to get things bought and wrapped before my surgery - whenever that might be.

My breathing is getting noisier and I feel like when I'm at work and have to take a call I should first explain why I sound like this.  It's a little embarrassing at times.  If it's a short call I can keep it under control - or at least I think I do?!?   But yesterday I had to talk to one of my bosses on the phone for awhile and I knew it was annoying/noisy.  I apologized and he laughed - it was no big deal but it got me thinking about what customers might think that don't know about my condition.

I'll update again after my appt on Thursday - hopefully with a date for this surgery.  I'm ready to get this over with already.