This week we (Oklahomans) are going to be experiencing over 105 – 115 degree weather. The doctor at the VA that originally told me that my lungs had been permanently damaged warned me that the humidity would not be my friend. I don’t think I really understood that statement until today.
I have been having to…
use my ‘emergency’ inhaler about every 2-3 hours and I have been wheezing not stop today. It is amazing to me how exhausted I get when I am having problems breathing. I have also noticed that it really affects my appetite. When I am having a lot of trouble breathing, I am not very hungry. However, if I have to use my inhalers a lot, then I am starving!
It has also made me realize that I really need to double-check and see if I can get a nebulizer to use at home as needed especially when I go back East for a month for the wedding. In addition, I’m having to think about how I will take the wedding photos which will be partially outside without being in the humidity too long. I’m thinking that I will need to sit in the limousine in the air conditioner until it is my turn to be in the family wedding photo.
Ultimately, I realized today that I will eventually need to file a law suit. The damage to my lungs is extensive and will undoubtedly, profoundly impact my life. While I understand that it is not something I need to do today, it is something that I will need to take care of this fall.
Another thing I noticed today was that the heat seems to affect my balance. I would have made a great video for America’s Funniest Videos today as I was tipping over repeatedly. Looked like I was doing a new form of break dancing! LOL!
On the good side, I am getting more emotionally stable every day. I am feeling stronger each and every day. I am still nervous about moving in my next ‘new’ apartment and having to replace all my possessions but I am trying my best to think positively and just keep moving forward.
I have to say, this has to be one of the most challenging situations I have been confronted with for quite a long time. At least four weeks out from the ‘poisoning’, I find myself stronger, more lucid in my thinking, and more focused on moving forward and not allowing this situation to change who I am at the core, but finding a way to change my situation. And that … feels right.
Determined to continue forward,
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This sounds like a nightmare. You sue the pants off the b*******s! Somebody needs to pay for this.
Just a tip – I use a fancy looking walking pole to help me with my balance. It gives confidence when i’m out and I occasionally use it indoors as well. I’m sorry I have nothing to suggest about the breathing issues.
Keep going Dominique, one foot in front of the other. You ARE sounding stronger. We are with you all the way!
Jo´s last [type] ..Benchmarks and reality checks part 2
Jo – Where did you get the ‘fancy walking pole?” I agree. I think the lawsuit is my only recourse. My state representative hasn’t even contacted me. When I get back from the wedding, I will be contacting him again as I intend to change the law if possible so others don’t have to go through this.
Gosh Dominique, I am so sorry you are suffering so very much. The weather you’re about to encounter is dangerous. I live in the extreme heat but coupled with humidity is very bad. Please be careful and don’t go out in it. Be sure to stay hydrated as well. Check with your attorney about the statute of limitations on the lawsuit. I’m not certain if it’s from the point of discovery or the beginning of this problem. He will know. Take care sweetie and be safe!!
Rosemary Lee´s last [type] ..THE SKIPPY DIARIES
Rosemary Lee – Here’s the kicker Rosemary. The wedding is on the 28th of this month so I have to be out in the humidity. I am thinking of getting a hold of the VA and seeing if I can get a nebulizer machine to have at home and to take with me.
I did check about the statute of limitations. It is two years and my attorney told me we have time. We don’t need to make any decisions right now.
I will be sending you an answer to your question via private email so look for it, okay! Thank you! hugs coming your way!
I think you should file a lawsuit, too, and the suggestion to check on the statue of limititations is a good one.
A fancy walking stick, or cane with an interesting “head” might help with the balance issues and provide you with some fun in choosing andusing the cane/stick. I’ve seen some incredibly intricate, exquistive canes, and some great folkartish sticks in use.
Using the limo as a refugee might be a good idea for the wedding pictures. Fingers crossed it is not a terribly hot or humid day!
Glad to hear that, at least emotionally, you are beginning to feel stronger. I’m sure you have the faith and strength to meet these new challenges and overcome them.
May you day be one of more laughter than tears,
phylor – That’s a great suggestion phylor. I will check into a cane/walking stick Good idea.
Yes, I’m praying that the day of the wedding we have an amazingly beautiful, sunny day but with cool temps like the the 70′s and 80′s and very low humidity! That would be a wonderful miracle!
Thank you. I’m finding living with two friends has the bonus of having someone to talk to and someone to have fun with whenever I need. That has been a nice and refreshing outcome in all this.
Sorry to hear your lung problems continue. Does the doctor think you would benefit from living in a dryer climate? Of course then there is dust! Your decison to pursue a lawsuit really sounds like the best course of action doesn’t it. You continue in my prayers…your determination and courage are inspiring us all. Hugs.
Renee´s last [type] ..Saturdays Scribbles
Renee – I have no doubt that I would. When I lived in Phoenix, I felt MUCH better. The problem is I can’t live in those places by myself. I tried and it was just too challenging. So that is in God’s hands. I have no problem moving to another climate but I need to have someone who can go with me or who lives there that can help me
I’ve come to understand that the lawsuit is my only recourse. I have tried everything but to no avail. It is not the route I want to take as I think lawsuits should be my last resort, but when all else fails, I am left with only that path.
Thank you for the continued prayers. The really do help and I covet them. Love you! Hugs back.
I will be praying for the wedding day to have cooler weather without humidity
and that the VA will provide the nebulizer. I’m also praying that in this
difficult and long transition and all the stress you have already endured-
that from this point on– you will not have any new heavy circumstances to
deal with. ……just smooth sailing to the wedding and to your new home.
I hope the wedding day will bring you a huge dose of joy and fun to somehow
make up somewhat the inbalance of hardship.
You are in my thoughts and prayers very often,
Patricia
Hi Patricia – Oh THANK YOU~! I totally agree. I don’t think I could endure ANOTHER crisis! Yikes! If you wouldn’t mind praying for favor for me with the apartment I am wanting. I have been thinking and re-thinking it and I think it will be a really good fit.
How’s Lucy doing!? You must be having so much fun with her! I can’t wait to see a picture of her!
Sure I will pray that you receive the apt you want and that it will be a wonderful
safe home. Lucy is so gentle and easy to care for. Housetraining is a little
confusing – does this dog ever pee? She has had two accidents both in the
evening. She doesn’t go all day?! Very different from my other dogs.
She is keeping me up later to get around to her business – 9 pm. I like to
go to bed to read, rest, watch tv by 8 but it will sort out.
Only concern I have is that after she has been outside she makes a breathing
sound that makes me wonder if she has an allergy. I sure hope not.
I read a bit about dog allergies and the testing and treatment is very
expensive. That was my main concern about getting another dog -vet bills
or emergencies and my health I kept feeling I’m too ill and too cash poor. But all the
adoption agency seemed to care about was that my house was clean,
yard safe and fenced in, that I was home a lot (retired) and had experience with
doxies. I gave them info they did not ask for -said I had CFS/back fatigue/
can’t walk a dog and low income, but that my house/car are free and clear.
I’ve learned something I never knew that there are lots and lots of small
breed dogs that need to be re-homed due to abuse, neglect, owner’s death, etc.-
breeder not selling all the puppies. I thought this was a problem for
big dogs. It is really sad. The organization re-homed 290 doxies last year.
Amazed me to know this is such a big problem.
Patricia – I’m sure that Lucy will work out a schedule once she acclimates to her new environment. She may have been trained to only go once a day. Dekker goes once in the a.m. and once in the p.m.
I would think they would help you with vet bills if that became a necessity? Maybe I am wrong about that. I think little dogs are more prone to allergies and humidity problems. I would call the rescue and tell them about the breathing issue just to be sure. Who knows. She might have an upper respiratory infection or something from having been at the rescue place. And then you will be at peace.
You are right. Allergy prone dogs are very expensive. My ‘herbal’ treatment with Dekker has lowered my dog bills to 150.00 a month. Before that, I was averaging about 300.00 a month! Sometimes much more.
I hate that any dog is abused. They are such loving and loyal creatures. It just breaks my heart!
Give Lucy a hug for me!