The Diagnosis: Asthma, COPD, and Morbid Obesity.

[kevyn]

I am so grateful for Dylan taking me to the ER this evening, and sitting there with me for almost 5 hours as they hooked me up to an EKG, took X-rays, took blood work, urine samples, and blowing into a peak flow metre.

So. I have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In other words, I've fucked up my lungs. From chain smoking smoking rubber bullets for 20+ years (I started at age 18, in order to impress a guy.)

It's not entirely reversible. I'm only 40, and it's not severe yet, so some of the damage can be undone (by quitting smoking!). But it will never fully go away. I'll always be short of breath.

I have an inhaler now, and I need to lose some weight, fairly rapidly to gain some of my lung capacity back, which was being pushed aside by the fat. Hopefully, the lithium was the cause of the massive weight gain that triggered all this, so I should start dropping again.

That is all.

Comments

[kennapea.livejournal.com]

=[

[kevynjacobs.livejournal.com]

:-(

[kennapea.livejournal.com]

<3

[kcfairy.livejournal.com]

Good for him taking care you! I was worried about diabetes which can cause weight gain. So start taking care of yourself already.

[kevynjacobs.livejournal.com]

I am taking care of myself. With the Captain's health. I think they did a diabetes test and it came up negative.

Your health

[clattea.livejournal.com]

I am sorry to hear about your health. Take care of your self. Did you get my email about your class ring. I know who has it. email me at clattea@rocketmail.com take care.

Re: Your health

[kevynjacobs.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I was kind of preoccupied yesterday, which is why I didn't respond. I am sure you understand.

[detailbear.livejournal.com]

Um. I'm kind of gobsmacked and won't be much good at talking about this one, for obvious reasons. All I'll say is 'take care of your self as best as you can, as soon as you can', and if you need semi-rational hyperbolic nagging, you know where to find me.

[kevynjacobs.livejournal.com]

Yeah, your mum, right?

I am taking care of myself, and the captain is helping.

You always have the right to nag me, Kevin! ;-)

your class ring

[clattea.livejournal.com]

I don't want to put this lady's name and address on the web so everyone can see it. You can call me at Fort Knox High School at 502-624-7030 before 3:30 eastern time or at home after 4:00 week days at 270-352-1454 or any time on the weekends. If I am not home leave a message and I will return your call.

[kcfairy.livejournal.com]

I sent you a letter a while back. Sure hope you got it. $$$

[kevynjacobs.livejournal.com]

I got it yesterday! Thank you!