In the Pool again!

Well, here we are again in the pool finally, it's Tues. Oct.30th. the weather is breezy and cool, only a handful of folks showed up again today I thing because the temps are getting lower..in the 70's it is getting to chilly for the pool...plus it was raining this morning I heard what I thought was thunder and I was a running for the steps to exit, and someone said, it's ok Sandy it was an airplane..lol We went thru our routine for about 30 minutes and I had to leave early for a Doctor Appt. for consult on a Colonoscopy...has anyone ever had that done, I am kind of skeptical but it needs to be done so they tell me...

I would appreciate any input on that procedure.

Breathe Easy,

Sandy

Inhale 123 Exhale 1234

Ahhh, The weekend/Rest

I made it to the pool today still a bit chilly but not windy like yesterday, whew ! what a relief and the pool was heated as well. I thought the hours on Fridays were 9:30 till 10:15 oops, the class started at 10:30 till 11:15 so here I am all shriveled up from all that time in the pool, altho I don't feel to bad this afternoon, today we did water walking, meaning doing the regular routine while walking up and down the pool, I asked one of the life guards to take a few pictures for me, remember that game can you find Wally, well, can you find Sandy..lol If you have read my Blog you have seen my picture. Enjoy the weekend I know I will, seriously exercise is great for our lungs and body.

Until we meet again~~~~

Breathe Easy,

Sandy

123 inhale, 1234 exhale

No Water Exercise Today

Good Afternoon everyone, well I did not make it to the pool today for water aerobics, you ask why ? Temps were in the low 70's with a brisk breeze, here in Florida that is pretty darn cool not wanting to take a chance on getting a chill and or a cold I opted to stay here and exercise right in the comforts of home, let's hope tomorrow is warmer. Have a wonderful afternoon and evening.

Breathe Easy

Sandy

Inhale123, Exhale 1234

Another Day of Exercise /Water Aerobics

Here I am another day and I made it thru the exercises, still a bit stiff and sore but, my little lady friend with her walker meandered to the pool climbed down the steps and did laps again ! What an inspiration. The exercises are interesting try this, hug yourself and put your head down, do you feel the muscles in the back of your neck stretching, I sure do.

Running in place in the pool is great, then the instructor tells us to do the Irish Jig ! he cant be for real...yup he is, it's looks so easy while he is on deck doing it, try that in the water it's not easy...lol Then we do the rocking horse thingy, that's fun, then walk to the other side of the pool and return, going backwards is suppose to help with the resistance and improve muscle strength...so he says..lol I took 1000mg of Tylenol before the aerobics and 1000mg four hours later, they really do help. However, tomorrow morning will tell the real story..Tomorrow when I get to the pool I am going to ask the lifeguard to take a picture of all of us... Watch for the update and picture if you dare...

Breathe Easy,

Inhale,123 Exhale 1234

That is exactly what I did while I was exercising !

First day of Water Aerobics

Ok here we go...ouch, dang it I had no idea how out of shape I was or am ! Oh my goodness after a 45 min. workout, which seemed like a 45 hour work out I just about crawled out of the pool, and to make me feel worse there was an elderly lady I would say about 90 years young doing laps !



so how bad of am I...pretty bad..lol so tomorrow I will bite the bullet and do the darn exercises and think about that little lady..and what she did and what I can do ! until then my friends have a wonderful evening, look for an update tomorrow.

Breathe Easy,
Sandy

Inhale 123, Exhale 1234

Osteoporosis and Arthritis

Hello everyone, I know it has only been a couple of days since my last post about Osteoporosis and Arthritis I just wanted to give you all an update. I have been taking 1000 mg. of Tylenol every 4 hrs. it seems to be taking the edge off, also doing the heating pad thingy and putting a comfy pillow at my back. Now, according to my Dr. I should be exercising every day, he suggested the water aerobics and since I don't have a pool in my back yard I would have to go to the community pool, do you remember a while back I did a post on community poos and the germs and all.

I have done some research and made a few calls and have been assured that the local community pool is closed on Sunday and Monday so that they can clean and make sure the chemicals are stabilized.

I will give it a shot on Tuesday and update you on how it goes and how I feel. As I said before exercise is so important for so many reasons, I have not been exercising only because the "Shingles" got in my way for two months now but, they have cleared up and I now have the go ahead to do stuff again in moderation of course I really need to be careful not to break any bones...

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and remember,

Inhale 123 Exhale 1234

Breathe Easy,

Sandy

Ostseoporosis and Copd

Good Afternoon everyone on this lovely day in sunny Florida.

I have to share something with you all. Last week I went to my Dr. for a follow up of a cold, at that time I mentioned to him that my back has been SO painful... it felt like it was going to break in two, plus it was taking a toll on my posture which I have always prided myself in. He examined me as gently as possible, but I was SO tender it even hurt to sit in a chair. Sitting in a stooped position seemed to ease the pain, but was not doing my breathing any favors. Think about it... stoop over & try to breathe. I did some research while waiting for the tests results and low and behold, Osteoporosis and Copd are definitely connected.

The Dr. had me schedule a test called a Dexa-Scan--which means a bone density test, as well as an x-ray of my spine.

Tests revealed just what he thought "Osteoporosis" and "Arthritis". He thought maybe a fracture due to the tenderness, fractures are common if you have Osteoporosis because the bones are so brittle.

Treatment plan suggested, Vitamin D if I can tolerate it, exercise and heat. I'll give it a shot and hope for the best. I tried the Vit. D cannot tolerate it, hurts my stomach. So I tried something called "Viactive"... so far so good. I am attaching a link for you to look at. It is never a dull day in the life of Sandy Grace!
However, I am grateful for each and every day that I wake up and see the sunrise and each day I look at the sunset.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

.. check out this site: http://www.4women.gov./faq/osteopor.htm


Remember,
Inhale 123, Exhale 1234

Breathe Easy,
Sandy

Beach & Ocean Pollution

Today 15 October 2007 is Blog Action Day. This means that bloggers around the web will come together to bring out a single important issue - the environment. Every blogger may post about "The Environment" in his/her own way and about their own topic. What is the goal?... to get everyone talking towards a better future for us and for our children.
http://www.blogactionday.org/

I would like to talk a bit about Beach & Ocean Pollution. This summer I took a trip to a beach in South Carolina. I love the sandy beaches, the warm ocean water and my all time favorite picking sea shells. I was appalled by the number of cigarette butts that smokers discarded on the beach while sunbathing, fishing or just taking a stroll. My suggestion for these people.... "Keep Your Butt Off The Beach"! The attached picture to this post was one that I took of these "Butts on the Beach".

We also find many other forms of garbage on our beaches. aluminum cans, plastic bottles, fishing lures, fishing line, glass bottles, and metal debris. All of these items sooner or later get washed into the oceans or seas. They all pose a threat to not only the living creatures of the seas but also to our own lives.

Toxic Wastes are poisonous materials that dumped into the ocean. They harm plants and animals in the ocean and also have an impact on our health. When toxic waste harms an organism, it can quickly be passed along the food chain and may eventually end up being our seafood. Toxic waste gets into the seas and oceans by the leaking of landfills, dumps, mines, farms and factories.
Toxic Chemicals in the ocean may be killing much of the fish population. One of the most harmful chemicals in the ocean is lead.
Medical Waste is also found in the ocean and is being tested to see if swimmers have a chance of developing Hepatitis or AIDS.
How do we decrease the amount of waste in the oceans?... by recycling as much garbage as we can so there are smaller amounts of harmful materials into the ocean.
Garbage Dumping pertains to harmful materials being dumped into the ocean. For example, human waste, ground-up garbage, water from bathing, and plastics. Most of the waste that has been dumped into the ocean in the early 1990's is still there today... Amazing.. Isn't it??!!
One main cause of garbage dumping occurs when sewage pipes share space with storm water drains. Rainfall causes the pipes to overflow and sewage waste mixes with the storm water drain, this flows into another water source such as a lake or river. Then the garbage pollutes the ocean.
Some other types of Pollution are:
Wastewater: The run-off from rainwater which usually ends up in rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Boat Pollution: This comes from the boat's engine when it is running. The chemicals in the exhaust from the engine which give off excess gasoline.
Car Pollution: When a car gets driven, smoke comes from the back of the car. This smoke ends up being acid rain.
Agriculture Pollution: Chemical pesticides, chemical or natural substances.

Chemical detergents, batteries, plastics, and sewage are all produced and used in homes by humans everyday. People are creating a risk to the plants and animals that live in the oceans and lakes.
How can we help the Environment of our Beaches and Oceans? First and foremost when you ARE on the beach, take your garbage with you!
- recycle plastics
- dispose properly of batteries
- use less water
- carpool
- recycling
- do not throw litter in the street
- do not wash your car or change your oil on the road or driveway. The oil and detergent will be washed into the storm drain.
- create less rubbish in the first place
- buy products in biodegradable packaging
- re-use your plastic shopping bags
** Tell your friends and family... or anyone you see littering about the dangers of rubbish and garbage to marine animals. Encourage them to do the "Right Thing" with litter!

This is our land, our beaches, and our oceans... Only WE can take care of them.

Do What Is Right For Our Environment!
Lori Palermo

First Catch Your Breath Luncheon, Ft. Myers, Fl. Oct.12,2007

I attended a Women's Lung Health luncheon, the very first in the State of Florida, and let me tell you this, the food was wonderful, the speakers were awesome, the true stories shared brought tears to my eyes, as I could relate to them, as I have lost so many of my family members to cancer,we all need to stop and smell the roses and look at what we have and appreciate each and every day.

There are no better representatives for the American Lung Association than those of us who live with a lung disease. Let's raise awareness and get some funding for lung research. Contact your local chapter and find out what you need to do.

Having a lung disease is no fun, but we can make the best of it, I do it every day.

We have to stay positive, a positive mental attitude will take us a long way. I met a wonderful lady at the luncheon and her philosophy is...You can make a difference and she is SO right....I hope you all have a great evening..

inhale 123---exhale 1234

Breathe Easy,

Sandy

Medicines working against each other

Hi all, here is an interesting story....I know it is an important topic..the other day I was not feeling well, coughing up that nasty stuff, we all know what that is ! I figured I best call my primary care doc and tell him what was going on as I was afraid of getting sick, he called in a prescription for me ...a Z-Pac , I went to the pharmacy to pick it up and low and behold the pharmacist said, Sandy we can not fill this for you at this time, because of your heart meds it will cause a problem !

Apparently my Cardiologist had it flagged for this type of med, soooo the pharmacist called my doctor and got another antibiotic for me, which seems to be doing just fine...

I am soooo thankful that this was caught, I know these Drs.are sooo busy, and I am looking on the positive side of it, but wanted you all to know how serious this is...and how dangerous it could have been for me.

Always make sure your Doctor reviews your chart before he calls in a prescription for you , keep a list of current meds, let the nurse know what they are to avoid any drug interaction.

inhale 123 exhale 1234

Breathe Easy,

Sandy

Gold COPD Awareness Lapel Pin & Smokefree Living Pin

Exclusively Designed by Love Your Lungs, Breathe For Life

Gold COPD Awareness Lapel Pin:

Soft Enamel Cloisonne'
Epoxy Dome
1" Size
Polished Gold Metal
Sandblasted Recessed Metal
1-8mm Post w/ Butterfly Clutch
1.2mm Thickness

Smokefree Living Lapel Pin:
Soft Enamel Cloisonne'
Epoxy Dome
3/4" Size
Dyed Black Metal
1-8mm Post w/Butterfly Clutch
1.2mm Thickness

These pins may be purchased for $3.00 each which includes shipping & handling.

E-mail: Lori Palermo, loveyourlungs@yahoo.com

Help Bring Awareness to (COPD) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and be Proud to be Living a Smokefree Life!

"When You Can't Breathe, Nothing Else Matters"
Lori

Checking The Mail

Good Afternoon everyone, hope all is well. I have been posting the blog for a while now, I would love to hear your comments, suggestions, ideas.

The picture is of my cat "The Big Guy" he certainly lives up to his name, he is waiting for the mail... I have another cat, "Missy" she and "The Big Guy " are brother and sister, I find so much comfort in them especially when I dont feel well, they sure do sense it.

I love to sing, it is good exercise for my lungs, apparantly "Missy" enjoys it to ! I wish you all a good day !

Breathe Easy,

Sandy

123 Inhale, 1234 Exhale

Oral Thrush

I recently received an e-mail from a patient in regards to an infection she developed in her mouth due to her (MDI) Metered dose inhaler. I think this is an important topic to talk about so all of us using MDI's can be extra careful.

This infection is called "Thrush". It is a yeast infection of the mucous membranes of the mouth, effecting the cheeks, tongue and roof of the mouth.

Folks usually get "Thrush" from not rinsing well after use of their inhalers. The chemicals in the medicine stick inside your mouth, causing the infection which consists of open sores. This infection is a side effect of taking inhaled corticosteroids.

I was using an MDI with steroids and because I did not rinse after eash use, the medicine stayed inside my mouth. After a while it became so sore and nasty. If I had rinsed after each use, I could have lessened the severity of the infection.

These sores are quite painful, keeping you on a diet of soft foods and liquids.
Your Pulmonary doctor will most likely prescribe an anti-fungal mouthwash or lozenges, which are used for 5-10 days. This infection does not clear up over night, if you are still having a problem after the prescribed time frame. Give your dr. another call, he may prescribe other meds for you.

A few suggestions to help you beat the "Thrush":

- Rinse... Rinse your mouth after every MDI use. (do not swallow!)
- Yogurt... Eat at least 1/2 cup to coat your mouth after using the inhaler.
- Spacer... Use a spacer which is a medical device approved by the FDA to be used by a patient to increase the effectiveness and safety of a metered-dose inhaler.

I have included a link that will give you more information on "Thrush" and the use of a spacer on your MDI.

http://www.radix.net/~mwg/inhalers.html

I hope this bit of info has helped you! Please dont' be afraid to share your own stories with us or any questions you may have. We are all here to help each other.

Breathe easy,
Sandy

1 2 3... Inhale ... 1 2 3 4... Exhale

Adopt the Sky

I am a member of COPDsurvivors by Cecil Montgomery and Karen Bastille. The following link was sent out by their site and I would now like to share it here "In My Little Corner Of The World".

On June 21, 2007, the EPA proposed stronger limits on smog in our air. But doctors and scientists say the new limits do not go far enough. Now powerful polluters are pushing back, trying to stop any change. Here's your chance to make your voice heard.

Click the link below and adopt a square mile of sky over the U.S. and sign the petition to demand clean air now. It’s free.

adoptthesky.org

Help ALL Americans Breathe Clean Air!!

Breathe Easy,
Sandy

1 2 3... Inhale ... 1 2 3 4... Exhale

Healthy Eating for COPD Patients

How many COPD patients can relate to this... "It takes a lot of effort to eat large amounts of food." As for myself, if I try to put too much in my mouth, I do get short of breath. It is hard to chew, swallow and breathe when your lung functions are not good. Therefore, eating small amounts of food at a time is recommended due to the energy used to chew and swallow. This is something they teach you if you attend Pulmonary Rehab classes.

I have listed a few facts that I hope will help you begin to "Eat Healthy". This is so important for those of us with COPD.

- Fish Oil and supplemental omega-2 fatty acids. Although no strong evidence supports this, researchers believe that fish oil may be beneficial for COPD patients as they have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body.
- Vegetables. High amounts of antioxidants are found in fresh, green and yellow-orange veggies. Such as kale, spinach, brussel sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, beets and red bell peppers.
- Protein and Fats. A diet low in fat is best for healthy individuals. But for COPD patients, we need a greater amount of fat... healthy fat... in our diets. Proteins from fish, poultry, lean meats, also olive oils and oily fish are good to include in your diet.
- Fruits. Fruits are loaded with vitamins and easy to chew. Berries, peaches, plums, prunes, raisins, grapes, kiwi fruit, cherries, and oranges are high in antioxidants. Very good for your diet!

As you can see we have mentioned "Antioxidants" several times in our diet. Why? Because antioxidants fight disease by helping to repair damaged cells that are affected by the oxidation process which occurs during normal cell functioning. Vitamin A and carotenoids, C, E, selenium, flavonoids, lycopene, lutein and lignan all make up antioxidants.

- Dietary Supplements. Zinc and selenium in foods may help to reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract infections, but there is little evidence that vitamins and minerals have any ability to improve lung function. Please talk to your doctor before adding any dietary supplements to your diet.
- Red Wine. Research has shown that the chemical resveratrol, which is found in red wine, grapes and olive oil, can have health benefits. Also, some researchers believe that used in moderation, red wine may even provide protection to the lungs. It also should be noted that a high intake of wine can have a reverse effect, which may cause weakening of the immune system. Again, talk to your doctor before including alcohol or red wine to your diet.

You will find alot of information on the internet concerning "Healthy Eating for COPD Patients". My recommendation is to talk to your Pulmonologist about what foods are good for "your body" and "your health". We all may read something on a website or in a book and feel that this will "cure" us, as it is written in stone.
I would like to share with you a sad but true story written by Lori Palermo about her dad Wayne Litzenberger who passed away of COPD/Emphysema.

http://www.loveyourlungsbreatheforlife.com/arayofhope.html

Eat Well My Friends and Breathe Easy,
Sandy

1 2 3... Inhale ... 1 2 3 4... Exhale

A Women's Lung Health Luncheon

I received a very special phone call this week that I could not wait to share with all of you. You see, I have felt for a very long time that my "lot in life" was to help other human beings... to reach out to COPD and other Lung Disease patients. Starting my own BLOG has brought me so much joy and satisfaction knowing that I AM reaching out to these patients and making a difference.

Now to tell you my exciting news! The special phone call I received was from Mr. Kurt Goerke, the Regional Director/State Camp Director for the American Lung Association of Florida Inc. Gulfcoast Area, (I met Mr. Goerke at the Asthma Walk last spring).
Mr. Goerke invited me to the "Catch Your Breath" Women's Lung Health Luncheon to be held on Friday, October 12, 2007 at the Bonefish Grill, Fort Myers, FL. To say the least, I am ecstatic to receive this special invitation. Mr. Goerke also mentioned that he "has seen what I am doing on-line and greatly admires how I am reaching out to others."

The luncheon will be of great interest as their program consists of Speakers & Presenters from the Lee Cancer Care and Health Park Pulmonary Associates. Also Personal Testimonials from a Lung Cancer Survivor, a Lung Cancer Victim's Daughter and a Chronic Asthmatic.

For me to receive such a marvelous compliment from a wonderful person made me feel great! I will be attending the luncheon with honor. I hope you will look forward to my post after the luncheon, as I will tell you all about it!

Let us all reach out to one another and share our "Breath for Life".

1 2 3... Inhale ... 1 2 3 4... Exhale

Breathe Easy,
Sandy

http://www.catchyourbreathfortmyers.com

http://www.loveyourlungsbreatheforlife.com/blowthewhistleonasthm.html

Using O2 but still Smoking?

I would like to tell you about an incident that I observed in a restarurant the other day, which brought back memories of my "smoking days".

As a former smoker, I can relate to how very difficult it is to give up a bad habit. It wasn't easy quitting. I was fortunate that I had a great support team... my family and friends! It was difficult at first. I actually did it for my great nieces, right after they were born. I was at my nephews house for Christmas and my niece brought the twins over for a visit. I really could not hold them because I could smell the acrid cigarette smoke on my clothes. I did not want them to be subjected to the secondhand smoke odor no matter how young they were. So, that was the beginning of the end... of my "Smoking Days"! Those girls were my inspiration. I am thankful that I stopped smoking. I have been smokefree now for over five years and feel this is a major accomplishment for me! Every now and then I do get the desire to have a "smoke"... but then I remember where I was five years ago and how far I have come.

What brought that story on is this: I was visiting a restaurant the other day and happened to see a woman come in wearing an O2 cannula. I thought "how lucky I am that I do not have to be on O2". The woman went outside to sit in the smoking section. The next thing I noticed, she had taken her oxygen off and lit up a cigarette! Her cough was awful! Once she finished her cigarette she put her O2 back on. I imagine she just needed those few puffs to make her feel better??...

What do you think?

I am not exactly sure how I feel. At this point in my life I don't believe I would pick up another cigarette, but then if that "stressful situation" arises... what would I do? Again, being an ex-smoker, I know how hard it is to quit. But on the other hand... if you need oxygen on a daily basis, your lungs must be in pretty bad shape. So, why would you continue smoking?

I try each and every day to help myself to do the best I can with what I have... COPD/Emphysema and Asthma, all as a result of Cigarette Smoking.

I ask you all to please share your stories with me. You may send me a private e-mail or I will share your story with our readers if you would like.

1 2 3... Inhale ... 1 2 3 4... Exhale

Breathe Easy,
Sandy

I would like you all to meet my great nieces Lauren and Haley, the two beautiful little girls who were truly my inspiration to quit smoking. The girls will be 5 years old on 27 September 2007. Also my "quit date" anniversary of "Big Tobacco"!

Caregivers are Special People

I received an e-mail the other day from someone who was not only a friend but was was also my caregiver. Kathy read my BLOG and would like me to share her e-mail with all of you. But, before I do that I will give you a bit of a history lesson!

Kathy was/is a very dear friend of mine, we have known each other for many years. She was my caregiver when I was first diagnosed with CFIDS, Fibromyalgia, and a few other illnesses. Kathy was always there to help me... shower, dress and with eating. At the time I was first diagnosed with these illnesses, I was in complete bed rest, unable to use any motor skills. I couldn't stand on my own and had to have assistance to the bathroom. I can remember I found myself reading one word out of the dictionary because I had no control of my thought process. In order to use it... and not completely lose it, I would read one word for weeks until I could remember it.
I am grateful for each day that I can get our of bed and appreciate life... and I know that she played a huge part in helping me recover.

"Sandy,
I wanted everyone to know that I know, how much music does mean to you. I've known nyou for almost 30 years and some of the happiest times we spent was you singing along with the music and doing your karaoke. The music has helped you through some of the toughest times in your life. It's kept you going... and me too!

I've been there too with your family and saw how much everyone enjoyed the get togethers and sing-a-longs. Everyone had such great voices! The way your mother always whistled!!! I know where you get it from.

I miss hearing you sing, but I'm glad to know that you are still doing it.

Love,
Kathy"

Thank you all for allowing me to share a "piece of my past" with you.

http://www.nfcacares.org/about_nfca/

Please don't forget our breathing...

1 2 3... Inhale ... 1 2 3 4 Exhale
Sandy

Become a Smokefree Living Advocate

I hope you are all doing well tonight.
As for myself, I am still dealing with pain from the "shingles". Some of them have opened, others are slowly fading... but the pain is still intense.

As we are now in an era of trying to live "Smokefree Lives", there are sites in which you can join where you may voice your opinion to your Senators, Congressmen, etc. on TAKE ACTION issues.

I have joined the American Lung Association, receiving newsletters on a daily, weekly basis. I took action on the most recent: "Harmful Effects of Tobacco". I was very happy to receive a reply e-mail from Senator Nelson of Florida.



Dear Ms. Grace:

Thank you for contacting me with your concerns about smoking.

Medical science continually reveals new research magnifying the harmful
effects of tobacco. The link between cancer and tobacco has been well
publicized, but smoking is also a risk factor for the development of
countless other diseases. The costs society bears to treat these
illnesses are staggering especially when you consider the countless
resources allocated to battle often-preventable diseases.

There is no question that measures can be taken to reduce society's
dependence on tobacco. Of particular importance is educating children
about the dangers of smoking in order to prevent them from ever starting
the habit, and ensuring that tobacco companies do not market their
products to children.

Additionally, I believe we can act to lessen the harmful consequences of
smoking. To this end I cosponsored S. 625, the Family Smoking Prevention
and Tobacco Control Act. This bill would provide the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) authority to regulate tobacco products with the
goal of reducing the number of people who start smoking and increasing
the number of people who quit smoking. S. 625 has been referred to the
Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

I appreciate your concerns about smoking. As tobacco related issues
arise in the future, I will be sure to keep your opinions in mind.


P.S. From time to time, I compile electronic news briefs highlighting
key issues and hot topics of particular importance to Floridians. If
you'd like to receive these e-briefs, visit my Web site and sign up for
them at http://billnelson.senate.gov/news/ebriefs.cfm


My thoughts are we all need to "Get Involved" and "Take Action on issues that we strongly believe in.

If you follow the attached link, it will take you to a "Smokefree Advocates" Page on Lori's site. Here you may take a look at several sites to become involved with.

http://www.loveyourlungsbreatheforlife.com/smokefreeliving/smokefreeadvocates.html


http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=22542


Breathe Well My Friends... Living Smokefree

1 2 3... Inhale ... 1 2 3 4... Exhale

Sandy

Looks Like Shingles... OUCH!

Greetings from the "Sunshine State"

The first sign of Shingles may include itching, tingling, and burning. A few days later a blistering rash appears which can last up to 30 days!

I would like to share with you my very painful past few weeks! This is how it happened. Around August 12th, I seemed to have developed an ear ache, so I bought ear drops. I used them for a few days and thought my ear was feeling a little bit better.. although I felt a numbness. I thought it was the chamomile drops numbing my ear or rather the pain! But also my neck was sore to touch and actually my skin hurt to the touch it. The following day I saw awful blisters on my upper torso, to include my chest area, arm, under arm, neck front and back... I immediately called my doctor and got an appointment that day. As soon as he walked in and saw me, he said... "UH OH looks like shingles!"

What to do? He prescribed Vicoden for the excruciating pain. I cannot even begin to tell you how much pain I was in. Acyclovir 800 mg, 5 X's a day for 10 days which is an antibiotic. I started the regimen of pain pills, to my chagrin... the Vicoden did not even touch the pain. I called my doctor again, explaining to the nurse that I just could not take this pain any longer. Within a few minutes she called me back with a stronger prescription.

The new meds indicated, take one tablet every 6 hrs. as needed for pain. Sure enough it did help and finally after a few days of complete bed rest, I was able to get up and actually start to eat a bit. Because of the awful pain I could not eat, only drink water and take my regular meds and the "shingles" meds. Altho I did my best to eat some crackers and jello.. yummy!!

My biggest concern with the pain meds was that it could have created a problem with my breathing. Because of the nature of these drugs, there is a big warning on the bottle "Taking more of this medication then recommended may cause serious breathing problems."
Needless to say, I was very careful in taking them.

Something that we should all be aware of is that: "We need to be careful with any different medications we may need to take. If possible, research the side effects and reactions that could occur while taking these along with our 'normal' meds." Also remember... do not be afraid to ask you doctor any questions you may have.

Today is a better day, altho I still have some pain on the right side of my neck. From what I have read, sometimes there is residual pain from the shingles and it is called, (PHN) Postherpetic Neuralgia. The pain from shingles can range from burning or throbbing to a pain that is stabbing or shooting. In my case the shooting and stabbing would apply! I can only hope that this will go away quietly and stay away.

I know most people wonder... "what causes shingles?" Well, from what I have researched, if you have had Chickenpox than you are at risk for this potentially serious and painful disease.
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus can remain inactive in your body for years. If the virus becomes active, you can get a case of the shingles. What causes the virus to become active... stress and perhaps a weakened immune system.

One thing I mentioned in the beginning of my post is that at the time I was using the ear drops, I assumed the drops were causing the numbness to my ear. But after being diagnosed with shingles...I read that they can cause numbness to the ear if the outbreak is in that area.

I have attached a site link with more information about "SHINGLES".

If anyone has had this type of experience, please write in and share this with us. It is very helpful and important for all of us to beable to learn and share together.

Breathe with all the strength that you have my friends,

1 2 3... Inhale ... 1 2 3 4... Exhale

Sandy

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/shingles/shingles.htm