FINALLY had lung function testing

I had the lung function test yesterday. Of course I don't have the results yet.

But I did get a major insight.

The tech sent these holding chambers with me. They're a hint as to my big insight.

I'm sure some of you recognize them.

For those of you who don't...

These are used with inhalers.

Part of the testing involved the tech putting a couple of puffs of Albuterol into one of these chambers. And I breathed that med from the chamber into my lungs.

Right after that dose I had the 6-minute walk test (which to my surprise was just walking up and down the hall outside the testing room).

I paced myself very slowly because often when I walk I have to stop because either my back hurts or I can't get my breath. Or both.

Well about three minutes in I realized I wasn't gasping for breath. I sped up. I could still breathe.

And it hit me.

The Albuterol!

It's a magic drug!!

One that made me be able to breathe the way I used to. Before I started wheezing, gasping so often.

I told the tech. And I said I'm really going to speed up for the last minute. And I did.

I could breathe just fine!

The tech was tickled. I asked if the doc would prescribe Albuterol before my appointment with him in October. Because it helps so much I'd sure like to start using it!

She said he would call with the results.

I could feel some phelgm loosening in my lungs after the dose and walk. She said that was common after a dose of Albuterol.

Gosh, surely the pulmonoligist is going to prescribe an Albuterol inhaler before I see him! It made SUCH a difference. And I was very aware when it wore off three hours later. The wheezing returned and I couldn't breathe well.

But boy was it nice to be able to breathe easily for a few hours.

I used to take that for granted.

No more!

If I don't hear something early next week you bet I'm going to be calling the pulmonolgy office!

Other than the testing my update is that it's still up and down for me. Yesterday was a good day. Today was rough. That's pretty common. No two days are the same.

This morning I felt rotten after getting up and didn't feel any better on into the afternoon.

I went to vist a friend and her fun kids as planned. But I only stayed about 5 minutes because I felt bad.

I came home and napped. And that helped.

I haven't been sleeping well or deeply. That's another doc I'll be seeing next month. A sleep specialist to see if I have sleep apnea. I was tested a back in November of 202O and didn't have it then. But a lot has changed in the past two or three years.

I have the longest list of doctors!

But if they can help me feel better I'm mighty happy to see them.

I've got my fingers crossed that I'll have an Albuterol prescription from one of those docs early next week...

Because I'm a fan of being able to breathe easily and without wheezing!