Health update

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KathyNS Canada
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Health update

#1

Post by KathyNS »


Some of you may remember that I had a really bad case of pneumonia last year. I recovered, but not to 100%, so today, I had an appointment with a respirologist to discuss my case.

The bad news: this is as good as it's going to get. The good news: I am lucky to be alive!

It started as a cold that became a bad cold. My wife noticed that I was having a hard time catching my breath climbing stairs. The final straw was when the power went out (winter storm) and I went outside to start the generator. Luckily for me it started on the first pull, because I didn't have a second pull in me. As soon as our neighbours could plow our driveway for us, they called an ambulance for me. That led to three weeks in hospital, IV antibiotics, a collapsed lung, all kinds of tests, more antibiotics, and then a slow recovery at home.

Today, the respirologist showed me a recent CT scan of my lungs. As I figured, the left one is okay. The right lung shows a lot of scar tissue. My guess of 50% capacity on that side is probably fairly close. Then she showed me a CT scan from when I was in hospital. Holy crap! The right lung back then was a solid mass of white, indicating basically no air in it at all, just fluid and infection. It was the first time I had seen those images.

As she put it, without the IV antibiotics, I would be dead. It was a remarkable recovery, she said.

So, I just have to learn to pace myself. The muscles may be willing, but if the lungs say to slow down my pace, I need to listen. Keep my covid shots up to date, and stay as fit and active as I can.

It makes me grateful for what I have, and thankful for the people who pulled me through. Don'\t take good health for granted!
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DSO AP: Orion 200mm f/4 Newtonian Astrograph; ATIK 383L+; EFW2 filter wheel; Astrodon Ha,Oiii,LRGB filters; KWIQ/QHY5 guide scope; Planetary AP: Celestron C-11; ZWO ASI120MC; Portable: Celestron C-8 on HEQ5 pro; C-90 on wedge; 20x80 binos; Etc: Canon 350D; Various EPs, etc. Obs: 8' Exploradome; iOptron CEM60 (pier); Helena Observatory (H2O) Astrobin
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SkyHiker United States of America
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Re: Health update

#2

Post by SkyHiker »


Very sorry to hear that Kathy. I hope your lungs will recover to the maximum of their ability and that it will stay that way. Maybe some long walks or hikes can help you recover, it works wonders for me.
... Henk. :D Telescopes: GSO 12" Astrograph, "Comet Hunter" MN152, ES ED127CF, ES ED80, WO Redcat51, Z12, AT6RC, Celestron Skymaster 20x80, Mounts and tripod: Losmandy G11S with OnStep, AVX, Tiltall, Cameras: ASI2600MC, ASI2600MM, ASI120 mini, Fuji X-a1, Canon XSi, T6, ELPH 100HS, DIY: OnStep controller, Pi4b/power rig, Afocal adapter, Foldable Dob base, Az/Alt Dob setting circles, Accessories: ZWO 36 mm filter wheel, TV Paracorr 2, Baader MPCC Mk III, ES FF, SSAG, QHY OAG-M, EAF electronic focuser, Plossls, Barlows, Telrad, Laser collimators (Seben LK1, Z12, Howie Glatter), Cheshire, 2 Orion RACIs 8x50, Software: KStars-Ekos, DSS, PHD2, Nebulosity, Photo Gallery, Gimp, CHDK, Computers:Pi4b, 2x running KStars/Ekos, Toshiba Satellite 17", Website:Henk's astro images
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Re: Health update

#3

Post by Ylem »


Yes Kathy, many of us take our health for granted, wishing you a speedy recovery.
Stay strong!
Clear Skies,
-Jeff :telescopewink:


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Re: Health update

#4

Post by Juno16 »


Hi Kathy,

Thanks for letting us know.
It’s good to hear you’re doing well and dealing with the situation. Yes, pneumonia is terrible.

Take care and keep well.
Jim

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Re: Health update

#5

Post by messier 111 »


I am happy to know that you are better, we want you here for a very long time.
take care of yourself.
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KathyNS Canada
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Re: Health update

#6

Post by KathyNS »


Thanks, all.
SkyHiker wrote: Thu Jun 01, 2023 10:31 pm Maybe some long walks or hikes can help you recover, it works wonders for me.
I am walking 4 km per day. I can walk much longer, but only if I keep the pace slow enough. I do intend to stay as active as I can. But the news today is that that will just keep me at the status quo. She told me not to expect further improvement.

As they say, getting old sucks, but it beats the heck out of the alternative. :lol:
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Re: Health update

#7

Post by Bigzmey »


Pneumonia is a serious issue, glad that you managed to beat it! All those scars we gather makes life tougher, but as you say still much better than the alternative.
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Re: Health update

#8

Post by bobharmony »


Sorry to hear about your troubles, Kathy. It seems you are taking a realistic approach to living to the fullest with the diminished capacity. Keep walking and stay active.

My Mom used to say that "getting old isn't for sissies" and I am learning what she meant now.

Bob
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Re: Health update

#9

Post by starfield »


Hi Kathy, How scary. Glad to hear you are back on your feet able to get back out hiking. Take care --Steve
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Re: Health update

#10

Post by Butterfly Maiden »


Thank you for the update Kathy.

You have both been through a very traumatic time, but the medical treatments and therapies you received have got you through it.

You are discovering your physical limitations now, but hopefully you can still enjoy life in the fullest way possible.

Take care Kathy.
Vanessa

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Re: Health update

#11

Post by helicon »


Sounds like you are feeling somewhat better besides the lingering effects, hopefully things will continue to improve.
-Michael
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Re: Health update

#12

Post by carastro »


Really shocked to read this as was unaware of your pneumonia.

It sounds like you had a narrow escape thanks to modern medicine.

I know what it is like to have breathing issues as been an asthmatic all my life. As l get older l find walking upstairs even puts me out of breath and l certainly can’t walk up hill without getting breathless snd having to stop.

It is scary when you suddenly have to deal with something you didn't have to before.

Carole
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Re: Health update

#13

Post by Gordon »


You are right about getting old. Now you know your limits so try to keep within them!

Glad to hear you are feeling better!
Gordon
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Re: Health update

#14

Post by Makuser »


Hi Kathy. Sorry to read about your pneumonia health issues but I am glad that you are properly dealing with it. Part of getting old is budgeting your energy and monitoring your condition regularly. Thanks for your health update Kathy and all of us hope that you continue to feel better.
Marshall
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Re: Health update

#15

Post by Thefatkitty »


Kathy, a little late on this but hope you're doing better!
Mark

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Re: Health update

#16

Post by AntennaGuy »


Wow. Congrats on making it through all that. Please take good care of yourself as you continue to heal.
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Re: Health update

#17

Post by Graeme1858 »


Hello Kathy, sorry to hear how bad you've been. Glad to hear you're improving. Proper ill is like a cricket bat whacking you unexpected from behind when you're not looking. I hope your lungs continue to clear up.

Regards

Graeme
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Re: Health update

#18

Post by Chich »


Sorry to hear of you troubles. Modern medicine is wonderful. I would not be here either were it not for advances that have rendered conditions that were terminal back in my younger times treatable now.
We shall have to form a Royal Society of Bullet Dodgers :P
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KathyNS Canada
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Re: Health update

#19

Post by KathyNS »


Chich wrote: Sat Jun 03, 2023 9:18 amRoyal Society of Bullet Dodgers
Ha-ha! I love it!
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Re: Health update

#20

Post by CharLakeAstro »


Kathy
Be well, take care, and keep on keeping on. Looking fwd to seeing many more of your images from the new place
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