[There is no medical advice in this post. I’m a complete idiot, not a doctor. Please don’t forget it.]
Her name is JJ and she loves me for me. I don't have to pretend when I'm around her. And she's always there for me.
There’s nothing like catching a cold two weeks after getting out of the hospital to jar your positive outlook on life. Especially when I have a terrible track record against colds. Oh, and then there is the C diff I’ve been battling. A beautiful double punch to the lungs and gut.
One day the sun is shining, the bat breaks, and here comes some splintered maple, WHACK to the head. Hard and fast with no helmet to protect me. I was just sitting there eating my Dodger Dog, watching the game when the next thing I know I’m on my back with a piece of wood sticking out of my forehead and mustard on my shirt.
My daughter brought the cold home, which always makes me feel bad because it’s not her fault it finds its evil virus way to me. Most normal fathers withstand colds just fine. And I think I have a pretty good immune system because the times when my wife gets it too, I fare pretty well compared to her.
It’s the inflammation it causes in my lungs that roasts me. I can’t get the junk out. I recover from the cold, but not its wake.
But since I started taking higher doses of vitamin C, I’ve been faring better. This was the first autumn I stayed out of the hospital in years, and during the recent hospital joy ride, my PFTs recovered for the first time while I was in the hospital, something rare and unseen for many years. And my pulse ox was higher than it normally is for an exacerbation. Odd, but in a good way.
And now, after a week of this cold and a Saturday I can only describe as a descent into Virus Hell – a day of my body and mind misfiring I’ll never forget – and four straight days of eating mostly liquids, bowls of Tom Yum and Tom Kar Thai soup, and flushing my sinuses three times a day, and eating as much vitamin C as my stomach could manage, I’m may see a thin glow in the distance.
And it may not be the fluorescent glow of hospital lights.
I can’t say if I’ll avoid the hospital. It’s touch and go, but there is hope. Scary stuff is still coming out of me. But my lungs feel like they have better air each day and are moving the trapped garbage out.
I hope I don’t curse myself with this post. I know better. But have I made it this time? Or am I being teased?
If I did make it, say hello to my little friend, Vitamin C. She’s my new best pal in the fight.
The Unknown Cystic 
Ive been AWOL for so long, no excuses other than a busy life with not enough hours in the day.
Hate hearing that the evil lung devil is giving you grief, but glad that the Vit C is your friend. (Did I tell you i am studying to become a Naturopathic Doctor? After seeing what vitamins and herbs did for my sons CLD I had to know more)
Anyway, I’m a huge fan of all things natural for many ailments, lungs being one of them – of course we don’t have near the issues in this house that you have over there – must be your dramatic-attention-seeking-personality. 😉 C’mon, you smiled at that one didn’t you? (Tell me you did or I look like a total schmuck!)
We have an excess of good air, sunshine and health here (I know you want to gouge my eyes out right now – give me a minute!) SOoo.. I’m sending some your way, via what my son terms as “Puff” the “Magic Dragon. His imaginary friend, not the one Peter, Paul and Mary chortled on about. I digress.
“Puff” can apparently bring good air and resulting clear and healthy lungs to those who need it through the power of magic – at least that’s what I’ve been told by a 7-year-old with an overactive imagination – and who am I to argue? Do keep an eye out, I would hate you to miss him flying by and have him bless Romney or someone equally undeserving with it.
Hang in there my friend.
Karyn,
I wondered where you’d gone to. I’ve been checking my blogs and haven’t seen a new post from you. But I’ll always take one of your charming, bright comments. They are like sunshine from Australia in words.
Who has a dramatic-attention-seeking-personality? You sure it’s me? I need to talk to your husband.
Thanks for sending Puff. He worked. I escaped for the first time in years. Miracle. It did take a toll and I won’t stay out for long.
Thanks for the good wishes and comments. Always a joy hearing from you.
John
I told my son about Puff working for you. He gave me a somewhat accusatory look as he said “I know, I TOLD you he would…didn’t you believe me?”I lied like a politician and told him I never doubted it for a second.
As for you and my husband talking, it will never happen. Nothing good (for me) can every come from that conversation. 😉
Dear Madman of LAShire,
Well my friend it looks like CF is trying it’s best to get one up on you at the moment but I know that you are giving it a run for it’s money. #FUCF
I wonder if Vodka & orange flushes would help with your Vitamin C intake?
Fingers crossed for you and sending some good healing vibes your way from EnglandShire. 😉
Sir Sean
Sir Sean,
If you were a doctor, I know the number one medicine you would prescribe – alcohol. Somewhere along the line, you thought it worked for anything you ever caught. Clearly, it’s working for you.
Thanks for the shot and the healing vibes. I guess between the ones you and Karyn sent, they worked. Nice job.
BTW, I think I’m ready for a rematch with @onlyz. Time to take him out.
UC
I’ve always wondered who JJ left me for…
Hope you beat this rap and can avoid doing time.
Margie,
I did beat it. Can’t believe it. A first. It did take a toll on my lungs. Won’t stay out as long this time, but I’m out for now.
UC