Backtracking: February 25th-March 8th

I finally got a bed on Friday (the 25th) and was started on my dream-team med combo (Meropenum and Chloramphenicol), the very combo that saved my lungs from being permantly fired in 2009. Within 24 hours I felt great, my voice had returned in full-strength and my shortness of breath had lessened... I hopped on the exercise bike daily and didn't require oxygen--my levels, oddly, were fine. However, we later did decide that 1 L of oxygen would be helpful, since my heart rate shot up to 160, and it was very possible my heart was overcompensating for my weak lungs (thank you overachieving heart, remind me to reward you later by avoiding all trans fats). My main problem, upon this admission, was the inability to clear mucus (which, let's face it, is a lingering issue), all the physio in the world cannot get the stuff moving, which makes it difficult to clear infection despite strong antibiotics, if you can't cough it out... then you have a problem.

Well, who would have known, there is such thing as good surprises!

Today I went down my clinic appointment at 9, it was supposed to be 8:30... but since I was up until 1:30 finishing IVs, and just had NO willpower to climb out of bed. I was ready for the big moment: pfts. The ultimate verdict. And to my surprise, after 10 days of intense physio, IVs, stationary bike (and eating out?) they were back up to 27%! (.80 L)

Dr. S immediately saw I was relieved (and maybe thankful I finally believed her? haha) and I was in and out of clinic in record time. To top it all off, my only disappointment about being discharged early was that I was not able to get my strength training program from E, the physiotherapist. Well, luckily we ran into her and she was able to show me the whole thing in clinic!

Shortest and most successful IVs ever. All this called for celebratory shopping and brunch. Time to resume the summer!

Today was my first day back to school after being off for over a month. I actually welcomed the routine again! The only drawback was that my body does not appreciate early mornings and I required a 2-hour 'nap' once I got home...

Good day overall, this is my first semester officially being a part-time student, so I'm going to have to adjust to the reduced workload. Not to mention that there is a possibility of the college teachers going on strike for three weeks, so that will force me to get creative with my time.

Tonight I had to do CPT for the first time in months. This is when my Mom "claps" my chest to help loosen secretions. Usually I just use the PEP or Active Cycle of Breathing, but I needed to add a little extra today because I have been hearing and feeling little cracks and pops in my lungs. This concerns me when it is deeper in my lungs because it means I have phlegm stuck--which is an open invitation to infection. So time to step it up and add an extra physio until that is officially cleared!