Yipppppeeeee!!

I had an appointment for a lung capacity test and a consultation with the pulmonologist and the results are: my lungs are working above full capacity. The blood clots are being absorbed into my system (similar to dissolving) and there will be undetectable permanent damage to my lungs, if there is any damage at all; he seemed to think there was no damage since I am above the standard lung capacity. The technician who gave me the capacity test re-tested a couple parts and I asked if there was a problem with the results, I added that as a teacher, I know when you repeat the assessment it means there's something abnormal with the results, and he agreed but said it was good.

The consultation with the lung doctor was very informative. He got out the CAT scan and showed me where the blood clots were/are and was very patient in answering all my questions. He apparently had been warned I would have a lot of questions. I made him repeat several times, though, that I when I go off the medications I will be back to normal health. I need to be very careful while on the Coumadin--which I already am being, and to not get over tired and rest when I feel tired but he doesn't think I will have a recurrence or any lasting effects. I should be off the medications in January.

He agreed that the costochondritis (inflammation of the joints of the rib cage) will probably take a long time--up to a eighteen months--to clear up. But, that's not too serious, just annoying and I can manage it.

It certainly couldn't have been better news!




I guess as good as it gets is around the corner!