Like a snail....

[lynnekay]

Thank you all again for your good wishes re: me travelling 40 miles to visit my mother in hospital.  I have got myself organised so that I keep my suitcase in the car and just pop my overnight bits in every day I visit.  

I do feel like a snail, carrying my home around with me, but as I move at snail's pace anyway, I guess it's poetic justice.

The regular visits interspersed with days off for recuperation is becoming a way of life, but I miss my normal activities and social contacts.  It's a good few weeks since I met with friends, went to art group, book group, horticulture club, singing for lung health, exercises for "heavy breathers" and Breathe Easy meetings. You can see that severe COPD doesn't stop me doing much! However, emails and Health Unlocked are great for staying in touch with friends 

[rubyred777]

Hi Lynnekay                                              You are quite amazing.Are you on oxygen all the time? You're driving all that way, almost everyday. Then that list of all the activities you miss doing. Don't think I  could keep up with you! If you don't mind me asking, do you know your fev1?  You must be doing something right. Got any advice for the rest of us? How is your dear mom doing? Bless you  Lynne kay, you are indeed an inspiration to us all.😊 Rubyxx

[lynnekay in reply to rubyred777]

Hi Ruby

I don't know what my Fev1 is - I take no notice of the numbers and just do what I want and can do, although I have "severe" COPD and can only walk 15 metres before becoming very sob.  Some days are more of a struggle than others, but I organise and plan things so that I can cope (e.g. I go early to my art group to ensure a parking space near the door).  I bought a scooter, and later  on, a different car that the scooter will fit into using a hoist.  Without being pessimistic, I've tried to plan ahead

Occasionally I have to give in and not do something because of an exacerbation or infection.

I'm on ambulant oxygen which means lugging my cylinder around, rather a nuisance but helps with sob.  

I don't know about being an inspiration (but thank you for your kind words) and not sure of the secret.....except that I don't to be ruled by COPD, and waste my one and only life sitting at home, getting depressed with nothing much to think about except how poorly I am.  Maybe its the attitude that keeps me so busy.  

My mother is doing well.  She was discharged yesterday and I'm now at her home with her.  She's says she feels tired and weak, and has slept for nearly 12 hours  already and still hasn't appeared for breakfast.  I have to say that for 89, she's amazing.  I've probably inherited her fighting spirit

Love, Lynne