Flu jab & getting ready for winter

[dodgylungrunner]

Went to the GP to get my flu jab earlier which I'm hoping will keep me protected over the winter. I've also been put back on doxycycline to give me a base level protection now that the sun is on the wane. Not overly pleased by this as I hate the hot flushes and burning feeling I get when I take the tablets but if it keeps the infections away then I guess it's all worth it...

Looking back, bar the pneumothorax in January I've had a pretty good run without developing any infections so far this year which is unusual as I typically tend to get 3 or 4 minimum in a year. Given that I'm on prednisolone to suppress my immune system and prevent it running riot this must be luck rather than judgement as I don't think I'm doing anything different to previous years. Hopefully the run of good luck will continue to hold but I definitely think relaxing and not allowing myself to get so stressed by things is certainly helping.

On Monday I also got confirmation that I remain 100% cancer free which is fantastic news. It's now been 14.5 years since my bone marrow transplant and while my treatment team believe the treatment may have played some part in the development of my lung condition, I'm so thankful for the advances in research which made the treatment possible.

One day I'm hoping similar advances will mean that someone like me will be writing about how well they're doing post lung disease. It's a dream I guess that we all share and I will not stop doing my bit to help raise awareness and funds for the BLF until that's the case.

Wishing everyone all the very best as we head in to the final sprint of 2018 - here's to the flu jab giving us all a fighting chance!

[Katinka46]

Brilliant news. Well done. I know that a lot of it is down to your determination, exercise regime, we are all so proud of you.

Love and hugs

Kate xxxx🏃🏻‍♂️🏅🦓

[dodgylungrunner British Lung Foundation in reply to Katinka46]

Thanks Katinka! Exercise definitely helps but I'm convinced remaining as stress free as possible is just as vital. How are things with you?

[sassy59]

What an inspiration you are and I’m pleased you’re doing well. Great news re the cancer.

Stay strong and well and that flu jab will offer protection. Pete and I have had ours too.

Wishing you well. Xxxx

[dodgylungrunner British Lung Foundation in reply to sassy59]

I'll do my best Sassy! Hope you and Pete are both ok and that you didn't experience too many side effects from the flu jab?!

[sassy59 in reply to dodgylungrunner]

We’re doing well thanks Andy and no ill effects from flu jab. Take care xxxxx

[HungryHufflepuff]

Wow that’s really amazing, all of what you just said. Do you do something like a relaxation technique to not get stressed, or is this because you’ve got things in perspective and don’t stress the little (or big) things? I seem to be getting more stressed about more things. It’s getting out of hand and I don’t know how to do something about it. Anyway this is about you not me. Kudos to you 👍

[Pentreath Volunteer in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Something I have done is to write up a list of the things in my life that I am grateful and read it when I am feeling down. Stops me focussing on the difficult and stressful things and gets me going again. Also I have a box set and will watch an episode and that will lift my spirits - everyone to their own choice but mine is Mapp and Lucia.

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to Pentreath]

Thanks. I am very fortunate and am grateful for all the good things in my life but sometimes I lose sight of that and get overwhelmed by the silly little things in life and get really stressed about everything. Making a list of reasons to be thankful is a great idea. 👍

[dodgylungrunner British Lung Foundation in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Hi HungryHufflepuff, thanks so much for taking the time to reply and apologies for not getting back to you earlier. Having said how relaxed I am, it's been a really busy time since writing the post! Not stressing is much easier said than done - writing down what's important to you is a good idea. I also find keeping a diary where I let off steam helps me put things back in perspective. Exercise and having some time to meditate where I focus on my breathing are also good. The other thing that's also brilliant is the BLF Helpline - well worth a call if things are getting on top of you.

[megshafer]

Yay!! You!!🎊🎊🎊🎊🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈

Stay well and take good care!!

Meg

[dodgylungrunner British Lung Foundation in reply to megshafer]

Thanks Meg! Hope you're well?

[MoyB]

Great news about the cancer! What an inspiration you are! Well done. xx Moy

[dodgylungrunner British Lung Foundation in reply to MoyB]

Doing my best Moy but I'm not always so positive believe me! Hope you're well and thanks again for taking the time to read my post

[watergazer]

Wonderful news

[dodgylungrunner British Lung Foundation in reply to watergazer]

Thank you! Hope you're well and thanks so much for taking the time to read my post.

[jackdup]

That is certainly awesome news and I’m very happy for you

[dodgylungrunner British Lung Foundation in reply to jackdup]

Thanks Jack!