Quilting Heidi Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 I've really debated about posting here but at this point I just feel like a few extra prayers might help! I am having trouble with my lung again. To make a long story short I had 12 collapsed lungs and I had a rare condition of endometriosis (yes you read that right) in my lungs...yes very odd and very rare, less than 200 cases in 30 years! I tease hubby all the time and say, “See I told you I had PMS to the highest degree!” Well I had a hysterectomy 5 1/2 years ago and my last collapse was the night before my surgery! They weren't going to do the surgery because the anesthesiologist had a fit when I told her it had collapsed! I asked what the worse that could happen and she said she would have to put in a chest tube. Been there done that and told her to do what she had to do but I needed to get on with life! OK so sometime last week my lung mysteriously collapsed again! I knew what the pain was but kept hoping that I was wrong. Finally on Tues. I went to see the doctor who confirmed my fears. Now I’m talking with my Thoracic surgeon (lung specialist) and OB to see where we should go. I’m bummed about it but keep reminding myself that there are so many people in worse shape than me. Mine just hurts but as long as my lung doesn’t collapse completely it won’t kill me and I'll do anything not to have a chest tube (they really hurt). I’m trying to keep a positive outlook on this but not sure what they will do about it or if this will start to happen every 2 or 3 months again…I’m hoping not! I’m fine and still working, just taking a little extra time because I tire easily. No lifting and I’m trying hard to not overdo it. The surgeon is thinking he wants to do a scope of my lung and take a biopsy. He is currently on vacation but talking with my primary physician. If you guys don’t mind I’d appreciate a little pray just to give my doctors the guidance they need! Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltmonkey Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Dear Heidi, I am so sorry to learn this news.... Bless your heart, sweet friend!! I will definitely keep you in my prayers. One thought that came to mind about your recent lung collapse... could it be stress related? I know that you are the "energizer bunny" and just go go go go go.. You work full time as a business analyst and you have been putting immense hours on this wholecloth quilt. I think you are over=doing it. It's probably not in your nature to slow down, but please... please... please... in the future... take things in stride and give your body a break and try not to do too many things. I think you push yourself too much!!!!!!!! ((((hugs and prayers to you)))) Shana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sspingler Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Sending cyber hugs and prayers your way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinneaMarie Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Slow way down, girl! We don't want you hurting:o You got a bunch of positive vibes coming your way from me;) Plus tons of prayers and hugs:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted February 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Shana, Really I don't think it is stress related. Work has been going fine and my quilting really relaxes me more than anything else! The only stress lately is my mother and that is a life long event! The doctor said it may be the scar tissue in my lung. I had a plural abraision in 2002, very painful procedure where they take a brillo pad (you know the green scrubby things) and scrub the inside of your chest cavity. I was in the hospital for 8 days and had 2 chest tubes. It is not a procedure I care to repeat! The theory is that the scar tissue will adhere your lung to the chest cavity. It lasted 9 months. That was when they finally diagnosed it as endometriosis. My OB says that estrogen therapy has a 1 in 100 chance of causing a reoccurance of endometriosis but the question is could it live for 5 1/2 years?! We just don't know. He would be able to write up a pretty good journal! Both he and my surgeon love to give lectures on my case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lizziesgirl Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Many prayers to you Heidi and PLEASE slow down and don't do what your not suppose to do. Thank you for letting us know, we are a family in this cyber world and though we have never physically met I feel that I know you and I do care about you. Many hugs and prayers going your way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonnie Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 You need something all you have to shout.....and am thinking about you often. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hollyrw Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Heidi honey, I've got you in my prayers. Please don't do anything that could aggravate this. You know, like running a marathon, climbing Everest, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stagecl Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted February 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Originally posted by Hollyrw Heidi honey, I've got you in my prayers. Please don't do anything that could aggravate this. You know, like running a marathon, climbing Everest, etc. Holly, LOL you should hear me huff and puff from just one flight of stairs! I can't imagine if I tried to run! I am still doing my excercising which the doctor says is fine as long as I can tolerate the pain and don't do any lifting. Nothing more 5 pounds! I did sleep in this morning and came to work 2 hours late so I'm behaving! Bonnie - Thanks hon! You were great to talk to yesterday and I sure hope your week is getting better! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AbigailE Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 lifting you up in the arms of the Comforter, may you heal quickly and keep smiling, treat yourself gently. My what free advise! Take care, you are loved and special, always. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DB Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Heidi, If I were in your shoes I would get scoped and have a biopsy done. Make sure that it is the endometriosis or scar tissue. Is this just one part of a lobe causing you this continual problem or is it more wide spread? As you must already know your lung can self inflate by itself, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that it happens soon. I don't mean to place judgement on anyone but I hope to god that you don't smoke. I am so sorry that you are going through all of this. Hang in there. Dianne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jhend Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Heidi, Take care of yourself and I hope your doctors fix you right up. Can't have you not quilting and inspiring us with your beautiful work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltmonkey Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Heidi, Dianne above has some good advice. I am sure that your doctor and surgeon are tops in their field, but have you considered getting more professional opinions and a referral to more specialists??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
appr216 Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Heidi, So sorry to hear you are not feeling well. Prayers and hugs coming your way. Judi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted February 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Shana & Dianne - not to worry I have the best doctors ever and no I don't smoke, thank God! I would say I played with it as a teenager and doubt I ever had more than 10 cigs and boy am I so thankful! The lung will self-inflate you are right. It can take up to 3 weeks and I can usually tell when it is starting because the pain gets to be less. It has been pretty consistant the last week so still not doing much. I am sure that I will end up with the biopsy. It was very rare that I had this to begin with and I was so blessed to have a doctor who knew anything about it! My first surgeon in NC was good but he didn't create the link. The only reason the 2nd doctor did was because there is another surgeon that has this condition at Albany Med and the week before I went to see this surgeon she had given a lecture on it! What are the odds?! I'm just really hoping this isn't someting that starts to happen every 2 or 3 months like it was. It really drains you. In the meantime I just can't fly! Good thing we are driving to the wedding. That was always my biggest fear. The upper lobe is the one that collapses and my oxygen level stays pretty high. I've been told that I really have good lung capacity. Thanks for all the kinds thoughts! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alcote Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Prayers and happy thoughts to you Hiedi! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ffq-lar Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Heidi--I am closing my eyes and sending you all the strength I can across the miles. Prayers for a speedy resolution, smart doctors, (and more videos ) are coming your way! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smorris Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Hi Heidi I hope you start to feel better soon. Hugs Sue in Australia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matildanme Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Sending warm thoughts and (((((hugs))))) your way Heidi, hope your feeling better very soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susanne.Hughes Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Dear Heidi, Thinking of you and hoping you are better soon. ((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witha'K'quilting Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Heidi, I will keep you in my prayers. I pray the doctors follow the wisdom the Lord has given them. Take it easy and if you need anything...you have a great support system in this group. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kennan100 Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Heidi, You are still on my list from the issues with your Mom & brother, so I'll just add this to it! Praying for you, the Dr's, nurses, and anyone else associated with your care. And adding that Mom & brother behave so that you can take care of yourself! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted February 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Kenna, Yup mom and brother are still a problem. The last 2 weeks were misserable. I have to tell mom...I guess tonight. Oh I so dread that. I can just hear her now. I hate secrets and lies so I'll be honest. Maybe though she'll quit harping on me about not being compassionate with my brothers! You can be compassionate without making excuses for their behavior is what I keep telling her. I don't buy that it is everybody elses fault so we never see eye to eye! Thanks for the extra prayers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mirabelle Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Sending my prayer and thoughts that you have a speedy recovery. As everyone has said this forum is full of cyber friends who care even though we may never meet in person. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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