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2012/08/06, 11:47 PM
In 2009 I was diagnosed with COPD. Look it up. It's a breathing problem. I wrote it up to 35 years in a cabinet shop whiffing sawdust and lacquer fumes. My lung capacity was 74%. I had never had a problem lifting but walking, running and cardiac work was difficult. I lowered my weight on my lifts and stepped up my cardiac work. My lung capacity increased some every six months. The "C" in COPD is chronic. It means it wont get better.
For my Canadian and other international buddies, COPD is an automatic turn down on a health insurance application. We have coverage but it comes with a high deductible and as a result we pay $25,000 a year for health insurance.
I have been rigid long distance walker and swimmer for the last 2 and a half years.It's important to understand that the condition with which I was diagnosed can't get better. I took my annual lung capacity test today. You blow into a machine. My lung capacity measured at 97%. The pulmomologist told me that I was no longer in the range that can be considered as having COPD. He told me to toss my two a day inhaler. I plan on reapplying for health insurance with my current company as well as others. I'm at least $149 per month richer for eliminating the inhaler. We may be a great deal richer once the insurer receives the letter from my doctor acknowledging a mistaken diagnosis.
Never quit.
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2012/08/09, 11:05 AM
This is incredible to me in two ways:
1. That exercise can be so powerful -much like medicine (we also see this in diabetes, hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia etc)
2. You had the motivation to continue on in spite of what you were told
I think about what I would do if I was told I had such a condition - one that not only had no chance of improving but would surely progress. I'm not so sure what I'd do or if I'd have the motivation to imagine anything else for myself apart from being a COPD patient.
I wish I was there to see your face when they told you your lung function! Although, I suspect you already knew how well you would do ;-)
Thanks for the inspiration Charlie! You made my Thursday :)
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2012/08/10, 12:48 AM
Thanks young un. The most difficult cometition is always the one you where pit your goals against your abilities. Best yourself and there can be no loser.
You make my day everytime you show up. Please drop in more often.
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