Wednesday, May 14, 2008

You Don't Know What You've Got, Till It's Gone

There are a lot of things to which you could apply that thought. Batteries when the power goes out, toilet paper after your morning coffee, ice cream that you didn't know you're husband finished. I said goodbye to a lot of things when we left Chicago and moved to Mexico, both tangible and not. I knew it'd be hard leaving my friends and family, but I never imagined how much I'd miss Thai food. I've gained a few things in return (mostly intangible) but I still look forward to someday having those former things back in my life.

However, the things I left behind are not the reason for this post. What I'm missing right now is the ability to breathe. Good ol' oxygen, in and out of the lungs. I'm clearly breathing since I'm able to type on my computer, but it's a struggle.

I've come up with a variety of explanations: my asthma is acting up, the air quality has worsened between increased fires and still no rain, or stress is finally taking it's toll. I've done some research online and difficulty breathing worsens at night, which I found out for myself a few days ago. We debated going to the hospital but I was able to calm myself down enough to fall asleep. The trouble with not being able to breathe is you start to panic and then it gets worse. Just writing about it is making it worse.

I haven't exercised for a couple days, figuring the least I move around the better. We have tracked down a doctor and Ibis just called to let me know I have an appointment later this afternoon. I'm not sure what all he can do besides give me medicine to open my lungs, but I'll be glad to find out if it's anything more serious.

For now I'll stick to shallow breaths and try not to get excited.

9 comments:

Janna Leadbetter said...

So now I know why you have that 6 oz. of coffee each morning. lol! ;)

Janna Leadbetter said...

Joking aside, I'll be thinking about you. I hope the doctor figures this out, with little or no concern following. Take care of yourself.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Thanks. :) The doctor thinks it's my asthma since everything else seems fine. So, more pills. Joy.

colbymarshall said...

I hope that you are feeling better soon! Take care of yourself!

Spy Scribbler said...

Ohmigosh! I feel for you! It's the worst. I have students who've had asthma all their life, and they're, like, so cool and collected about it. Me? It took me quite awhile to not add hyperventilating to the asthma attack.

Even if I hold myself together, about ten minutes after my inhaler finally kicks in and I can breathe, I become a sobbing mess, just from releasing all that ...

Ugh. Asthma is awful. I'm really feeling for you, over here.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update! Let me know if the medication is working. I hope it does.

BTW... I have to say it...
"They paved paradise and put up a parking lot."

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Yeah, I've discovered staying calm helps. I was first diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma in high school during basketball practice. I hyperventilated and I have to say that was the scariest thing that ever happened to me.

Ed Wyrd said...

Maybe you just need a Neti pot. :)

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Why didn't I think of that!