OT (long) I am feeling miserable! (Updated)

I have heard of it many times before.  They told me fifty thousand times that my 2 year old (at the time) had it, but really she had a Patent Ductus Arteriosis (essentially an extra duct in her heart that didn't close upon birth), and it caused her to have extra pressure in her lungs and therefore fluid build up, and walking pneumonia every second week.  She had to have a catheter procedure at Sick Kids....but I digress.

Maybe I do have it. My understanding of it though is that it is just a general term for unexplained trouble with your airways, and doesn't really have a solution other than what I am getting right now.  :)

You're right, it is not considered a 'proper' diagnosis by many doctors, but it works as a quick explanation for my husband when it happens to him and he needs to see a new doc. And the inhalers have never failed to fix him. I really don't believe he has asthma, as it is exclusively a post-viral issue. Whatever it is you have, it's much more important that you get it properly treated than named, so I hope you're feeling better soon!

Thanks for the advice.  I also think it is virus related and not asthma.  I never cough or stuggle to breath except once a year in October when I get this damn virus.  I jog and exercise quite regularly, and have never had breathing problems (BTW I am putting off my 4 runs a wee****il this goes away :) 

I am taking all the meds that the dr. gave me. They are managing the coughing and spasms.   However, now I have to add fever (had it all afternoon/evening yesterday, and again this morning), to the list of symptoms which indicates infection, so back to the walk-in I will go to get another med to clear up whatever the heck this is....hopefully. 

Ugh, fever too now?  Poor Marny. Hugs.

Thanks Karen.  Meds are making everything feel a lot better.  I am starting to feel a little funny about starting this big thread whining about how crappy I was feeling.  What a big suck I am!  

  I just needed to vent, but nevertheless, thanks again for the hugs and hope you've enjoyed your weekend!  Back to work tomorrow... UGH.  Haven't decided if I'll go or not. 

Thanks, I have definitely enjoyed my weekend!  After getting "topped up" in the hospital last weekend, I am full of energy and getting lots done :)  And Jesse came to visit.  And Joe's been home.  And I'm in a good mood. LOL!

Feel better please xoxo

Thanks all.  I bundled myself up and stood outside at the walk-in clinic door to be the first one in line.  It was well worth it, as 12 people showed up after me while I was waiting.  I saw a very nice doctor who was very helpful and took a long time with me.  She gave me 3 prescriptions.  Normally, I hate to take anything, but I am at my wits end.  She sent me home with a Symbicort inhale, codine cough syrup, and these "Cetirizine" pills which are supposed to stop the post nasal drip.  I took the inhaler which is one of those powder doses which you breathe in quickly.  I coughed so much after that that  I vomited like crazy.  I also took the Cetirizine which I must say stopped the post-nasal drip in it's tracks, and also the coughing, but MAN.  It literally rendered me unconscious for the better part of the afternoon.  I mean, my hubby took the girls to the local pool, gave them lunch, raked the leaves, put up the Christmas lights, and cleaned the gutters.  He said the girls were in and out of the house all day long and even watched TV on the couch beside me, and I don;t really remember it!  I have never had that strong of a reaction to medication before.  I can only take one a day...thank goodness, but will only be able to take it before bed, otherwise I won't be able to drive to work in the morning.  I haven't tried the syrup yet. 

I will still see the respirologist though when he calls.  Thanks for all of the concern.  You guys are a great sounding board foe any and everything and I really appreciate it!

Hi Marny

I wonder if I had something similar a few years ago.  It was so bad, especially at night, that my husband rushed me to emerg. a couple of time.  I would cough so hard that I couldn't take a breath in or out.  I scared all the teachers at the elementary school that I worked at, as I was on outside recess duty and the cold winter air hit me and put me into a coughing fit.  I couldn't breath but luckily the teacher who was to relieve me came out and saw that I was in distress and got me help.  I literally couldn't make myself breath and my body 'let go' of it's functions and I peed myself.  I was embarrassed but I was wearing snowpants so the kids didn't know. 

In the end, the ear, nose and throat doctor told me that when I coughed so hard and so long my vocal cords spasmed because the acid in my stomach came up and splashed them. . . . .I never vomited but it felt like I would.  So, my vocal cords closed up when they came in contact with the acid.  I got a couple pufferes to control the cough (no asthma) and acid reducer meds.  That helped a lot.  But, I'm terrified to get a bad cold again and experience that.  I take Cold FXn everyday as soon as I'm back to school and stop them when summer holidays start.  I haven't had a cold for two years now. . . . .cross my fingers.

Good Luck
Barb

Thanks for sharing- man those nasty school germs, eh?  The kids in my class have been coughing for weeks now and I was crossing my fingers that I'd avoid it, but no such luck.  Last time this happened, I actually went out and bought a bag of Depends, because I was goughing so hard I kept having the same problem.  Soooo embarassing!  :) 

Maybe I will try the Cold-FX after all of this is said and done.

That sounds terrible!  I would definately go to the lung doctor hospital.  That is what the problem is now and they would have all the records from last time.  Why start over with a new hospital when you have a doctor that has seen this before?  Especially if it is so unusual.

As for the WLS, I don't think there is too much they can do wrong besides give you NSAID's and you will just have to make sure you know exactly what they are giving you.

Good luck
Julie