Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Lung Functioning Freak Out

Eeewsies. Guys, I have some no bueno news:

So I saw the allergist today, and he absolutely freaked the flip out. My lungs are only functioning at 40%, which is the worst it’s ever been. They actually brought in a different testing machine because they thought the one I used was broken, which he was hoping would explain why my lungs are so bad, but turns out it is indeed my faulty lungs, and not a faulty machine.

And the thing that’s scary…my asthma today is pretty good. I’m not wheezing, I haven’t had to use my inhaler…but that’s actually a BAD thing because if my lungs are only working at 40% (100% is normal) it means that my lungs don’t work, even if my asthma is under control. Seriously guys I’ve never seen him like this, he was freaking out and said I was a high-risk asthmatic candidate to “expire” and when I come back in a week if I don’t get better he won’t see me anymore because I guess he doesn’t freaking want my blood (or bad lungs) on his hands.

AND THEN and then he asked me point-blank if I’m anorexic, because I’m so thin. I told him that I am a recovering anorexic, and he told me something interesting – that a likely reason I’m so thin and have a very difficult time gaining weight is because my lungs are burning more than double the amount of calories they normally would, just to function and give me oxygen. He hypothesized that if we can get my lungs working again then it would most likely be easier for me to gain weight. He also said that just like some anorexics have heart problems or whatever from the affects of malnutrition, etc, I have lung problems from all the years of damage I’ve done.

My IeG levels are also off the charts…it detects like allergens in my blood or whatever, so on top of getting 12 allergy shots a month, I also have to get 4 extra shots a month to help control my asthma…he said for his other patients, the most he gives them is 2. And I get 4. Wha--?

You guys, this is so real, so scary. I’ve never really taken my asthma seriously. I mean, I take my meds and stuff, but whenever I hear that I’m going to like die from it or whatever, I brush it off because it sounds insane. But he scared the blanking blank out of me. He said that if my lungs get worse, a simple cold will put me in the ICU because my lungs won’t be able to fight the virus or something and I’ll stop breathing. So he way upped the steroids I’m taking, so I guess we’ll see in a week if it helps…

But if they’re not better in a week, what do I do?

Why am I so broken?

Brie’s sad.

14 comments:

Tylaine said...

Hi Brie,

I found your blog and I've been addicted to reading it the last week. I am so inspired by your courage and love your witty sense of humor about everything you have had to go through in your life. You are an absolutely gorgeous woman on the outside as well as the inside. This post is very scary and my thoughts and prayers are with you. You are a very strong and courageous woman. God Bless!
P.S I'm in your ward

Flighty said...

Wow, that theory actually makes a lot of sense. Your doc sounds like a smart guy. Keep doing what you need to do, Brie. It must be so frightening. :( My thoughts are with you. *hugs*

Jackie said...

Wow this is scary honey :( But I am glad your doctor knows what is going on and actually has an action plan. It sounds way overwhelming but hopefully the new treatments will help. I am so sorry you are struggling with this - you deserve nothing but health and happiness. Hang in there.
xoxo

Standing in the Rain said...

wow. that sucks some major ass. my heart, your lungs, ... you just never think it'll happen to you, and then it does. i'm so sorry brie, it sounds like he's scared and you're scared. and probably rightly so. 40% is NOT ok. this almost sounds CF'ish, if you know what i mean...poor lung function, inability to gain weight, etc. not that you have CF, you obviously do not, but maybe look into it to find some ways to help your LFT's improve or gain some lbs? just an idea.

and one more thing...i imagine when he "won't see you anymore", he's sending you to a higher up-ish specialist? not just throwing you to the curb, right? cuz that would suck. and be unethical. and mean. and i may just have to come down to SLC to kick his arse if he were to do that.

k, done ranting.

licketysplit said...

SO scary! I can't even imagine :/ I'm hoping beyond hope that this new treatment works. You're poor little lungs are working much too hard!

Telstaar said...

Oh goodness Brie! That is scary. I want to answer your question on why you're broken (and me and many people I know) but I don't have one... I will pray LOTS. *sending big hugs*

Telly xo

Anonymous said...

Brie,

I don't think you're broken. I think you dealt with some hard stuff and now you're fixing it. And, good news, you've found someone who can help you repair things! He does seem to know what's going on. You're awesome. You've made it through worse. You'll be fine. =)

-Lindsay

Just That ZombieGrrl said...

*hugs*

I hope the function improves, and I'm glad to hear the light at the end of the tunnel might be easier weight gain after your lungs are sorted out.

Take care!

Lisa and Jim said...

Oh, how awful and frightening! I'd be a quivering mess if I'd gotten news like this.

These docs better treat you right and get you fixed.

Unknown said...

Scary stuff, love... i'm so sorry that this is happening to you. I agree with a previous poster about the doc knowing what he's doing. At least it's diagnosed and it can be fixed... right? Anywho, you've pulled yourself out of a lot of other messes and you'll do the same with this. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love!

Laur said...

I had no idea anorexia/malnutrition could cause lung damage? Thats so weird I wonder how that happens...

Brooke said...

I'm so sorry. Ever since we talked that day I have been sooooo worried. I updated the girls at the park and they were really sad and worried too. Just know that I am here for you as well as your WHOLE FAM DAMILY!

And yes, Laurie,to answer your question, anorexia can cause lung damage as well as many many many many other problems physically to the body. That's why anorexia is so scary because at the time....everything seems ok and them ...BOOM...something like what Brie is going through happens and the reality hits. That is what she is facing right now. HARD SHITTY REALITY THAT I BET HURTS MORE THAN ANYTHING!

Love you Brie...

zubeldia said...

Oh mercy, I am just catching up... and, oh Brie. I am so sorry I have been so absent (week from hell combined with sickness from someplace similar).

I believe in you.

I love you.

Tiptoe said...

Haven't commented much recently but been reading. So sorry about the lung diagnosis but maybe it's a blessing too. Just finding a diagnosis that could be the reasons for your problems is major. It just makes you feel validated and answers your possible questions of why.

You may feel broken now, but I think things will get better. This is at least all worth a shot. Take care.