I’m about as far from a hypochondriac as one can get (well, not counting concerns about getting COVID!); assuming that whatever ails me isn’t serious and will go away on its own. Fortunately, this has mostly been the case, except…
On Jan. 23, 2016, a high fever and severe cough sent me to bed. As usual, I assumed it was only a virus that would clear up after a few days. When that didn’t happen, I dragged myself to the doctor. A chest X-ray indicated pneumonia, for which he prescribed a course of antibiotics. They didn’t work!
Feeling even worse a week later and struggling to breathe, I made another appointment. The doctor took one look at me, then sent me downstairs to the emergency clinic, where they administered treatment.
They thought it was a severe asthma attack, something I’d not experienced before, despite having been diagnosed with the condition 12 years earlier. The treatment didn’t help much, so I ended up in the hospital for nine days.
Although not my first experience as a hospital in-patient, it was the most harrowing! I spent the first three days in isolation, hooked up to oxygen, drifting in and out of consciousness. They did test after test and bombarded me with both oral and intravenous medications. Switching to an actual room was a welcome relief.
Although the fever had subsided, I still couldn’t breathe well on my own. The doctors were concerned about this and suggested that I might have a heart problem. Wait! What? How could that be? I was Ms. Invincible!
Another theory was a possible blood clot in my lung. By now I was completely rattled! Fortunately, the subsequent pulmonary angiogram quelled that fear, although there was still a lot of grunge in there from the pneumonia.
Side comment to former smokers: They can tell, even if you quit long ago!
I kicked the habit [link] in 2003 but was asked if I still smoked.
Next up was a coronary angiogram. It also so came back negative, much to my relief! At that moment, I resolved to become more mindful of my health.
Another point to ponder is that age was becoming a factor. I may be 35 in spirit, but in reality, this old broad was 61 at the time (now almost 67)! It takes longer to recover when you’re in your seventh decade.
They switched me from a full-face mask to one with nasal prongs and reduced the oxygen level, but I was still struggling. Even taking a shower required a prolonged rest period so I could catch my breath.
One of the doctors opined that I might have COPD. Another shocker! Back in 2004, the diagnosis had been asthma, not COPD, which had been my main worry at the time. Subsequent visits to the respirologist indicated it was mild COPD.
I started taking short walks up and down the hall and still had some trouble breathing, but was otherwise feeling much better, so they discharged me with a prescription for home oxygen.
I only needed it for about two weeks, but was subscribed daily medication (Spiriva) which I use to this day. Weakness lingered and it took several months for a complete recovery. Talk about a long haul!
This was a hard lesson and drove home the point that we shouldn’t take good health for granted.
I had both pneumonia shots as soon as possible and vowed to eat healthier plus exercise more. (Alas, that vow gets broken a lot! Reading this again gives me renewed determination.)
Have you had a recent health scare?
Did it change your perspective on life?
Before you go, have a listen to PODCAST EPISODE #6.
It’s a dog story!
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Dog Mom and (retired) Canine Innkeeper in suburban Toronto, Canada, known as The Doglady. Former corporate workaholic. Writer, photographer, digital creator. Animal lover, music fanatic, inveterate traveller. Eternal hippie/rockchick. History, literature and cinema buff. Hockey and soccer fan. Dedicated night owl. German/Canadian binational, multilingual. Let me entertain you!
67 thoughts on “DON’T TAKE GOOD HEALTH FOR GRANTED!”
That all sounds really frightening. Them tossing out possibilities before getting to the actual answer would only make it worse. I’m glad they figured it out, though.
Yes, I was scared to death! Thankfully, it wasn’t as serious as they thought, but it gave me a better appreciation for good health. And yet, I still slack off periodically…
Thank you for sharing this–I live in fear of pulmonary issues. It is ESSENTIAL at our age to know our bodies and treat them well!
You’re welcome, Marcia! You are so right. Thanks for coming by. 🙂
I’ve never had a serious health issue – true, some scares, but fortunately the outcomes of tests eliminated the serious possibilities. My mother in law, in her last years, had a number of serious health issues including COPD (she was a “social smoker” back in the 50’s and 60’s, but apparently it was enough to damage her) and I spent a lot of hours with her in the ER while she struggled to breathe. What an experience you had; I am glad you have renewed determination – I applaud you. We should never take good health for granted, as we both know.
Glad to know you’re in good health, Alana. 🙂 I hope not to end up like your mother-in-law!
yikes. Glad you are feeling better
Yes, it was a scary situation! 😮 Thanks, Jeremy. 🙂
Hi Debbie – well I’m glad you came through safely … I am eternally grateful I am relatively healthy … but as you mention I need to exercise more … and am moving in that direction. Take care and yes let’s both get ourselves organised … I eat well thankfully, but am making an effort to cut back a little. Cheers and take care – Hilary
I’m glad you’re in good health, Hilary. 🙂 Once spring comes, it will be easier to get out and exercise more.
I’m glad your medication works. I had a health scare toward the end of 2019 when I had a mass on my colon. It turned out to be an infection, but until I knew what it was, I was a bit worried. Ibuprofen use was the cause of the infection. I’ve never taken ibuprofen again and I try to listen to what my body tells me.
Love,
Janie
Thanks, Janie! ? I wish I didn’t need medication to breathe well, but I chose to smoke all those years. 😛 A mass on your colon sounds pretty scary! Even more so, to learn Ibuprofen caused it. I’m glad you’re doing well now.
Blessings and prayers for your health. Stay safe, sensible and inspired.
As I have multiple sclerosis, I try to be sensible – like getting the Covid vaccine even if most around me haven’t done. When I was diagnosed with MS it took numerous incidents and treatments over three years. Perhaps it’s too late to protect myself but why not.
Thank you, Roland. 🙂 Hubby and I are both triple-vaxxed and taking no chances. It must be challenging to deal with MS in addition to this seemingly endless pandemic. Good idea to have as much protection as possible!
Well that sounded scary. I’ve had my share of scares, nobody needs to tell me to be mindful and remember gratitude when it comes to health. 🙂 x
It was a nerve-wracking experience, that’s for sure! 😮 I’ve no doubt that you are health-conscious, after the nightmare you went through, Deb. XOXO
Debbie,
I remember all of this and it is concerning when things go awry with our health. You just don’t think of it when you feel generally well. It’s being human unfortunately that we do take things like health for granted. I know when I had my bout in 2013 like you I vowed I wouldn’t let that sort of thing happen again. I’ve taken exceptional care of myself over the years but intestinal problems have a way of backlashing. I suspect I’m experiencing a milder form of what hit me 9 years ago. If I don’t see improvement in a day or two I’m calling my Gastroenterologist. I don’t want to have any more surgeries. I hope you can stay clear illnesses that affect your lungs. Stay warm and be well, my friend!
Hi Cathy, my sympathies about your intestinal issues. I have had a few of those, myself, and hope you feel better now. Yes, this pandemic situation has me keeping an extremely low profile. Any respiratory illness would be pretty severe for me, so I’ve had both vaccinations and the booster. It may not prevent getting sick but should lessen the impact if it does happen. Thanks for coming by!
So glad you’re feeling better these days. Growing older is harder than our elders made it seem 😉 But as long as the opportunity (to grow old) presents itself – I’m game!
Take care, my friend.
Thanks, diedre! ? My father had a favourite expression: “Old age is not for sissies.” It certainly does beat the alternative, though. 🙂
So that was the final answer? Geez. Our recent bout with COVID… well, I had something to comment there, but when I looked up the screen was reading, “Our recennnnnn”… so I guess I’ll just say nnnnnnnn to it!
So sorry you were sick with COVID! 🙁 I hope all is well with you and your family now.
Oh my goodness! You had a real health scare and I hate it when the doctors bounce off theories to just scare the living bejeebies out of one. I got pneumonia back in 2017 from my mom and the stress but not at all like what you had experienced. I don’t take life for granted because of the constant pain I am in and my health scare where I needed the hysterectomy. You never know what life throws at you so you have to take each day and enjoy it even if when you just sit in front of the boob tube all day. It was just meant to be.
Yes, the theories they were coming up with sure made me nervous! Good thing it wasn’t nearly as bad as they thought. I’m glad you have recovered as well, Birgit. Here’s to a better year for all of us!
I’m glad you’re better. Wow, that was awful what you went through. I’m 70 and I don’t take my health for granted. We eat well and exercise daily. We are ever so careful about where we go and what we do.
Have a fabulous day and week, Debbie. Big hug. ♥
Thanks, Sandee. 🙂 Sounds like you are doing well. We’ve been lax with the exercise lately, apart from dog walking. Time to get back to it!
Debbie, what an awful experience, and I’m glad you are better now. I agree we shouldn’t take our health for granted. I am very grateful that I haven’t had any serious health issues and I’m a few years older than you are. I try to eat healthy foods, stay fit, and most important live each day to the fullest. Take care!
Thanks, Eugenia. 🙂 Glad you’re doing so well. For sure, I need more exercise. Winter weather makes me lazy. 😛
Debbie, sending you loving healing thoughts. <3
Thank you, Jane. ? This happened in 2016 and I’ve not been ill, since. 🙂
Hi Debbie, wow, you went through a lot. I thank God every day for my health. I suffered for years with Lyme/Menningitis and then almost died in a snowmobile accident. I feel like I must have to do something “special” or “ultra good” as I don’t know why God has chosen me to still be here. I feel so blessed and fortunate to be able to do the things I do now as I’m healthy. I do watch more what I eat and exercise. I try not to take my health ever for granted again.
I hope and pray you are coming along well Debbie.
Hi Lisa, it sounds like you had a rough time, yourself! So glad you’re in good health, now. I made a full recovery, but still need the daily medication to help me breathe better.
Wow! What an ordeal. Right before Christmas I thought I was having some kind of heart issue and went to the ER. After several tests they concluded that I’m in good health and nothing was wrong. That’s what I needed I guess. I’ve felt good ever sense. Just a bout of stress apparently.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I’m glad you got a clean bill of health, Lee. Good that you had things checked out. I hope never to have such an ordeal again. So far, so good. 🙂
Goodness, that was potentially harrowing! It still sounds like they’re not quite sure what you had, even though the treatment ended up working. Hey, I’m not far behind you in age, but almost 2 years ago I stepped up my walking regimen and got control of how I ate (though not what I eat lol) and I’m much healthier now… even lost a little bit of weight. It’s all about trying to feel better and keep out of the hospital… something I’ve never done outside of working in them. Take care of yourself.
It was quite an ordeal, Mitch; a bad case of pneumonia, complicated by a major asthma attack. The breathing issues afterwards had the doctors puzzled. I’m doing well now, but seeing the respirologist later today. Even my family doctor thinks I might have COPD. What a bummer that would be; especially since I quit smoking years ago. Losing weight is a constant struggle for me. The age and hypothyroid factors aren’t helping (not to mention asthma and arthritis), but I’ll keep at it. Congratulations on your success! We generally follow a healthy diet, but probably need to practice better portion control. Thanks for dropping in.
Hi. Am glad to hear that you are recovering. These ill days too shall pass off.
Have faith.
Ugh, this sounds awful! Hopefully these new choices you’re making help and you get to feeling better! I’m not looking forward to my health completely failing me (as looking at my family it seems, unfortunately, very likely) and I try to eat better and exercise, but that just isn’t any fun. sigh
Oh poor you ! What a harrowing time you must have had. Going to the hospital even for a minor check up freaks me out to no end, so ending up there in an instant with no prior warning, whatsoever, can be a difficult time. Glad to know you are recovering well. Here’s wishing you the best of health. Well said, I often feel I tend to take my good health for granted. But after reading your post I realize that I need to be more caring & grateful for my health. Take care, Debbie. 🙂
WOW, Debbie! You were one sick lady,weren’t you? But, yeah I sure know what you’re talking about taking health for granted. I learned that nearly three years ago when I thought my problem was a bad Crohn’s flare up. I waited that out until I realized things weren’t improving on their own like they normally did and then to find out I was experience an acute case of diverticulitis that required surgery. I was sick for on and off for several months until my body went totally break down, then I could do nothing for myself. Weak as a kitten, feverish, no appetite, the whole nine yards. I spent two rounds in the hospital each time 5 or 6 days each. After surgery, it still took me several months to get back to my old self. I promised then and I told DH to hold me to it that I’m to NEVER to that foolishness again. Take care of yourself! Rest. Do what the doctor says. I’ll be saying prayers for a speedy full recovery and that you get good news when see your Respirologist.
Thanks, Cathy; Yes, I was down and out for awhile there, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as what you went through. What an ordeal that must have been for you! 🙁 I’m pretty much back to normal now and am hoping for good news from the respirologist.
I hope you’re fully recovered now. It must be quite scary to be short of breath.
Hi, Clowie; Yes, it was a frightening experience.I am mostly back to normal. Just need to regain some strength. Thanks for dropping in. 🙂
Gosh! Good to hear you’re recovering.. We overlook our health as long as we are not affected by anything. The moment a disease touches us, we realize the value of eating healthy food, exercising and everything.. i just wish you a speedy recovery Debbie 🙂
Cheers
Thank you, Geets. Yes, this was a hard lesson to learn, but I’m determined to be more vigilant about health issues now.
Thank you for sharing what I am reading as a good report, at this stage.
I get all nervous when I go to the doctor, even if I am confident I know what is wrong with me, and it is minor.
I am feeling much better, Myke. Just need to regain some strength. 🙂 Going to the doctor is never fun, but I won’t put it off so long in future. Lesson learned!
How awful! I’m glad you’re on the mend, and will be sending good thoughts your way as you continue to heal.
Thanks, Laurel. It’s been a rough road but things are getting back to normal now.
Debbie, I hope you feel better soon. I suffer from chronic conditions so I know what is like to health issues.
Thank you, Mary. 🙂 I am much better now and grateful for that. This was definitely a wakeup call to be more vigilant about health issues. I’m sorry you suffer from chronic conditions. 🙁 Those must be difficult to bear.
Oh gosh Debbie. So much happened, I am glad you are home and feeling better. You are right – with age, we need to take better care of our health. My annual health checkup is pending for 3 years now. I should get that done.
May you feel better every passing day! Hugs!
Thanks, Parul. I’m feeling much better now. 🙂 Don’t postpone that checkup for too long!
Good Lord Debbie… talk about going through a living hell. I never used to be a hypochondriac, but internet seems to have awakened that sleeping dog. With every ailment, I look to see what it could be, and in the end come to the conclusion that I have just a few days to live. Whatever… lol…. I’m so happy that you were in good hands and that modern medicine was able to heal you.
Yes, our life styles make a big difference. Aren’t you glad you don’t smoke anymore! At least that hurdle has been conquered!
I haven’t had a cold for two years. Up to then I always got humdinger of colds… that lasted months! But I now wash my hands after shopping, going to the theater and movies, doctor appointments, and simply being with other folks, especially my grandchildren, who carry non-stop cold bacteria with them. It has made a world of a difference.
Yes, it was a frightening experience, as I’ve rarely been seriously ill. Other people go through worse things and I’m grateful to be over it now, for the most part. Just need to build up my strength a little more. I agree that washing hands is the best defence against viruses and am diligent about that. The internet has turned many people into hypochondriacs. 🙂 That’s not necessarily a bad thing. My mother has always been one and she’s almost 92.
This was scary to just read about and I wonder how you went through it all! So glad you are back home and back to blogging as well. I do agree that we all tend to take things for granted, especially good health. Time to get a Master check up done soon. I’ve been putting it off for too long!
It was a harrowing experience, Shailaja and I’m relieved to be feeling well again, plus I have a new resolve to take better care of myself. The older we get, the harder it is to recover. Don’t put off that check up! Thanks for dropping in. 🙂
Hi, Shady; It definitely was frightening but I’m well on the way to a full recovery. Sounds like you’re in excellent shape! I am determined to improve in that area, as this was a giant wake-up call. Don’t take away my alcohol, though! We Europeans consider our dinner wine as important as water. 😉 It actually has some health benefits, when used in moderation.
Thanks for the good thoughts and wishes. Cheers!
I am glad you are finally feeling better finally. We have no idea how we take our health until we don’t have it. I am glad you are finally on he mend but you have to still take it easy. You can go to your concert plus get healthier faster. This time is he most difficult because we start overdoing it.
Thanks, Birgit. It has been a long illness and I will definitely keep myself in check, even though I’m feeling so much better. Looking forward to the concert! 😀
Sorry to hear about the bout with illness, but thankfully you had the care that you did. I’m pretty bad about taking care of myself even though I’ve got good medical resources though my wife’s insurance. I just hate going to the doctor. And I tend to be one of those “if it ain’t broke” kind of people who don’t do anything unless something really scares me. Thankfully I tend to feel pretty great most of the time and when I have gone to the doctor because I was feeling abnormal in some way, they usually tell me I’m just getting old and what I feel is just the way it is. Well, that’s probably right.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
That was my mindset as well, Lee, but this episode has convinced me to be more proactive. Getting old is no picnic, but it sure beats the alternative! 🙂
So scary to read about your pneumonia, Debbie. Wow! You really sounded sick, you poor thing. Must have been miserable but glad they finally were able to treat it and you are doing better now.
So true that we need to take care of our health and not take it for granted, especially as we age since we don’t bounce back like we used to.
All the best for a continued recovery. One day at a time!
Thanks for the good wishes, Cathy. 🙂 It was a frightening episode and I’ve never been that sick before, so it was a big deal for me. Thankfully, I’m almost back to normal, but will be sure not to overdo things. Getting old really sucks, doesn’t it? 😛