THOUGHTFUL WORD:
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12, NIV)

(The following is something written nearly two years ago when I was first diagnosed with COPD and my initial reactions to the idea of being disabled for life.)

Wheezing Away – –

“You have late Stage III, close to Stage IV COPD.”

The words hit me like a cold water balloon, shocking my system as I heard the words.

I try to calmly ask, “Stage III COPD?”

Unfortunately my doctor repeated his words again, and again I sat in disbelief.

Knowing I had been a severe asthmatic for a lifetime, it still made me sit and just go “wow, guess what I thought was normal breathing was not anywhere close to normal”.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is not something I should be surprised at having, but Stage III no way.

Symptoms, well maybe. After some research I found 4 common threads with early stages/diagnoises of COPD.

•An ongoing cough or a cough that produces a lot of mucus (often called “smoker’s cough”)
•Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity
•Wheezing (a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe)
•Chest tightness

Yep I had nearly all of them. Of course spending many of my working years in a fiberglass insulation plant (self explanatory why it was not a good idea), a motorcycle shop (exhaust fumes, employee smoking), and food service (fryer and grease fumes plus smoke from smokers before it was outlawed) among others, I certainly did not do myself any favors.

Smoking, nope not something I ever did – except when I was in my 20’s and only then a few times when I was really drinking a lot.

Can it be a family history thing – maybe, they say there is a genetic spot for which I have not had tested. I guess for my kids sake maybe I should.

So here I am, wondering where to go from here – guess we are going to find out.

This combined with my heart attack has put me on oxygen nearly 24/7 and unable to work what I would call a normal job.

Well then, as you are going to find out, I am working on moving forward.

Putting my life in a more organized mess could be a challenge, with the support of my wonderful wife, my kids and grandkids I shall prevail.

And that is exactly what this writing is about.

Follow me as I share my journey involving dealing with and getting involved with my disease.

Follow me as I try and find a way, among many so called opportunities, to work from home.

Follow me as I will share articles, websites, information about both my disease as well as various opportunities of working from home.

Follow me as I work on my blessings, my curses, my positives, my negatives, my daily/weekly walk.

For now – Peace, Love and Understanding………God Bless, Mr. William.

READY READS:
What is COPD – http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/copd/DS00916
American Lung Association – http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/copd/