Yep, it’s been a while several weeks since ‘Lenny’ and I have shared, and with it being ‘COPD Awareness Month’ – I realized it was time to get back to being responsible and start back sharing regularly my story with the hopes that maybe something I say, do or share will connect and help someone else.

First of all, I apologize for not being more consistent with my writing on wheezing away.  It seems one of my character flaws would be not staying on a project for lengthy periods of time, though I have been working on that over the years and am a whole lot better now than I used to be.

My wife constantly reminds me that people are counting on me and some of the things I write and share, and even while I am aware of that – sometimes time slips by when I get busy with my writing for a local paper and dealing with adult kids and grandkids.  So, if you seriously get something out of some of my writes, then I say forgive me for my lack of consistency and I promise to continue to do better (though with winter coming up and being more house confined, my time should be more focused).

Secondly, let’s celebrate in a way, let’s celebrate November because it is ‘COPD AWARENESS MONTH’!!

Some may question my saying celebrate and that’s okay, but I figure anything that is done to bring more attention to the nasty time-consuming disease like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is good for me.

Attention is what is needed, especially when we have politicians who seem to think it will be okay to roll back environmental protection policies that are meant to help people from getting sick and harmed by toxic fumes and waste from big industry.  I live in a community that has a huge oil refinery and several factories that use plastic and chemicals to make things, and trust me there are days which I can get less than four steps out my front door and be able to tell someone if the refinery is burning off waster or something.

Attention is what is needed because politicians are wanting to cut back on science research, denying much needed work to find ways to fight this disease.

Attention is what is needed because COPD is one of those quiet diseases in which a person may seem totally normal on the outside, but may be fighting like heck on the inside to get a decent deep breath, while keeping their oxygen level up above the 90 mark.

So, celebrate ‘COPD Awareness Month’ by telling folks about the disease that maybe you or someone you care about is fighting.  Be honest with people and let them know what you can or cannot do, or what you may be able to or not be able to be around.

And third, I worry.  I worry about the items I already mentioned – how the government in charge seems to think it will be okay to roll back much needed environmental protection programs and how the government in charge seems determined to turn its back on the science of nature, health and the welfare of humanity.

I worry, because as well as myself and ‘Lenny’ may be doing today, I know that tomorrow can be just the absolute opposite.  I worry, because I do not want to become a burden to my wife and family members.

I worry, because over the past six weeks I have had several bouts that covered several days at a time in which I would get terribly short of breath when I would try and do much of anything.  I worry, because a recent spot where ‘Lenny’ acting up to the point of major concern, my pulmonologist reminded me of the fine line between my COPD and a slight heart condition as to which is causing my problem.  I worry, because my five stents are five years old and I have a new stress test (first one in three years) coming up in two weeks.

I worry, because I am not writing and sharing enough with those around me about ‘Lenny’ and I, as well as my thoughts about life in general.

But for now, I will not worry as ‘Lenny’ and I look to head for the pillow and hopefully a solid night of sleep.

And that my friends, is where ‘Lenny’ (my COPD/Asthma) and me are at 4 today.

Want to know who ‘Lenny’ is?  ‘Lenny’ is the name I gave my constant companion called COPD/Asthma.  I have found that referring and dealing with my chronic illness as a companion I am less apt to get angry with it, but instead more likely to work with it like you would in a strong relationship.  Besides treating anything with TLC is much better than hammering away at it as if it was an enemy.

As always, if you or anyone you know have any symptoms involving lung and breathing functionality, and they linger over and over while disrupting a lifestyle – then please ask questions and get it checked out.

ALWAYS REMEMBER > A person without good breathing, is a person with a life of constant caution’, so let’s do what we can, to learn what we can, to improve what we can.

With that I bid to all – smiles, prayers, blessings and steady breathing – Mr. William.

(Copyright@2017, CrossDove Writer through wheezingaway.com – no part of this write may be used or copied without written permission.)

NOTES: Sometimes we share what may seem like medical information, but we are only giving descriptions and highlights of various aspects of having COPD and/or Asthma and no way do we ever want our information to be considered medical treatment type of information, always consult your physician for more, clearer medical founded information.