‘LENNY’ & ME 4 TODAY – THAT HERMIT LIFESTYLE, PART 2!!

By Mr. William

“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.” (Will Dursens)

            When ‘Lenny’ & I shared most recently, I discussed the fact that I may have become somewhat of a hermit and then went on to ask the question as to whether I really want to be one or even somewhat of one.

            Then while I was mulling over the question I began to wonder if maybe many or most us that fight a daily battle with some sort of chronic illness have all had those moments or stretches of life where being a hermit was exactly how things worked out to be.

            Remember how I mentioned that the definitions found in various dictionary type websites described a ‘hermit’ as “a person who keeps to themselves and who doesn’t like to leave his home or see people” or “a person living in solitude as a religious discipline” or “a loner/recluse” or “just a person living in solitude or seeking to do so”.

            I think that when one is fighting a chronic illness, being a hermit is something which can easily creep into the lifestyle either by choice, by survival or by outside factors.

            When I say outside factors, I feel like I am referencing things like how mobile is an individual, how vocal is an individual or how sick is the individual.

            Any of those three factors can and will point a lifestyle toward an appearance of ‘being a hermit’ and not because that person has chosen so, but because of the outside factors. When one is unable to get around very well or needs to use a walker, wheelchair, or scooter, it may take away some of the incentive to getting out and about. I know many who are on oxygen who just don’t like going out because of the nuisance of the oxygen container and even more so the looks that others may give them.

            Unless you have really become ill with some form of a chronic illness, I honestly can’t say that you understand just how easily getting into a ‘hermit’ style of living can become the norm.

            I am sure if I were to take a survey asking how many have had time periods where you seem to have become living in a near ‘hermit’ style existence, many would answer yes and without much doubt in my mind the reasons for those time periods will come with a wide variety of reasons. Or many may all have the same response.

            Another reason for finding oneself living a near ‘hermit’ lifestyle could come from the feeling as if they are or have been a burden to others. That is the feeling one will get when, due to their chronic illness or disability, one is not able to do some of those ordinary tasks as well as or at all. Tasks such as mowing the lawn, working in the garden, vacuuming, doing the dishes and for some maybe even being able to cook.

            I can relate to that reason as I was one who took pride in fixing up our lawn and landscape on my own. When I had my major heart attack and then was diagnosed with late Stage III COPD, my days of doing my lawn work disappeared from that list of ‘things able to do’ list. And I for one hate having to watch others do it and do not trust others (it doesn’t help that we have tried four times now to hire someone to do it and they all failed) to come in and get it done. Of course, being on disability, I am limited on what I can afford to spend anyway.

            Feeling as if you are becoming a burden to others is very real for those with a chronic illness and I am no different than any of the others – I hate the feeling.

            Remember how I ended my last post of ‘Lenny & Me 4 Today’ talking about whether or not I was happy with becoming somewhat of a ‘hermit’. I did say that in some ways I was and in other ways it irritated me.

            Guess what? Since my last posting three weeks ago today, I have left the house exactly three times, and one of those was due to a required appointment for my bi-weekly Xolair shots. The other two was a trip to our local Wal-Mart and to just drive around for a little bit to get both me and Frosty Lou out of the damn house, a trip in which we did stop and see a very dear friend for about an hour. But that is it, three times out of the house in three weeks!!

            Guess what? I honestly not sure it bothered me that much. I just have not found a lot of reason to get out, while I have found a lot of reasons for not leaving the house – like very humid, muggy weather with temps still in the high 80’s or higher.

            One thing I can tell you, this this most recent stretch of being like a ‘hermit’, I have also had long stretches of making sure I put in some workout effort while doing a much better job of watching when and how much I eat.

            So, I have written again about living like a ‘hermit’ – does this mean internally it is really bothering me or does this mean I am coming to grips with the idea.

            I do know one thing; I need to put this posting to bed and get off my laptop – Frosty Lou is wanting some attention and my wife deserves some as well.

And that my friends, is where ‘Lenny’ and Me are 4 today.

Like always a few notes and reminders:

If you have any comments or questions about my postings, feel free to leave a comment on either at this blog, at the email address of wheezingaway@gmail.com or on https://www.facebook.com/copdtravels/.

            ALWAYS REMEMBER – 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.

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

(Copyright@2019, CrossDove Writers 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.