Staying The Course & A Pulmonologist

I met with my specialist who agreed with what I was thinking on the x-rays. The official reading came back that there was minor improvements in the x-ray from the previous one, and my doctor takes that as a good sign, although he had hoped that it would have had more significant reductions. I agree. Since there is progress my doctor wants to stay the course and not change the level of medication. I see his logic and agree, although part of me would like to ramp it up in hopes to resolve this faster. I have to remind myself that “More isn’t always better”, it is the progress in the right direction that really matters. I am also not anxious to make the prednisone side effects stronger. So for now it is about staying the course.

The blood work came back really good. All of the key indicators for sarcoidosis are coming back normal! The prednisone is really addressing most of my sarcoidosis challenges short of my lungs and breathing challenges. This is a positive note!

Due to the hard time with my breathing my doctor has referred me to a pulmonologist to have additional checks done. Specifically to test and track lung capacity and breathing. It usually takes a month or two to get into these doctors, but my doctors office really worked on it and got me in on a cancelation next week.

In addition he asked me to keep track of how my breathing is over time, especially if I exercises regularly. I have exercised on and off since I got sick, but getting into a simple, easy and regular walking routine I think would be very beneficial. Not only will it help me fight off the extra fat from the prednisone but it should really help me gauge my wellbeing. Especially if I keep track about how it affected my breathing each day.

Today I was really weak and couldn’t concentrate at all at work. Fortunately my work is VERY supportive and really focuses on results instead of clocked ours. I was able to come home, sleep for a while and regain some strength and then do some additional work this evening from home. I really feel for people how have sarcoidosis and have strict physically intensive work. That would really be a challenge.

So… Keep on the medicine, get into a pulmonologist, keep track of breathing, get some exercise and stay the course. Oh, and get over this strep / cold or whatever it is.

Michael

Ps. I feel like I am getting a better handle on things. I’m not quite in the routine I want to be yet, but I’m getting there.