Exactly one week ago today, I found out I have a health issue. I have spent the last 6 years working hard at getting into shape, eating better, being healthier. Ironically, I have been diagnosed with Emphysema. I have more tests and scans and things to do in the month of December to clarify what that exactly means for me. But, I have had to stop everything to focus on getting over a lung infection. That, was the easy part because when you cannot breath, you do not move, you do not talk, you only do what is critically necessary.
The medication from the pulmonary specialist is working, I am feeling better, otherwise I wouldn’t be writing this lol. However, I am now faced with a lot of other decisions and those are going to depend on what I can actually do. I start back working out next week. I am staying off skates awhile longer. I have had at least 2 relapses over the last 5 months, but now I know what is going on. Knowledge is my power, and I will accumulate as much as possible.
The looking back is what I did when I was young and stupid and thought I would live forever. I smoked off and on for years. I was brought up around second hand smoke for the better part of 12 years of my childhood. There were no places where smoking was not permitted, in stores, in offices, in museums, on airplanes, anywhere was legal. I do not blame this nor do I pretend that I did not contribute to it. I knew better but didn’t change my ways until what was probably too late. I am probably just more susceptible to this disease than others. So, I accept my part in it, and now I find out what to do to minimize the issues and slow down the progression. I have seen what it does and what it is like. I am not looking forward to that, but a lot can happen between now and then.
When I started dong roller derby, I walked away from smoking completely, I couldn’t see how people could play and smoke. But that was my choice and my dad wanted me to stop so badly that even though he was gone, I did it for him as well.
Moving forward, I plan to stay with derby as long as I can and learn NSO jobs and possible Ref jobs for when I can no longer compete. Exercise is just as important for me now as it was before because the better shape I am in, the better quality of life I will have for longer.
I hope that maybe my experience and information here will help younger people make better decisions about their health than I did. There will be more to come as I go on this new unplanned journey.
Life is fleeting and one day everyone will face their mortality as I am right now.
Until next time!! Hugs and Hip checks!!
Melody Kool's Blog 