My Name is , and I have just joined this group recently

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the group,

and have joined due to

a very recent, and major

asthma episode, which sent

me to the hosiptal for help.

I have known about my asthma

for several years, and until

recently, it was just an off

and on wheezing, which the doctors

only noticed with a stetoscope, and

I never really worried about it.

Last Monday, Christmas morning, I

had been sick with what I thought

with the cold going round, and had

tried to downplay it as a minor thing,

but after singing in one of Christmas Eve

Masses as a member of the choir, and having

as a baritone to hit the E on the top of treble

staff, my lungs had had it, I woke up coughing

horribly, and I gasping and short of breath, my

head and chest were hurting. I felt nausiated, weak,

and very dizzy.

I was convince by my children and ex-wife to go

the hospital, and I was seen in less than 5

minutes. It was determinined that I was experiencing

a major asthmatic episode. Inhalation therapy was begun,

and my breathing began to stabilize, but it was a very

slow process, and lung X-rays were also taken. They showed

the beginning stages of pneumonia in the right lung, which

the doctors was not contageous, and that they felt this was

trigger to this attack. They also said that my asthma was

not minor, but life-threatening, and I had now be aware, and

make sure I get to my regular doctor, and carry a prescription

inhaler just a case, as they an attack can come at

any time.

I am 62 years old, and a college student majoring

in acting for both teaching and performance, and I

am not used to pampering myself, but the doctors also

said an attack like this can cause pernamanet lung

damage. I don't smoke, but my parents were chain smokers,

and my mother smoked during her pregnancy, so if this has

anything to do, why asthma exists today, I don't know.

Anyway, I released and given anti-botics to treat both

pneumonia and asthma, but they said it was touch and go

for awhile, and they were going to admit me, but released

me, only because I responded so well, and on the condition,

I continue with treatment and asthma mangement program, and

my doctor the first week or two in January 2007.

I am hear for support and advice, and to lend support and

advice - give and take --

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Georgie