On Reflections

I've been thinking about things recently. I think that around about my birthdays I tend to reflect upon everything that I've achieved in the year and the dreams that I'm either closer to or new things to look towards. I think that my 20s was dominated by being stuck pinned down, every time I would do something, I'd be left with this sadness because I'd be so drained for days after and I would wonder whether or not I'd ever be able to do it again. Would I be able to travel to see Jace again (this was before Jace moved in)? I think that being told that there was no cure or that this was as good as it got enough times and by enough doctors just got to me. I have been grieving for the woman I was 9 years ago. Maybe it's because then I had reached a turning point in myself. Yes I would make mistakes as we all undoubtedly do but I think the biggest lesson learned in all of this isn't about how not to make mistakes, that would be impossible, but how to rise above it all and I think that somehow I got the hang of that. 

I think that the important thing that has come of recent events is a new sense of self awareness and self worth that has come from finally getting things back on some kind of track. OK so it wasn't what we originally planned for and there are still plenty of things we need to get on track with or adapt to but that's happening gradually. I think that in learning to adapt to life with a CPAP will be undoubtedly challenging but once I get used to it, it will be as natural as using my nebuliser or my oxygen. I do just have to be patient and keep a positive mindset.

One thing that my machine tells me is how well my apnea is being managed on a nightly basis. I wasn't convinced at first I have to say and I was a little skeptical about it but when I looked on my progress today I was pleasantly surprised. I managed 9 hours, my mask fit perfectly AND my AHI (the measure of how many times you stop breathing every hour) was down from 27 times to just 1 time. That is an improvement and maybe once I have kicked this infection down a bit (another 2 weeks of co-amoxiclav/levo to go), maybe I will start to feel the benefit. It can be a bit annoying sometimes and having to wrestle with a mask that is strapped heavily to your face every night does wear a little thin sometimes. Although one major change has been that my depressive moods have reduced a bit and I don't feel as anxious or on edge about things.

I do wish that my asthma was as easy to control though, I seem to be relying heavily on my medications to keep my lungs from trying their hardest to close and make me feel short of breath or wheezy. I know that is kind of what the life of a brittle asthmatic is like, I was under no impression of it being any different to be honest, but the winter is usually a very tough season for me. I know that I can get through all this and keep myself going, heck I've managed it for nearly 30 years now and I will carry on getting through the little bits and pieces that pop up from time to time. Life may not be a bed of roses sometimes but its worth remembering that it isn't a pile of poop either. It's all about celebrating the little things that make it better, appreciating those little things remembering that things may not be perfect but they're not too bad either.

So, lets see what my 30s have in store for me!

Loves
Wendy xx