Forum members,
My five month progress is due and I wanted people to know that my progress is so subtle at times that if you hadn't done any readings to compare you might not know. I still use oxygen but no longer require greater amounts with exertion. My stamina seems to be stronger. Before I could hardly walk a block without being completely out of breath. I can walk as much as a mile now and getting stronger with less breathlessness. Our new dog is a great walking companion too. I can also work for up to several hours without a break, but a bit slower. I can also breathe deeper without any soreness in the lungs and they don't feel as inflamed or swollen..
The oximeter readings are now consistently 96 to 98 (at rest) My FEV readings have improved to the 400 level which is up from starting at 170. I am getting closer to the expected readings for my age. I have less use of the inhalers, xopenex or aerobid and for the most recent week I no longer needed either. Even though I haven't reached my goal of being completely free of assisted oxygen, sometime in the near future I hope to achieve it. The longest period of time I've been without oxygen is about 2 1/2 hours by mistake of not turning on the concentrator, had to laugh at myself but realized that there really was less need. I shower without and dress as well. I am convinced that I'm better off today from the stem cell therapy than I was 5 months ago but get anxious for quicker recovery. I'll take my patience pill now.
My five month progress is due and I wanted people to know that my progress is so subtle at times that if you hadn't done any readings to compare you might not know. I still use oxygen but no longer require greater amounts with exertion. My stamina seems to be stronger. Before I could hardly walk a block without being completely out of breath. I can walk as much as a mile now and getting stronger with less breathlessness. Our new dog is a great walking companion too. I can also work for up to several hours without a break, but a bit slower. I can also breathe deeper without any soreness in the lungs and they don't feel as inflamed or swollen..
The oximeter readings are now consistently 96 to 98 (at rest) My FEV readings have improved to the 400 level which is up from starting at 170. I am getting closer to the expected readings for my age. I have less use of the inhalers, xopenex or aerobid and for the most recent week I no longer needed either. Even though I haven't reached my goal of being completely free of assisted oxygen, sometime in the near future I hope to achieve it. The longest period of time I've been without oxygen is about 2 1/2 hours by mistake of not turning on the concentrator, had to laugh at myself but realized that there really was less need. I shower without and dress as well. I am convinced that I'm better off today from the stem cell therapy than I was 5 months ago but get anxious for quicker recovery. I'll take my patience pill now.