So, what I thought was “just” allergies last week turned out to be more complicated. When our geriatrics nurse practitioner came to our home for a check-up last week, she carefully listened to my lungs and informed me that I had not developed bronchitis, as I’d thought. No, I had pneumonia.
What? That was not on my bingo card. Glad she caught it before it got even worse. I started antibiotics that afternoon, and within a few days I was starting to feel like myself again. Thank goodness, because I was getting pretty worried about where all this was headed.
Also, on Monday night I had my acting class performance—first time on stage since elementary school, a scene from Tennessee Williams’s The Glass Menagerie. We’ve been rehearsing for months, and I sure didn’t want to have to miss it. (I’m writing on Monday afternoon, so fingers crossed all goes well.)
Next on the medical agenda is a tooth extraction on Wednesday and prep for another implant. So, yet another reason I need to get past this whole respiratory episode. The tooth is definitely failing, getting more sensitive, so it really can’t wait much longer.
Then on Thursday, it’s back to the Wound Clinic to check on my slowly healing ulcer. It’s improving gradually, but needs a lot of TLC.
When all that’s done, I need to get my spring Covid vax, I hope on Friday, if all goes according to plan. We’re traveling again soon, so all this has to be wrapped up by the end of the week.
Meanwhile, Al caught whatever I had that wasn’t allergies, and is doing better but still recovering.
Of course, it could always be worse. But this has been one rough patch. Here’s hoping we’re both finally on the mend.
Evelyn Herwitz blogs weekly about living fully with chronic disease, the inside of baseballs, turtles and frogs, J.S. Bach, the meaning of life and whatever else she happens to be thinking about at livingwithscleroderma.com. Please view Privacy Policy here.
Image: Nik
And what a fabulous performance you delivered on Monday night!! So proud of you dear friend.
I love how you love challenges and don’t back down no matter what!!!
Thanks, Shoshanah! So glad you could come. 🙂
Keeping you in thought and prayer.
Thank you, Rita.
Hope your rough patch smooths out.
Thanks, Kathy.
That’s a lot to handle! But I was in the audience for your performance on stage Monday night and I can say with authority it was a triumph!
Thanks Pat! I’m so glad you could make it!
Takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’! Reading your adventures is an inspiration. Thank you!
Haha! Thanks, Patrice.
Hi Evelyn,
You mentioned “another” tooth extraction. Is this related to Scleroderma? I am dealing with a similar problem and have been told it is root resorption.
I so enjoy your reflections!
Hi Lisa,
Yes, in my case, the tooth extraction is directly related to scleroderma. I’ve lost several teeth to resorption of the roots due to scleroderma. My dentist has been following me for years and we do annual X-rays to track the deterioration. This particular tooth has been on the watch list for years and finally bit the dust. Implants are expensive, but worth it to keep your dental health for as long as possible. Good luck with your situation. No fun, for sure. Take care!
My goodness and thank-you. That is exactly my situation too. I suspected it was either caused by, or correlated with, systemic sclerosis. My dentist keeps a close eye but there has been doubt about the cause. I so appreciate your columns. Please know they have an impact!
Best,
Lisa
You are most welcome, Lisa. Here is a link to a 2017 NIH research paper about the suspected relationship between systemic sclerosis and tooth resorption: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28606671/
Sounds like you have a good dentist taking care of you. Be well.