History

This all started around June 2007, I was driving an 18 wheeled tractor-trailer cross country, when I met up with my wife Linda's brother Scott. We met up in Tennessee at a Love's truck stop. I had ants in my truck so Scott bought me some bug spray. He was always good about spending his dime to help people out. I sprayed the cab of my truck and we went into eat. We came out and went to our respective tucks for the night. I didn't think much of it at the time, but it probably wasn't the smartest thing to do. Sleep in a truck filled with bug spray. Anyway, I began a chronic, dry cough about this time. Every time I went home, which was about every 2 weeks Linda would tell me to go t0 the doctor to check out why I am coughing so much. Well, I finally went in December 2007. My Dr., Dr. Collette took an x-ray and referred me to a Pulmonologist. The Pulmonologist ran a battery of tests including a Pet scan, CT scan, and a Bronchoscopy which is a lung biopsy. He diagnosed me with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. This is the same disease my mother died as a result of in 2005. Talk about scared!

Day 43

I forgot to mention that I got results from my 1st lung biopsy since leaving the hospital. They said there are no signs of rejection or infection. This will be an ongoing concern for the rest of my life. I will be having to undergo periodic checkups and biopsies. Oh what fun! Mitch took me to the hospital on Tuesday and waited for 8 hours for me to undergo the biopsy. Thanks Mitch. I think Mitch needs to find another friend who will allow him to have a life.

Friday was my first attempt at driving since the surgery. Fun for me, poor other drivers. I did okay, still weird on my right side with the weakness from the stroke.

Okay, enough for today. Do something kind for a stranger. Try a hello to someone you don't know.