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I haven’t taken cough medicine in 2 days. I’ve coughed only a few times.
Last Monday I followed up with my pulmonologist about the methacholine challenge. As expected, I did not have asthma, but on the very last challenge, I did respond to the medication. So ok, something is going on there, even if it’s not outright asthma.
We knew that Advair didn’t work since I was on it when this whole coughing craze started. So the doctor put me on Dulera. This is an inhaler - but not one good for long-term use as it appears to have some pretty bad side effects, including possibly causing death in asthma sufferers. It’s intended use is to get the symptoms under control where other medications haven’t worked, then get weaned off of it on to something else.
I take 2 puffs, twice a day, and I stopped taking my Tessalon Perles on Saturday morning. I’ve had only a few coughs, here and there. So it appears the Dulera is working. I’ll follow up with my doctor in about 3 weeks. I’m not sure what the long-term situation is here, something other than Advair, would be my guess.
Meanwhile, Tiayr tells me that he is visiting in early November, and then mom is visiting in late November. It’s going to be a busy November! Next week (starting the 18th I believe) my bedroom gets a whole new look with paint and cork flooring, and the hallway gets new laminate flooring.
I also had my chimney cap replaced, and was told (and have since confirmed) that, as of August 1st, the clean air act went into effect. This means that I can not sell my house with my old wood stove in place; to close, I’d have to replace it or remove it and close off the chimney.
I’m not going to be selling my house any time soon; however, given this knowledge, I am going to go ahead and replace the wood stove. I may as well get some use out of it since I have to spend the money anyway.
Yesterday I rented Alice in Wonderland on my ATV. It was wonderful! I heard it got bad reviews and didn’t see it in the theatre, and now I regret that. Alas. I really enjoyed the movie.
It’s been a nice, quiet weekend. I spent a few hours yesterday cleaning up the attic I said awhile ago I’d spend at least 30 minutes every weekend de-cluttering and getting rid of stuff; so that when I do move one-day, all I have to do is deal with stuff I know I want. I hate having crap I don’t need, so that I’ve accumulated some extra crap doesn’t sit well with me. Out it goes! In the process I found things I do want - lots of batteries, some papers I’d written for Smith, some shiny Ethernet cables, and a whole bunch of other great finds. I got the stuff I wanted down to 3 containers:
That last point is only about 1/4 of a plastic tote. I may hang on to the other stuff until next September and the neighborhood garage sale; or I may get rid of it sooner. I’m undecided.
Mali is doing great - she seems to be very pleased that the bathroom floor is now on and toasty warm. I’ve used my hot tub every day for the last week and it’s really helped my bruised rib. It keeps me warm while supervising the dogs at meal-times. Milton is actually growing up into a very nice dog - though he’s still a super annoying puppy. Elka cuddled me this morning, which is unusual. On the negative side - she was soaking wet. Maybe that’s why she cuddled me - to make ME soggy.
Life is good. My rib could quit hurting, then life would be even better. Tra la la and all that.
-Lisa, on October 10, 2010 at 3:01 pm