Breathing again...

My CT scan came back showing a narrowing in my trachea- which is good news considering all the things that could have been wrong!  My doctor called me the day before I was to meet with him and told me he made an appointment with a Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist for me.  I needed to have a scope done to show what was causing the narrowing and so he sent me to a specialist that would make the scope as easy as possible.  The scope went well and immediately it showed the problem.  I have what is called tracheal stenosis- which is scar tissue in my trachea.  I was only getting about 10% of the air I was supposed to be getting.  There was so much scar tissue that my trachea opening is only the size of a straw.  No wonder I've been so tired and out of breath!  It's easy to fix but can be an ongoing problem if we don't figure out what's caused it.  They did some blood work and then when I have my outpatient surgery on Wednesday, he'll take some biopsies.  I hope we can figure it out because I don't want to continue to pay so many medical bills.  I figure this will cost me about $3,000.00 out of pocket... and I had just finished paying all my medical bills for my previous surgery!  UGHHH!!! I won't complain though, because truly considering all the things that could have caused my breathing issues- this is an easy one to fix!  I am also very thankful that my team of doctors worked together to get me my prognosis so quickly.  I've been researching my condition online and many people go years trying to figure out what is wrong!  I have a great surgeon and look forward to Wednesday's surgery.  The surgery will be at Duke and only takes about an hour.  I'll need a day or two of rest and I should be good to go!  I'll be a little hoarse and my throat will hurt but I will be able to breathe!!!!  The problem with the surgery is that anytime there is surgery scar tissue grows... well that's what has caused my problem... and so that's why it's a never ending circle unless you figure out the underlying reason.  Fingers crossed that they can figure it out! 

The weirdest symptom occured on Friday when we were picking Brennan up from camp. Suddenly my eyes became very blurry and I spent the evening like I was living in a cloud.  I could make out outlines of things and could get around well enough, but I couldn't see any details.  It was truly freaky.  It lasted about two hours and then my left eye got better.  By morning my right eye was normal but both eyes were super sensitive and wouldn't focus very well.  By Saturday afternoon everything was back to normal.  Weird!!!!  I was wondering if maybe it had to do with me going off my steroids- maybe my system was out of whack because of it.  It truly made me appreciate my great eyesight on a normal day! 

I'm hoping to feel well enough to start the drive to Wisconsin by Friday or Saturday.  We can't wait to get started! Looking forward to our first stop in Aurora, IL, with Leah and her family.  Then we'll head to Madison... so many people and family members to see!  We are so excited!

I just have to comment on how much I miss Jan too!  I am writing my blog as more of a diary for myself these days but I miss my number one fan who never missed a post!  I hope you are able to read them in heaven Jan!  We love and miss you!!!!  Kate said a prayer the other day for you and Brennan has been sharing stories about you with Kate.  Thank you for always being so wonderful, loving, kind, and sweet!  We love you so much!!!