Hello All,

Around ten days ago I wrote about possibly being diagnosed with COPD. Saw the pulmonologist last Wednesday and thanks to him thinking about looking at my past MRI's, he discovered the source of my never ending cold/flu symptoms (since Labor Day): my sinuses. Looking at my chart he noticed that I had had several MRIs and decided to access them. On each he saw that sinuses were enlarged. So apparently I've had this problem longer that I knew! Anyway, the sinus infection activated the asthma and the asthma invited the bronchitis to join the party. I call these three the 'three evil ones'. I've had bronchitis since November. Had I not seen the chest x-rays myself from November and last week, I don't know if I would have believed that this was possible. Now, thanks to a very smart doctor and some old/recent MRIs, I am on the road to recovery once again. COPD? Well, possibly--will do lung function tests in six weeks to make sure, but it looks like there might not be permanent damage--I'm counting on this to be the case. What's frustrating is that if any one of the doctors I had seen over the past few months had put me on antibiiotics for four to six weeks (to know out the sinus infection), I'd probably be just fine right now. It was a nurse practicioner who finally became concerned and referred me. I hadn't counted on my asthma coming back as it has virtually been dormant for 4 years. Maybe it will go back into hiding and break up the 'evil three'.
To all of you who wrote messages, 'held my hand,' and sent me such wonderful notes of encouragement and support, I can't thank you enough. When I initially thought I had COPD, I was extremely frightened. After reading your mesages, I felt such peace! This site is so incredible--when one needs support and encouragement, you all are there! I thank-you, thank-you, thank-you more than you realize! What fantastic people you all are!

Getting healthier by the minute,

Michelle (aka Eloise)