Contributed by Bob “Oxygen Man” Rawlins, oxygen user and consultant to CAIRE Inc. ~
I’ve had the dis-pleasure of meeting you more intimately over these past six years. I have read that there are over 200 types of you that we have learned about already. I sort of wish this could be classified as a love-hate relationship. But no, it’s all hate.
I have to say none of these years have been viewed as a real pleasure. Having this relationship with you has been nothing short of challenging to say the least. Marriage and other people relationship building, although challenging, has been much more rewarding in ALL situations.
Hurting your feelings at this point is something I am very happy to do if it makes you pack up and disappear from my lungs altogether. And please, don’t come back.
While you are at it, could you possibly do the same thing with many of those having this same relationship with you. Please leave and never return.
When I first heard we were going to be having this relationship with my body and you were probably staying for a long time, it scared me, no doubt. However, I figured I’ve had worse relationships and survived. And today, guess what, I’m still here fighting with you every day.
The American Lung Association has mentioned you often. Read more by clicking this link. They aren’t too fond of you either.
They are great at giving us ideas on how to live together and try and understand your motives.
“Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a form of interstitial lung disease that causes scarring in the lungs. There are over 200 different types of PF and in most cases, there’s no known cause.”
No known cause is the worst part.
Every relationship I’ve ever been in has allowed me to know who they were and eventually where they came from. You are one stubborn partner to say the least. And no matter how I insult you, you WON’T LEAVE!!!
Your types are many:
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
- PF from diseases
- Familial PF
- PF from exposures
These are the main areas you live in, but you continue to be sneaky at hiding your orientation. I love spy movies, but you are more evasive then the best in the world. UGH!
Some of the most intelligent minds in science and medicine can’t explain what your deal is and why you do the things you do. I hate you!
It seems scarring is your side kick. Now, I understand that as the body grows older, we all get a bit of scarring in the lungs through aging, but why do you feel the need to help us out even a little. Kind of irritates me. LOL. No wait, I mean it. It’s not funny at all.
Have you started packing your bags yet?
I have tried many medicines and breathing treatments to calm down your aggressive behavior and you tend to not listen very well.
We have been involved in great counseling from some great people and doctors and they all say I’m doing my part. However, I contend that you are more than difficult at times. Can you please listen to the experts and do your part and slow down your obnoxious behavior at times? The coughing, making me tired and nausea at times is nothing short of annoying.
You know in life, when we get into a bad relationship, we can generally find a way out of that situation. It might be hard to do, but it can be done. It also can leave scars that can mend themselves over time. You need to learn this very important virtue. Scars that mend.
Science and medicine are getting better every day and their research continues to try and develop ways of slowing down your progression and hopefully mending some of the scarring you produce. You are hurtful.
PF, I hope you can see a way to help us live with you much better into the future. Because you are one big pain in the chest! LOL.
Friends, I know it is hard on this journey and we can only do what we can.
Live every day the best way you can.
Don’t ever give up hope.
Laugh every day. Smile at others.
Breathe-easy.
Touch a heart.
Till next time.
Love you all,
Coach “Oxygen Man” Bob
Bob Rawlins, 61, of Medina, Ohio, is husband to Terese and father to their 16-year-old triplets, a soccer coach, a hospital volunteer, band dad and chaperone, and marketing guru. He uses a FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator and a transportable oxygen concentrator for overnight travel.
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, learn more about CAIRE by visiting www.caireinc.com/patients or by calling 1-800-482-2473 to talk to an oxygen advisor.
The contents of this blog post are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. When using any oxygen therapy device please consult the applicable product instructions for use for product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and detailed safety information.