Dear
Family and Friends,
On
reaching the ripe age of 90 years, all things seemed to be falling apart,
especially my health. First of all there was cataract surgery (that was a
plus). Then there was a shortage of breath. So I mentioned this to my GP when
having my annual medical this past December. He ordered an X-ray, ECG and Blood
Work. The result was Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). Idiopathic means: Unknown Cause but I
suspect it was caused by the years working underground although even children
can contact this malady, (so go figure). Pulmonary means: has to do with the Lungs. Fibrosis means: an increase in Scar Tissue. There
is no cure except
for a lung transplant which is not in my plans. Since being diagnosed, there
has been 5 X-rays, C-scan, Oxmetry test, 5 sets of blood work and two pulmonary
tests. Furthermore, the specialist wants me to sleep overnight in the Jubilee
Hospital "Sleep Clinic".
As
mentioned, there is no cure, but it is possible to slow down the scarring with
pills which is being done but in my case as the IPF is very advanced. BC has
recently approved a drug known as O-fed costing $4000 per month but in my case,
they charge me $400 per year (that’s good). I’m also on high doses of
prednisone which is supposed to make me feel good (which it does). Now for the
kicker, I am on Oxygen.
Around my suite, I am connected to a Nitrogen Generator which removes the
Nitrogen and sends pure or semi-pure Oxygen into a tube for me to breathe (big
deal). On going out, there is a small Oxygen Tank to be carried supplying me
Oxygen for anywhere from 2 to 4-hours depending at what settling is dialled.
Having
had good health all my life, this latest setback is a shock. I thought I could
live to a 100, but my specialist says maybe five more years if all goes well
but if not 2 years at most. Why is it that when two or more seniors get
together they always start off talking about their aliments?
So
much for the dull bad stuff. Having been here a Berwick Royal Oak for over a year
now and it is only recently that it has become home. Prior to that it was a place
where I go for my meals and sleep at night. After living in Arbutus Ridge for
25 years, yours truly somehow could not come to terms living in Berwick even
though it has much to offer. You would think that having lived in 21
communities that one would settle in easily (but no). I missed my Arbutus Ridge
neighbours and the clubs in which I had belonged such as the computer club,
wine club and the Rate Payers Association; my church friends; my legion
friends; the curling friends (being president of the seniors curling), the
seniors centre friends and the Cowichan Pipe Band. Anyway, I do drive up to
Arbutus Ridge occasionally and join my Thursday Legion Friends for a beer or
two (we have been meeting every Thursday at the Legion for over 20 years.)
Friday,
June 15th at Berwick, we were asked to “Dress to Impress” as it was the 10th
Anniversary of Berwick Royal Oak. This handsome old man dressed semi-formal in
a white dinner jacket and black tie. Even though I do get out of breath, I was
able dance as there was live music that night at dinner. My dance partner was a
nice looking Jewish gal named Gloria. (She doesn't follow kosher).
Unfortunately, Gloria shows the early stages of dementia so there is no future
there. The week before, we had pub night with live “Country and Western” music.
Normally not being a country and western fan. However, the entertainer was
extra good (and I danced without my Oxygen).
It
looks like my traveling days are over especially having to carry a heavy Oxygen
tank or Nitrogen generator with me. It has forced me to give up Carmen in Duncan Duncan and then instead of driving back to Victoria Duncan
After
doing a bit of research, it may be possible get a portable Nitrogen generator
of only five pounds (but it is costly). More research will have to be done as it
would be good to travel again. Buenos Sires, Argentina
and Port Stanley, Falkland Islands are still
on my bucket list.
Chow,
David
the Elder
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