Take My Breath Away:When a 40-Year-Old "Cat Lady" is Diagnosed with Asthma
The first week in August I quit smoking after twenty years. I quit without any pills, patches, gum, hypnosis, self-help/"motivational" tapes, or gradual cutting-down. One day I was a smoker, and the next day I wasn't. It was as simple as that.
I had read in numerous places that--aside from the usual miseries of withdrawal and intense nicotine cravings that were to be expected, it wasn't unusual for quitters to find that it actually became harder for them to breathe in the immediate aftermath of having quit, the lungs needing some time to clean out the years of accumulated gunk (I believe that's the scientific name for it) before returning to normal. So when I started feeling congested--and when that feeling of congestion became heavier and more constant as the days went by--I wasn't initially alarmed.
And then one night a few weeks ago, it was as if somebody had thrown an airtight sack over my head. I could breathe--just barely--but each breath was labored and sounded as if a family of mice had taken up residence in my chest. Homer could hear it and glued himself anxiously to my lap, snarling at Laurence when he tried to help me get Homer up so I could stand. It was bad. How bad was it? you ask? So bad that when we finally decided to go to the nearest emergency room, located a mere three blocks from our apartment, we had to take a cab.
Well, on the plus side, when you go to the emergency room and tell them you can't breathe, you get to bypass all that pesky waiting around business. Before I knew it, I was strapped to all kinds of machines while doctors and nurses attacked me with various implements and instructions. Apparently my blood pressure was low and my pulse was high, because they pretty much immediately stripped me to the waist and hooked me up to an EKG to make sure I wasn't having a heart attack. (That I didn't end up having a heart attack once the terrifying possibility was presented to me is, I think, a testament to mind-over-matter!) Within a minute or so I was sucking on a type of machine called a nebulizer (undoubtedly familiar to my fellow asthmatics out there), which delivered oxygen and medicine directly to my lungs--and thank the lord for that. The relief was almost immediate.
They kept me there for a few hours, breathing through the nebulizer. At one point the doctor came over to check my pulse and chat about asthma--which was what they were tentatively diagnosing me with. Apparently, cigarette smoking can actually inhibit asthma, which means that many long-time smokers don't even know they're asthmatic until they quit smoking and suddenly have trouble breathing.
This is what we in the literary business refer to as "irony."
Of course, the first thing that was recommended by my ER doc was a complete physical and a battery of tests by my own physician. Still, she talked to me about some of the things I should do to make my home more "asthmatic-friendly." And that's when she landed the knockout punch.
"Do you have cats?" she asked.
I held up three fingers.
The doctor made a "tough luck" face. "That'll probably have to change."
I was still breathing through a tube and couldn't speak. But, I'm ashamed to admit, my eyes immediately filled up with tears and I started shaking my head vigorously from side to side, like a recalcitrant three-year-old. The machine I was hooked up to that was measuring my pulse began to beep. I squeezed Laurence's hand, which prompted him to tell the doctor, "You don't understand--"
"You don't understand," she interrupted. "But I can show you pictures of what happens to the lungs of asthmatics over time when they don't get rid of their pets."
Before you judge me for what happened next, please keep in mind that I was going through a fairly traumatic experience already. Generally I pride myself on my cool, level-headed judgment and ability to handle even the most upsetting of events rationally and constructively.
But when I heard the words "get rid of" in reference to Homer, I immediately burst into tears and cried so hard that I pretty much cried myself straight into another asthma attack. Laurence and I spent a lot of time at the hospital that night.
Well, I'll spare you the blow-by-blow of the last few weeks since then. There have been a few more hospital visits, doctor's visits, scads of tests, and myriad lifestyle changes. I am committed to sending Homer nowhere. If it really and truly comes down to it and I simply can't share a home with animals, I will re-home the kittens (or, rather, allow the organization I adopted them from to re-home them--with, of course, all the help I can offer). I don't believe it will come to that. I feel that way for reasons that I'll get to in a moment. But unless somebody can convince me that I will literally become a complete physical burden on my husband by keeping Homer with me, I'm not re-homing a 15-year-old blind cat who's lived with me since he was four weeks old, and who has become as essential a chunk of my heart as Homer has. I don't think it's being over-dramatic to say that trying to separate Homer from me at this point in his life would kill him, and I won't do it.
But--after a few touch-and-go weeks--I'm pleased to say that things have greatly improved. I'm now under the care of a wonderful internist, who has offered much measured and practical advice (in addition to the, y'know, really good prescription drugs). My chest scans and x-rays are clear, my lung capacity is actually above average for a woman of my age and height (particularly shocking in light of all the smoking and asthma), and all my other exams, blood tests, etc. have revealed me to be in what my doctor calls "excellent physical health."
In the meantime, things have changed quite a bit around here. I have replaced all our bedding--mattress included (actually, we've been wanting a new one anyway). Everything is new, hypoallergenic, and now covered in special cases and coverings designed to keep me from breathing in dust and dust-mites. We have done some major housecleaning and gotten rid of all the dust collectors we can bear to part with. We have new HEPA filters for our air conditioning. I have cut certain foods--dairy, eggs, shrimp--almost entirely from my diet and started bulking way up on others, like onions, garlic (lucky Laurence!), apples, salmon and tuna, and spinach. I've been walking five miles a day. I've also started working out again, although it's a bit dispiriting when I have to quit after a mere 25 minutes because my chest is getting too tight. But I'll get where I want to be. I'm committed to losing the twenty (eep!) pounds I started gaining eight years ago when I began writing books, because I'm told that weight loss can have a dramatic effect on asthma.
I've been taking steroids, which I'm starting to wean off of now. This is a good thing, because the steroids have made me so jittery and temperamental that living with me hasn't always been easy these past weeks. I'm optimistic that the improvements I've been seeing will continue even once I'm off the meds. My doctor thinks that, if things keep going in this direction, I won't need to think about "getting rid of" my cats. He bases this on the fact that being near the cats doesn't make me feel any worse, while being away from the cats doesn't make me feel any better (something I tried explaining to more than a few ER docs while waiting for my initial doctor's appointment). Whereas putting my head on an old pillow--as I inadvertently did the other night--brings immediate and uncomfortable consequences.
Homer (who is now officially terrified every time I leave the apartment--I really, really do think he senses something of what's been going on) sleeps right next to my head every night. And every morning I wake up with a clear chest and a clear head, ready to tackle the next thing on my "to do" list.
I know I have a fair number of younger readers, so I'll end with this: The moral of the story, kids, is NEVER START SMOKING! Not unless you want some harried ER doctor to inform you someday that you can breathe or you can live with cats, but you can't do both.
Comments
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Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Congratulations on quitting smoking! I got adult-onset asthma in 2000 after pneumonia (never smoked). My doctor orginally had me on Advair and now I'm on Symbicort (the twice-a-day corticosoid) and Xopenex as a rapid inhaler (in the event of an emergency, which is extremely rare). I have had anywhere from three to six cats, of which currently four are in my home (all indoor cats). I keep my house clean and wash the cats at least once a month or every other month (the protein in their saliva is what causes most allergies) and have NOT had a problem! You're doing great!
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Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Oh my goodness Gwen. I was in tears at the very thought of you having to rehome Homer. I was relieved to read that you responded well to the medications and lifestyle changes that your doctors recommended. Stay well friend!
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Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Hey Homer,
So glad your mom is feeling better. I read about you a couple of years ago but just recently made you my facebook friend. I am so proud of you taking such good care of your mom and the rest of your family and glad your siblings don't need to go to a new home. Tell your mom I pray she keeps getting better every day and I'm so glad she stopped smoking.
Your friends,
Teressa and her feline children, Sierra (14 y.o.), Belle (12 y.o.) and Critter (11 y.o.) -
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Gwen, So glad you have come through this scary experience. I do believe Homer is well aware of your sufferings, my cat Neiko does. I'm laid up myself with a strained back & can barely move & He will sit on my lap for hours if he could.Also 15 he knows me VERY well & when Mom doesn't get up he knows there is a problem. Our kitties are connected to us through the love & attention we give them & they to us. You are so eloquent the way to express this in your writings. Keep up the good work to get yourself back in shape so you can breathe better & Kudos to Lawrence for being there every step of the way. God speed to a healthy lifestyle Girl!
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Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Good luck with all of this. My brother-in-law has been told more than once that his health would improve dramatically if he and my sister gave up their cats. Because he loves my sister and their (currently FIVE) cats, he tells the doctors to forget it and come up with plan B. BTW, a key component of plan B for him is a separate bedroom where no cats are allowed. Not sure that is feasible for you, but it's a thought.
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Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Oh Gwen,
What an awful few weeks for you. Good for sticking to your guns about your cats and working to figure out other things to cut or change first. I agree with you that re-homing Homer now would probably shorten his life, but I would take it a step further and say that a life without cats could shorten yours as well. You've had cats in your life for so long that they are part of what makes you who you are. You wouldn't be the same without cats around you. I remember when my Tamaya crossed and I had no furry one to come home to, I hated my house. It was no longer a home. I was depressed and not easy to live with until we adopted Keiko.
When my oldest nephew was just a baby, he ended up in the hospital with some nasty viruses. When he was finally able to go home, the doctors told my sister he would always have breathing problems and she had to get rid of all of the pets to keep him healthy. That was almost 17 years ago. She never got rid of a single pet and he didn't end up with allergies or asthma.
I know you and the kitties will be okay. I the mean time you all will be in my prayers.
Lori -
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Gwen, I am so thankful that you are well. Congrats on being able to quit smoking, something I plan to do. Like you if I had to chose between my furkids or staying well...that would be an impossible choice. Homer is a amazing soul, and having you as his mom is wonderful. Its such good news that you've gotten better and that your babies can stay.
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Wednesday, 19 September 2012
It's good to hear that you're OK and doing well. But it breaks my heart thinking of all the pets who've been tossed out because doctors immediately go to "get rid of the pets" when something like this arises, instead of looking for alternatives and things you should be doing anyway.
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Wednesday, 19 September 2012
I totally understand the terror you felt when the doctors told you that your cats would have to go. That is never an option with me, either! I love my fur babies and cannot imagine life without them! Homer is so special, and so lucky to have you for a mommy!! Good luck staying healthy and keeping Homer right by your side!
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Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Wow! What a story. I'm happy it appears your family is staying together.
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Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Wow...what an amazing story. And what amazing commitment you have. Homer is very lucky to be so loved. I'm glad you're doing so well and I'm sending you lots of luck on your journey!
MayzieMom -
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
I'm so glad things have worked out and you are getting better. And I'm glad Homer can be right there beside you, where he belongs.
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Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Sorry about the diagnosis but Congratulations on the changes and for giving up smoking. I too have asthma, and I am allergic to cats. But I have 6, it was 7 until a month ago when one of my babies passed away. I could not imagine getting rid of my cats either! You are taking the right approach in my opinion. Doctors are so quick to jump on the "get rid of the cat" bandwagon. A few other suggestions for you, maybe you've already done this. I do have one safe room in my house that I can retreat to when I am having an asthma attack. It is my bedroom, and unfortunately no cats are allowed there. My husband and I have replaced all of our carpet with wood and tile flooring. My husband does the dusting in the house, and he bathes the cats for me. We have also eliminated any blinds on the windows. One natural remedy for me has been to use sage and bromain. They have beneficial effects. I am currently on two preventive medications twice a day, Accolate and Pulmicort. I also take allergy medication. Life has been good and I keep things under control. I wish you all the best!!! Hope it all turns out great for you and your family:-)
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Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Poor Gwen. I would have had the same panic attack. Honest to heavens, the idea of living without my cats is so distressing I think I broke up with a boyfriend ages ago because he was allergic to them. (My significant other fortunately just deals with it.
)
Homer is so lucky to have you...and I honestly think you will understand when I say you're even luckier to have him.
Rest up, get better. Much love to Homer! -
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Hi Gwen: Sorry to hear about your asthma...... we have 2 cats.... and have had 3 sometimes.... When she was young my daughter, who is now your age developed allergies and asthma... the Dr. said get rid of the cats... she cried and cried and said no... (she was about 7)... we kept them... she used a nebulizer too.... and now she has a son with asthma... they got rid of their cat and kept the Yorkie... but she says she is more allergic now than she was when they had the cat.... your body gets used to it.... So............keep darling Homer...!! I am rambling... but just wanted you to know the story.... loved your book and looking for your new one..!!
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Wednesday, 19 September 2012
I had an allergist tell me to get rid of my cats. I said (in a moment everyone dreams about of being able to say the right thing at the right time), "I'm thinking about getting rid of my allergist."
Fast forward 5 years, the three kitties and I are doing just fine (thanks to a strict regimen of nose sprays and antihistamines).
Good luck to you and your kitties! -
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
I never smoked in my life, but at age 35 I had the biggest and worst asthma attack. It left me in hospital for 7 days hooked up to prednisone IV drip and then prednisone pills when I left the hospital. Puffers, ventolin nebulizers and masks. Doctors order allergies studies and then told me I was allergic to cats, dogs, dusk, molds ect,. I had 3 Bichon Frise and 1 black cat. I wouldn't get rid of any of my animals. I would cut off my arm first. I then went to a wellness center who suggest trying to get off milk and gluten. After cutting off gluten I had started feeling better, but after the milk I felt great!! I am allergic to penicillin and sulfa drugs. Cows are given this to prevent sickness. Apparently the drugs are making it's way through the milk. I have not had milk since August 2007 or gluten and I am off all puffins, medicines and had run a race of 10 miles. Not everyone will fit in this category, but before giving up you loved pets try getting off milk and gluten, it might make all the difference.
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Wednesday, 19 September 2012
I am with you, could not bear to give my cats up. My niece has a asthma and doctors told her the same, kept cat , it has been yrs. ago and still doing well!
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Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Happened to my ex-husband------quit smoking and developed asthma. Getting rid of all the carpet also helped. Currently remodeling to get rid of rough surfaces and replace with easier to clean surfaces (House was "rustic" with lots of rough wood work.) As floors have been ripped up, water leaks, water damage and mold/mildew have also been uncovered. Since some of my cats and one of the dogs also have allergies ------one is asthmatic and the others have skin allergies in the summer, I'm hoping this will help all of us.
I read Homer's Odyssey...great book and awesome cat! I am so glad you wouldn't think of re-homing any of them, especially Homer!!! I couldn't do it either!