Going under the knife to fix breathing issues

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2012-02-06 4:49 PM

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Subject: Going under the knife to fix breathing issues

After a year of trying to diagnose a breathing limitation problem, a CT scan shows I have cronic sinus inflamation with associated lung inflamation.  The tissue in the sinuses is the same tissue as in the lungs so often when the sinuses are inflamed the lungs follow.  We think that is what is happening to me following a sinus infection that caused my sinuses to recirculate rather than expel the contaminant.  Plus, my septum looks like a jigsaw puzzle.  So, I get the roto-rooter treatment Wednesday, about a week off from activity, then build back up to full strength and conditioning after that.

Hopefully this will get me back to my normal capacity which I have not had since before I got into the crazy thing we call triathlon last spring.  I have essentially been training and competing at about 80-85% lung capacity so I really hope this works to get the cronic inflamation down and my VO2 max back where it should be.

2012-02-06 4:54 PM
in reply to: #4032616

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Subject: RE: Going under the knife to fix breathing issues

Wow, good luck.  Are you getting this done in Topeka?  Outpatient? 

Well, if you are this fast at 80% you are going to be crazy fast at 100% 

2012-02-06 5:02 PM
in reply to: #4032624

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Subject: RE: Going under the knife to fix breathing issues

Topeka and outpatient.  The funny part is that my secretary had sinus surgery last year using the same doctor.  Her experience with my doctor was great, but her recovery stories don't sound like too much fun.  I don't care, I'll go through anything to get back to normal.  Never had breathing issues my whole life and don't like it one bit.  Swimming, in particular, has been getting tougher and tougher the last couple of weeks, so I have to do something now.

The crazy part is, I did a 7 mile run followed by a 14 mile bike ride yesterday and felt pretty good bodywise.  But I could tell my breathing is becoming more and more limited.  Really hit home in the pool this morning -- It isn't getting better and the CT scan was clear what has been causing it.  The good news is that it is a sinus condition that stands a good chance of being corrected rather than asthma which has no cure and limited effective treatment.

2012-02-06 5:07 PM
in reply to: #4032616

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Subject: RE: Going under the knife to fix breathing issues
Make sure you get plenty of sympathy from your wife and girls. Maybe they will finally let you sign up for IMKS and let you go to Louisville with me.
2012-02-06 9:40 PM
in reply to: #4032616

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Subject: RE: Going under the knife to fix breathing issues

Hope all goes well Wednesday Patrick.  With you being full force, race season should be fun (not for others in your AG).

2012-02-06 10:33 PM
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Subject: RE: Going under the knife to fix breathing issues
Jayhox - 2012-02-06 4:49 PM

After a year of trying to diagnose a breathing limitation problem, a CT scan shows I have cronic sinus inflamation with associated lung inflamation.  The tissue in the sinuses is the same tissue as in the lungs so often when the sinuses are inflamed the lungs follow.  We think that is what is happening to me following a sinus infection that caused my sinuses to recirculate rather than expel the contaminant.  Plus, my septum looks like a jigsaw puzzle.  So, I get the roto-rooter treatment Wednesday, about a week off from activity, then build back up to full strength and conditioning after that.

Hopefully this will get me back to my normal capacity which I have not had since before I got into the crazy thing we call triathlon last spring.  I have essentially been training and competing at about 80-85% lung capacity so I really hope this works to get the cronic inflamation down and my VO2 max back where it should be.

Good luck! I had the roto-rooter treatment a few years ago. The surgery was not fun and the recovery was worse, but in the end, I am much better for it. I wish I had done it sooner.

2012-02-07 6:59 AM
in reply to: #4033010

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Subject: RE: Going under the knife to fix breathing issues

Thanks everyone.  KansasMom, that is what EVERYONE who has had this done are telling me.  I just finished my last run for a week or so and it was kind of weird.  Been battling this so long, it was like a final goodbye to an old boss I hated working for while on my way to start a new job working with my best friend.

I'm weird that way.  Tongue out

2012-02-07 10:54 AM
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Subject: RE: Going under the knife to fix breathing issues
Best of luck! Breathing problems are NO fun. I suffered with sinus infections for years but at one point, not sure why or how, they came to an end. Now I just get one every couple of years (knock on wood). I do have to use Advair though for mild exercise induced asthma. Being in great shape will no doubt help with your recovery time!
2012-02-08 2:49 PM
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Subject: RE: Going under the knife to fix breathing issues
Hope it went well Patrick. Give us the good news when you are able to.
2012-02-08 8:44 PM
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Subject: RE: Going under the knife to fix breathing issues

So far so good.  Doc said everything went exactly as planned.  Feel MUCH better than I thought I would tonight.  Plus, got to watch KU curb stomp Baylor and didn't have to watch a single commercial due to the DVR!  Laughing

Early sign is the chest breathing is a bit easier, but still too messed up overall from the surgery to know whether it is true or the narcotics messing with my brain.  Will be able to tell more when the splints come out Friday morning and I am able to irrigate everything.

Thanks for the kind thoughts!

2012-02-08 8:48 PM
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Subject: RE: Going under the knife to fix breathing issues
Great news, and that was a great game.

2012-02-13 8:15 AM
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Subject: RE: Going under the knife to fix breathing issues
Hope you heal quickly and get well soon!
2012-02-24 9:25 AM
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Subject: RE: Going under the knife to fix breathing issues
So how is the breathing since the surgery?  Are you back to running and biking?
2012-02-24 9:36 AM
in reply to: #4064244

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Subject: RE: Going under the knife to fix breathing issues
I'm back, but the residual swelling from the surgery is taking a bit longer than usual to go down.  I just need to be patient, but it is starting to test my willpower.  The bleeding stopped only tuesday of this week, so all-in-all I am probably doing just fine and need to give it another week or so to be at full health.  Doc said everything looked pristine a week ago, but just swollen from the surgery.  Have another appointment today and hope to get similar news.
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