RV Still Sick....... I'm Antsy.......And Can't Breathe

Ants in my pants...... did that expression come from the word Antsy.
Actually it's the other way around. It began in Southern USA in the early 20th Century from the phrase Ants in pants.

Can you tell I'm bored.

The RV is still in the shop and really cutting into our traveling time. Plus our weather has been and is still rainy, hot and humid. That's terrible for my COPD, just can't breathe.

I've always been in control of my life. I've been a schedule follower. I've lived with determination of achieving my goals. I've never been knocked down from illness for more than a week. I've never had COPD before!!!!

My whole life has changed and it's hard to accept and even harder to adjust. Explaining to others is frustrating so I avoid it. I don't want pity I just want understanding. I'm not sick I just can't breathe.

When I get behind the wheel of that huge machine, my huge machine, called a RV, I feel powerful. I forget about breathing and oxygen and treatments and coughing. I just drive. All my attention is on driving. I love it. It's wonderful therapy for me. And the beautiful country I'm seeing is an added bonus.

The man I love more than life and my two precious dogs just look at me with happiness on their faces cause they know Momma is having fun. It's a good feeling.

I hope the weather clears soon. I hope my RV is home soon. I hope I can breathe soon.

Ann

LOOKING FORWARD TO TRAVELING WITH MY COPD

Hope you're having a fantastic day.

I am never not going to have COPD!!!
That's the first fact I had to accept.

I must have Mr O2 with me always. He can stay in the car at times but never leave him at home.
This fact was learned the hard way while in traffic on a hot and humid day.
That was also the day I learned what panic attacks are all about. For some reason we humans panic when we can't breathe.

I've been living with COPD for approximately 6 years. First couple of years are a blur now but I remember thinking I was supposed to lie down and wait on death. Guess you know it never came.

Then awhile of trying to ignore my disease. That didn't work cause it caused a lot of cancelled outings and disappointed people. In addition to many hospital visits.

Then like addicts say: I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.

I completely changed my life. I put structure into my days with at least one accomplishment. Even if it was only washing dishes it was an accomplishment.
I got my Crockpot (slow cooker) out of cobwebs and started cooking. I love to cook but couldn't stand for hours preparing and cooking meals. I can cook some of the most amazing meals in my Crockpot.

As days passed I began to feel better, feel good, feel like Ann. I followed the weather so to know when I could run errands. Never made appointments too far in advance, and advised everyone of worse case scenario.

Got a three wheel bicycle for exercise. Got hand weights for arm strength and try sit ups for stomach strength. Slow but sure it's helping.

BUT, and a huge BUT, I was upset that COPD had robbed Peter and I of our love for travelling. We could travel from hotel to hotel with Mr O2 in the back seat but no where to plug it in if I should need during the day. My nebulizer needs electricity to work every 4-6 hours for my treatments. No chance of camping out cooking on an open fire. It just didn't seem exciting.

Then one evening I asked Peter what he thought about us buying a RV, motor home. We were at the RV dealership so fast my head almost spun off. We looked at so many I got confused. So we decided to rent one first for a trip to see how it goes. We were hooked. In love. Had to have one.

We found a 2002 Motor home that felt comfortable for us. So the purchase was made and we couldn't be happier.

I will never not have COPD, but I'm learning how to live an exciting life with it.

I've made friends because of my COPD, especially my friend Vanessa Smith in England. She has been a huge inspiration for me and I'm looking forward to the day I can say to her, "I walked a mile"

We are looking forward to seeing the beautiful USA and sharing more adventures with you.

Changed Blog Name

Just noticed my blog name was missing two letters---RV.
It's been corrected now
Thanks

Trying To Be A Better Blogger

I'm not sure if I'm too busy, too lazy, or too forgetful but I can't seem to blog regularly.
And it's strange because I enjoy doing it.
I'm going to try really, really hard to be better.

Today is a good day for me in the breathing department. In case you don't know I'm a COPDer. In my world my life changes hour to hour, at least it's interesting. Some changes are wonderful, some knock me down dependent on my friend Mr. O2. We spend every night together and Mr. O2 has been successful in running my lover out of the bedroom. Oh well, if I have to choose I'll pick breathing.

This Florida weather is definitely not good for me and as my illness progresses each year gets worse than the last.

I've been trying to map out our next Big RV Adventure. Somewhere cooler and less humidity than Navarre, Florida. Utah is looking better each day. But since we will spend the summer months there I have to really vet them for all my needs.

With COPD, breathing issues can't wait, so I can't camp too remotely. Lack of oxygen makes it real hard to continue living and I'm sure not ready to leave this lovely life yet.

I'll keep you informed. Until next time, just BREATHE.

April 11, 2015

Too Long

Had no idea it would be this long between posts. Never intended it to be.

Beginning of March we took our maiden voyage from Navarre Florida to Dallas Texas.
It was the voyage from Hell.
Had issues with fuel system. After RV got good and hot, approximately 1 hour of driving, I could push gas pedal to floor and nothing!!!!!!!!
Talk about frightening, try dropping from 60 mph to 0 in a few minutes on the interstate. Then limping on shoulder of road to next exit hoping to find somewhere safe to park and gather myself.
After the first few times of this happening, I figured out that I had to drive 1 hrs and rest 1 hrs. It took us 3 days to go 700 miles to reach our friends house.

I know what you're thinking. We tried every RV, Chevrolet, and John Doe Repair Shop we came upon. No luck.
We knew our friend Gordon would know what's wrong if we could just get there.

After we finally arrived in Texas we had an incredible time. A week of fun.

During that time Gordon put on new fuel filter, air filter, and other things. Drove around town and it seemed fine. Phew!!!!!! That Hell was over.

Then we started home. I began praying, "please no". It began again. Hour on, hour off.
I just couldn't take it again all the way home. I just had me a good ole cry. The can't catch your breath type of crying. Then I fell asleep.

When I woke up it was raining and chilly. Great, I thought. But little did I know it was a blessing. I drove for hours with no problems other than a couple of backfirings.

We camped for the night and thanks to God's blessing of rain made it home to Navarre.

She is currently waiting her turn at the mechanics.
 I can hardly wait for our next adventure.

Love to all,
Ann & Peter

What Now?

Today is Saturday and the first day of being an RV owner.
It was delivered yesterday and I spent most of the day inside my stick house in the bathroom. Lol
I'm frightened to death. Of what? All of it

For 40+ years I've been on the American Carousel. Work, home, work, home, vacations in the summer. I just can't take it anymore. There is more to life and by golly I'm going to experience it.

I'll spend today getting familiar with my new home. Tomorrow, my neighbor will take me out for my first driving lesson. Should be exciting.

I'm closing for now and will be back later.