Call me Pincushion.

Back from the doctor. My lungs are much better. His exact words were "massive improvement on both sides." We're continuing the inhalers as a preventative measure. Both the Qvar and Combivent inhalers are now my constant companions. The key, I'm told, is to address shortness of breath or convulsive coughing aggressively by using the inhaler when the problem first manifests. This will (hopefully) stop things from advancing to the point where I was a couple of weeks ago.

We also discussed my schedule of vaccinations. I'm due for about everything, so today I got the Tdap and PPSV shots. I'm supposed to go back next week for the flu shot and meningococcal vaccine. Right now, both my shoulders are very sore.

Other than that, I'm being scheduled for an appointment with a respiratory specialist to get a good final look at what's really going on in my lungs. Dr. Petty wants me back for a regular check-up in six months, and thinks that I should look for less-stressful work if possible.