I saw my pulmonologist on Thursday. He reviewed the information from my hospitalization in October and found the last piece of the puzzle. He gave me my diagnosis.

My pulmonary artery is enlarged a great deal, pushing lots of blood into my lungs.. This has happened very quickly, in the last month. I have Congestive Heart Failure because my lungs can't process everything and the fluids back up into my body, my legs, feet, abdomen and arms. I have Pulmonary Fibrosis, scarring in my lungs, which keeps the lungs from diffusing oxygen to my bloodstream. Between the fluid in my lungs and the scars, they are not able to give me enough oxygen. The Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency makes my lungs scar easier. One thing leads to the other, like a cascade...

I don't have to search anymore. Now I have to accept it. I spent Friday at home alone, praying, trying to imagine all that is going on in my body. There are very, very expensive treatments for the Pulmonary Fibrosis, very, very expensive treatments for the Alpha-1, but even if I had the money and access to one of them, the other problems are just as bad.

Now, I am relying on God. Your Will Be Done. I know many people are praying for me and I thank you all. It has been a long journey to discover what was wrong.

I am not sure what they do next other than just manage the symptoms, mostly the Congestive Heart Failure. I have to quickly search for a cardiologist and a kidney specialist so they can prescribe a combination of diuretics, water pills, to keep the edema from overtaking my lungs. I had fluid in my lungs twice already and it was very unpleasant. I still can not believe my cardiologist resigned just when I needed him, because the cause of the Congestive Heart Failure was not cardiac. It makes it much harder to find a new doctor and fill him in on the story. Same with the kidney doctor. I hope it doesn't take too long to get an appointment at either. semi informal large size gown below 100

I never expected a diagnosis like this. I thought it would be something simple, that a medication could control.

Today is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. I think it was St. Paul who said, "God makes all things work together for good for those who love Him." I do love Him, dearly. I believe that there is a reason for this, that a greater good will come of it....

I just have absolutely no idea what it could possibly be.