Birthdays used to be exciting days for me. My attitude toward my birthdays has changed dramatically, and it’s no longer as important. Instead, I’m immensely grateful for having survived all the recent assaults on my health and life.
Well, almost. It will still take some time to fully swing back. But it is definitely a start and a good one at that. For the first time in years, I pinned on a BIB and walked 5 kilometers in a foot race … finishing last!
Amazing! What a difference BPA makes! I put my “new” lungs to the test on the trails around Khao Chalak. They performed well, an entirely new and exciting experience.
Going to Japan for BPA treatment was without a doubt one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Thank you for all your encouragement and support during those challenging times.
My stay at Okayama Medical Center is coming to an end after four BPA treatments. We are still running several tests this week to collect post-treatment data, including today’s 6-minute walk test (6MWT).
The life of a CTEPH patient is never dull. We have a new situation, a new sub-challenge. This morning I was told that I have atrial fibrillation (also called AFib, A-fib, or AF) and that treating it is probably a good idea.
Why did I choose Japan for my balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) treatment? Given the current lack of CTEPH expertise in Thailand, Japan turned out to be the ideal choice for various critical reasons.
A rare glimpse into the “lung repair” or “tuneup shop,” as I like to call it. It’s actually the catheter room at Okayama Medical Center where the magic truly happens. These pictures were taken during my second BPA procedure.
My 2nd BPA procedure is behind me. It went without complications and I really enjoyed it. My team of doctors is fabulous and fun to work with.
After my first BPA treatment, I wanted to know if my lung function had noticeably improved. Exercise is the best way to find out.
