Just checking in

[Marcus]

I haven't been on the forums in a very long time so I thought it would be a good idea to see how people are doing and let you know what I have been up to this summer so far. I have been to the Teton's several times for fly fishing, rodeo's, horseback riding, motorcycling, and hanging out with friends and family. I have been camping several times and just last weekend I did yet another thing my doctors said you be a long time. I went scuba diving in Hood Canal Washington. I am not going to say that I am the same person as I was before I was diagnosed. I can tell you that everyday I am getting closer and closer to being back to normal and I hope to run a 5k with my wife before summer is over. I am still on 5mg of pred. and 2000 mg Mycophenolate mofetil.

[carriej22]

This is very inspiring for someone who couldn't get out of bed today. Good for you!

Can't wait until I my pred is cranked down. I think it's causing most of my issues right now rather than the disease itself.

I am envious of your scuba diving... I have a 125 gallon reef aquarium in the works in the basement.. So atleast if I don't get to go diving, I'll have my little piece of the ocean to enjoy!

[annekat]

Nice to know of another person in Washington state. I'm curious to know where you are getting your treatment for Wegs. You are doing very well if you can do all that stuff and live such a full life. I'm glad to hear it.

[Marcus]

I go to Kaiser, I am very fortunate to be able to do the things that I do.

[annekat]

I go to Kaiser, I am very fortunate to be able to do the things that I do. Oh, yeah, I remember Kaiser is in that part of the state but not this far north. It sounds like you've gotten good care.

[Sangye]

I'm glad to hear how well you're doing, Marcus! :thumbsup:

[maria garcia]

Marcus im so happy for you. Have they told you when your meds will be tapering off?

[Marcus]

I don't know when they will be tapering off and I haven't asked. I haven't had any blood work done for 6 months either. They told me 1-5 years on my meds. I am do for a checkup soon. Then I will have a better idea of where we go from here.

[HopeinTN]

Speaking of diving, can you still dive after lung surgery? I had my rt middle lobe removed and part of the upper lobe.

Marcus- Glad you are doing ok. GO DUCKS! I'm a big fan. Whe you played Auburn I bought a Ducks shirt. I'm a Bama fan but watched a lot of Ducks football games.

[Marcus]

Not sure about diving after surgery, ask your lung specialist and see what they say. I would say if your lungs are back to normal that you wouldn't have a problem diving. I love my Ducks and can't wait for this season to start in a few weeks.

[mishb]

Speaking of diving, can you still dive after lung surgery? I had my rt middle lobe removed and part of the upper lobe.

Marcus- Glad you are doing ok. GO DUCKS! I'm a big fan. Whe you played Auburn I bought a Ducks shirt. I'm a Bama fan but watched a lot of Ducks football games.

When I was on holidays in Fiji ......just after diagnosis.....my ENT thought the weather and humidity would be good for me.
The resort we stayed at had scuba diving and one of the prerequesites was ........can you breathe......if you can breathe, you can dive :biggrin1:

[annekat]

I'm not into sports but could be a Ducks fan just because of the logo, and because of the geographical connection. I lived in Portland for 8 years as a kid. But I don't remember if the Ducks are U of O or Oregon State (forgive me!). In any case, Go Ducks!

[Dirty Don]

You are soooooo bad Anne...a 'Duck' is the U of O...I'm a Pilot, U of Portland (NOT Portland State!), but out here in the desert I support the Ducks...GO DUCKS! Quack quack!!!

[HopeinTN]

Ha. Oregon State is the Beavers. I'm a football junkie. Watched the Ducks for many years and was a fan of Joey Harrington.

[annekat]

Don, I know how bad I am!! Ah, yes, the Beavers.... I just couldn't remember the name of the non-Duck team, but I believe it's the state animal.... duh. My dad worked at the University of Oregon Medical School, so I HAVE to be a Ducks fan! Not that I wouldn't have, anyway.

[KathyB]

Hi Marcus,

Sounds like you are doing very well and ready to scuba dive! Awesome!! I'm an idiot at snorkeling (gag most of the time--exhausting!). So I tried snuba diving on our honeymoon cruise and it was INCREDIBLE. Easy, too. You wear a mouthpiece just as scuba diving and are tethered to the tank above water on the boat. You go about 20 ft down which is plenty for me and didn't mess with my ears. So that's my alternative to scuba diving! Fun, fun, fun! Hope you have a great time!

KB

[Marcus]

I didn't have to many problems diving my ears took longer than normal to get all the water out but other than that it was a blast. Snorkeling was a bit more difficult as I am not able to hold my breath for very long anymore, I hope that will get better with time. After I was done with chemo I was in the Teton mountains for 3 months and being at 6,000 ft. seemed to help me rapidly increase my lung strength. I go there frequently for outdoor activities.