Take a look at this picture. You see that woman? That's not just a 67 year old lady. That's not just a woman with emphysema. That's not just a woman who has to be on oxygen for up to 20 hours a day. That's not just a lady who has been unwell for the last 8 years. That's not just a person who cannot walk less than 100 yards without being out of breath.
That lady, that woman, that is my nan. My nan, the ex-smoker.
8 years ago she was admitted to hospital with pneumonia & bronchitis. Aged just 59 she was kept in intensive care and we very nearly lost her. She aged by 20years overnight and her health has never been quite right since. She has good months and bad months - and last year she was back outside doing the gardening for the first time since being hospitalised.
Emphysema however stays with you and your health can deteriorate rapidly without warning at any given time. After recently fighting a chest infection she is back on the oxygen for 16 hrs a day on level 2, originally 4. These pictures were taken yesterday, at her home and with her portable canister at a family meal.
Tell me, do you think oxygen tanks are as in vogue as smoking? If not,
No comments:
Post a Comment