Resperation Desperation
Donation protected
Greetings from Eastern NC! My name is David Watts, but I've often gone by other monickers. I grew up in Rocky Mount, NC. These days I reckon I should use my Nom de Plume, GrizzlyFate; the sad fact being that it is apropos of my situation these days.
I am going through the most challenging days of my life due to a genetic anomaly that runs in my family. My maternal grandmother died of what they called emphysema back in the 1980s. My mother developed COPD in her late forties and has been on oxygen therapy and also has dealt with limited mobility since the 1990s.
In my case what happened was that in the latter part of 2017, I began to notice that when I climbed stairs, which I did most every day in the performance of my job, that I would experience shortness of breath. This was also accompanied with chronic bronchitis, which kept me congested and coughing. I didn't want to admit it to myself, but eventually the symptoms were undeniable. When I was finally able to obtain health insurance and be seen by a pulmonologist, a doctor who specializes in respiratory disease- that doctor put me on round-the-clock oxygen therapy on the very first visit to his office. At the age of 48, this was alarming and seemed premature, at the very least. After doing some research online, I came to learn that I was a likely carrier of the gene that causes Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. When you carry this gene, it affects an enzyme that protects your lungs from inflammation by natural pollutants. This causes lung tissue to become damaged and is especially affected by the external environment. If there was second hand smoke present when the lungs were developing, this caused inflammation- also the pollution in the normal environment, things like dust, pollen, etc- the Alpha-1 enzyme would normally protect most, but in my case my lungs have been inflamed most of my life and this eventually results in severe COPD.
. I am still trying to work but even part time hours are very difficult to maintain. My pulmonologist says the overexertion in condition is not good for my heart... that's frightening. I have applied for assistance but it isn't a quick system to get approved for disability.
I have been referred for a lung transplant and I really need the surgery. So the funds will go towards facilitating the surgery and towards living expenses. I would be very happy to share with anyone and everyone who is kind enough to help where the funds will be going. This is the first time I've ever tried anything like this but I am gonna post some more content as soon as I can... Thank you for taking the time to read this and remember to take care of yourself. Good health is an awesome gift that we take for granted until we lose it.
I'll be praying for everyone to have a have a healthy and happy life and spirit!
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Organizer
David Watts
Organizer
Greenville, NC