I’ve suffered from asthma for most of my life. And yes, I know that my history as a smoker was not the best fit with such a condition (to say the least). However, it has been somewhat under control for many years now. Aside from the occasional shortness of breath or coughing spell, I’ve not been on any medication since my early twenties.
Last night, as I got ready to meet Heather and her friends in the city, an unexpected attack hit me. I assumed it would pass and sure enough it was gone in about ten minutes. Then, a few moments later, it was back. That was strange. Normally this would not happen. My breathing got sparse and my body was aching. This cycle continued for about an hour or so.
I still wanted to get into the city, not only to see my friends, but because the party was supposed to be so much fun. Heather’s friend Phil was getting ready to move to Tucson and this was to be his going away party at the ICU Bar. There’d be a live band until 2:00 and a DJ to party until dawn. There was even going to be a midget stripper dressed as an Oompa Loompa.
Sadly that was not enough to lure me in. Even though I got on the bus and rode it all the way to the PATH station. Unfortunately, as I was sitting waiting for the train to take me into the city, another attack struck. Normally I’d ignore this and push on to the booze and frolic. This felt different and I admit to being a little scared. So I got out of the train and went back to my apartment.
The ride on the bus was tough. I was sweating and felt like a truck had taken three passes across my ribcage. For a while I thought I’d have to go to the emergency room. Luckily, when I got home, it passed. I ate some pizza and fell asleep. I was pretty much out of commission the whole next day, but the attacks stopped. I guess I should really pay more attention to my health.
I hope the party went well. No one has called me back yet. Their either pissed at me or still sleeping.
