Bronchiectasis

For my 57th birthday I got a diagnosis of Bronchiectasis, a chronic incurable lung condition often associated with Crohn’s disease.

In addition to coughing for the rest of my life and being extremely susceptible to infections, there’s the problem of pronouncing the condition. Ironically it’s close to “bronchi-ecstasy,” although it is in fact bronchi-agony.

Or, as my friend Caroline called it, Brontosaur Ecstasy:

A week ago, the day after my birthday, I went to “Convenient Care Plus” because my pinkeye and nosebleeds had returned and my cough never left. They gave me a CT scan which revealed calcification of my airways. I was put on new drugs, and although I am still miserable the pinkeye has gone away and the codeine helps me sleep.

Appointment with pulmonary specialist is in about 2 weeks. I wish it were sooner but that’s what they got.

As I wrote on Xitter:

My job is now being sick, and I’m being sick like it’s my job. I ROCK at this. So many symptoms, so many serious disorders. And I just don’t recover! Shows real commitment. I excel.

I didn’t want to be sick of course. But I got “the call,” and although I resisted, when you’re called you’re called. Being sick is my vocation. I didn’t choose it, it chose me!

I am so good at being sick. I am especially good at hating it. Real passion there.

Author: Nina Paley

Animator. Director. Artist. Scapegoat. View all posts by Nina Paley