To and Don and friends

[Guest guest]

You Guys,

I just found this in my Drafts. Don't think it got mailed.

If it's a repeat, my apologies.

Lou,

Thank goodness you went to the ER. I'm sorry you

are having to deal with another health issue, especially

your precious eyes! I hope taking the doc's orders will

negate the need for you to have surgery, but mostly I

hope the situation can be repaired soon. Hugs to you.

Peggy,

You should have had some resolution to your eye

problems by now. I hope you'll seek medical attention

before it drags on any longer.

K. and Don,

Relaxing in your blessings - I like that.

Everyone on this board has experienced the grief

and panic that you're having. It can hit in waves

that nearly overwhelm you. It is especially hard in the

beginning - such a shock. I hope you'll check out the

caregivers' site. I hope you have a doctor who is both

competent and compassionate, whom you trust. And

many of us have sought professional counseling which

can be invaluable.

I was being mistreated for asthma for 6 months before

my diagnosis, which was discovered initially by a fluke

and then by a VATS biopsy (video-assisted thoracoscopic

surgery). I had a frequent, dry cough (still do, although

it's worse) and sob (also much worse). I was put on 02

right away, although my demand for oxygen is greatly

increased now (I'm on high liter flows). I am currently

wait-listed for transplant at one teaching hospital in

Dallas and another in San . I've had a bag packed

for the past year, so I'm sort of living in limbo. It's very

stressful, as is nearly everything to do with IPF, but

the best medicine is a good attitude. Not a Pollyanna

sugar-coating, but a realization that life is a gift and

every day needs to be lived to the fullest. I have been

truly blessed with a strong and loving support system

of family and friends, and a strong faith. My 2 children,

24 and 28, are huge blessings to me but live in another

town. I live alone and now have caregivers to help with

some activities at home.

I've been in so-called end stage for about a year and a

half, but I've decided to live for as long as I'm alive. I still

get out and do things with friends. Just today I had lunch

with a friend and went to the Botanic Gardens to see a

butterfly exhibit (wonderful!). Staying fairly active takes

energy and planning, but is SO worth it to me. Sometimes

I recover with a day in bed, but that's okay. I'm glad

there are good movies and books, and my sweet dog.

Warm regards to both of you. This is a great group of folks.

Hugs and blessings,

Gwynne 56 IPF 7/04 listed for transplant 3/07 and

2/08 Texas