Re: Re: New Member question

[Guest guest]

Bruce... Rosebud did as requested and at the risk of sounding repetitive..."you're sweet"...thanks. Back attcha

Mama-Sher, 69; IPF, 3-06, OR.Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

New Member question> > > Hi everyone. I am new to the group and my name is Ann. I am still > in a state of shock from the diagnosis last Wednesday and perhaps a > little in denial. Yet, I would like to draw on your significant > knowledge of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis to try to get an answer to a > question I have.> > I do not have some of the symptoms that I have read on the internet, > but the doctor said I had some scarring at the bottom of each lung. He > asked if I'd had pneumonia other than when I was a child and I said not > to my knowledge. Since I came home I remembered that I had breast > surgery some years ago (10-12) and I am wondering if the scarring from > that would be showing up on the images. I know this is something that > you may not be qualified to answer, but since the scars from that > surgery are very close to what I perceive as the lower portion of my > lungs, it seemed possible to me. I haven't gone for my second opinion > yet, but of course I will do that too. Your responses will be greatly > appreciated. Thanks.>

[Guest guest]

Hi Ann, I am 65 and was Dx 6/04. All I can advise about the biopsy is to ask how your treatment will be different. It is not worth the risk if you can be Dx with HRCT, PFT's and other tests. If you do not have pneumonia I would not take prednisone. It is the best and the worst of all anti-inflammatory drug. This is all from first hand experience and we all have to make our own choices. Just be sure your Dr tells you all the answers to the tough questions.  I am 3 plus years into my Dx and on oxygen 24/7. I am not able to do much, but I am still here and don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon. I have yet to find an expiration date on my body anywhere. Welcome to our group. we are all here for you. Take care of you.Love & Prayers, Peggyipf 6/04Worry looks around.Sorry looks back,Faith looks up. I forgot to add that I am going on the 19th for a second opinion and he also wants me to do the lung biopsy but that sounds so dangerous. I will be 66 years old in three weeks and most of what I read says people normally have IPF before that age too. He didn't mention my having anything else. He is a specialist, but he is referring me for a second opinion and to get further info on the lung biopsy. >> Hi Ann,> I'm happy to welcome you hear but as everyone says, I'm sorry you have reason to seek this group out. You don't say specifically how your doctor made this diagnosis was it based on a chest x-ray, a ct scan, a pulmonary function test? I would think it is doubtful that your doctor could be mistaking surgical scarring in the breast tissue for fibrosis (lung scarring) in the lower portion of both lungs. However anything is possible so I would ask that question of your doctor asap. > Did he tell you anything else other than IPF? Has he mentioned any further testing or a referral to a specialist? If you're someplace where you have access to a teaching hospital, I'd suggest starting there. > Good luck and please keep in touch with us. We've all been down this road and there is no greater support than this board!> > Beth in NC age 48 Fibrotic NSIP 06/06> > "For as long as I shall live, I will testify to Love."> > > > > > New Member question> > Hi everyone. I am new to the group and my name is Ann. I am still > in a state of shock from the diagnosis last Wednesday and perhaps a > little in denial. Yet, I would like to draw on your significant > knowledge of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis to try to get an answer to a > question I have.> > I do not have some of the symptoms that I have read on the internet, > but the doctor said I had some scarring at the bottom of each lung. He > asked if I'd had pneumonia other than when I was a child and I said not > to my knowledge. Since I came home I remembered that I had breast > surgery some years ago (10-12) and I am wondering if the scarring from > that would be showing up on the images. I know this is something that > you may not be qualified to answer, but since the scars from that > surgery are very close to what I perceive as the lower portion of my > lungs, it seemed possible to me. I haven't gone for my second opinion > yet, but of course I will do that too. Your responses will be greatly > appreciated. Thanks.>

[Guest guest]

One more thing Ann, Are you close to a University? That is the best place to have a lot of Dr.s looking at your case.We have other members in NC. Wonderful ones I might add. Duke is a great one.  Love and Prayers, Peggyipf 6/04Worry looks around.Sorry looks back,Faith looks up. Hi Mama-SherThanks to you and everyone for your warm welcome under such difficult circumstances. I live in NC. I am married and will be 66 in 3 weeks. If I am sort of rambling right now, please forgive. I'm sure you all know what I am going through right now.Ann, 65; IPF 01-08, NC. >> Hi Ann... I've been popping in and out checking on one of our members (Joyce) who is very ill and currently in the hospital.> I see your post and want to welcome you. We have about 500 members now and it is sad when another joins in although we are glad to be here for each other. Between most of us we do have significant knowledge of IPF.> I was dx (diagnosed) 3-06 and have been fairly stable since. I as well, do not have many of the symptoms and I am currently not on O2.> You will find us in all stages of IPF and the majority with other chronic health problems as well.> By all means, seek a second opinion before making any decisions as to Tx (treatment).> I was shocked too when I was Dx. I found out it is a fatal lung disease online!> Where do you live? Are you married? Your age? Tell us a little about yourself.> It's helpful to list behind your name, your disease, date Dx. and state...age if you choose.> Stay close to the board, there are answers here for you.> I'm on and off for the next few days.> God bless you Ann> Mama-Sher, 69; IPF, 3-06, OR.> Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!> New Member question> > > Hi everyone. I am new to the group and my name is Ann. I am still > in a state of shock from the diagnosis last Wednesday and perhaps a > little in denial. Yet, I would like to draw on your significant > knowledge of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis to try to get an answer to a > question I have.> > I do not have some of the symptoms that I have read on the internet, > but the doctor said I had some scarring at the bottom of each lung. He > asked if I'd had pneumonia other than when I was a child and I said not > to my knowledge. Since I came home I remembered that I had breast > surgery some years ago (10-12) and I am wondering if the scarring from > that would be showing up on the images. I know this is something that > you may not be qualified to answer, but since the scars from that > surgery are very close to what I perceive as the lower portion of my > lungs, it seemed possible to me. I haven't gone for my second opinion > yet, but of course I will do that too. Your responses will be greatly > appreciated. Thanks.>

[Guest guest]

Bruce have you heard anything from Gwynne? Love and Prayers, Peggyipf 6/04Worry looks around.Sorry looks back,Faith looks up. You came out of first time like most of us do. You heard part of what he said and remember part of what you heard and it was scary and shocking and you didn't grasp it all. Oxygen in 80-something is an example. If during a six minute walk it dropped to 88 or 89, then that might be considered normal for some age, not knowing your age. However, low 80's would have been enough right then to have put you on some oxygen. Doctors vary in considering the minimum acceptable from 90 to 89 to 88. (Ah, now know your age).Like you I'd had allergies and sinus problems all my life and so considered mine to probably be that and being out of shape. I was told when I was a teenager my lungs looked like someone who had smoked 2 packs a day for 20 years and I've never smoked. Now, this is your life...keep that in mind. All choices are yours. You need to be informed. Do you have a copy of your PFT's? If not, get one. Of the radiology report on the CT? If not get it. You can't understand and fully educate yourself without knowing what the doctors saw and then their thoughts. You face a decision soon probably on whether or not to have a lung biopsy, normally a VATS, a video laparoscopic form. This is not anyone else's decision but yours. Listen to the doctors, heed their advice but you decide. Why do they want to do it? What will be gained? What difference will it make in your treatment? You will find many here who have done it and many who haven't. Everyone's situation is different. Some of us had relatively easy experiences, some had very difficult. There are so many factors, all very personal. You will also have to make decisions on whether or not to try specific medications. So, you're starting by coming here but understand there will be few absolutes, but more educated choices.> >> > Hi Ann,> > I'm happy to welcome you hear but as everyone says, I'm sorry you > have reason to seek this group out. You don't say specifically how > your doctor made this diagnosis was it based on a chest x-ray, a ct > scan, a pulmonary function test? I would think it is doubtful that > your doctor could be mistaking surgical scarring in the breast tissue > for fibrosis (lung scarring) in the lower portion of both lungs. > However anything is possible so I would ask that question of your > doctor asap. > > Did he tell you anything else other than IPF? Has he mentioned any > further testing or a referral to a specialist? If you're someplace > where you have access to a teaching hospital, I'd suggest starting > there. > > Good luck and please keep in touch with us. We've all been down > this road and there is no greater support than this board!> > > > Beth in NC age 48 Fibrotic NSIP 06/06> > > > "For as long as I shall live, I will testify to Love."> > > > > > > > > > > > New Member question> > > > Hi everyone. I am new to the group and my name is Ann. I am > still > > in a state of shock from the diagnosis last Wednesday and perhaps a > > little in denial. Yet, I would like to draw on your significant > > knowledge of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis to try to get an answer > to a > > question I have.> > > > I do not have some of the symptoms that I have read on the > internet, > > but the doctor said I had some scarring at the bottom of each lung. > He > > asked if I'd had pneumonia other than when I was a child and I said > not > > to my knowledge. Since I came home I remembered that I had breast > > surgery some years ago (10-12) and I am wondering if the scarring > from > > that would be showing up on the images. I know this is something > that > > you may not be qualified to answer, but since the scars from that > > surgery are very close to what I perceive as the lower portion of > my > > lungs, it seemed possible to me. I haven't gone for my second > opinion > > yet, but of course I will do that too. Your responses will be > greatly > > appreciated. Thanks.> >>

[Guest guest]

Ann,

Well you certainly have been down the testing road haven't you. It's not alot of fun. If they've found it early it's likely that the "80 something percent" was not an O2 level but perhaps a total lung capacity? That would be about average for a 66 year old. Where and O2 saturation level in the blood in the 80's would not be at all average and would in fact qualify you for supplemental oxygen.

It sounds like your docs are doing all the right things and you are asking all the questions you can think of. You are doing the right thing!!

I am also in North Carolina, Durham to be specific and am a patient of Dr. Lake on at Duke. Duke has a strong interstitial lung disease program and I'm happy with the care I'm getting. My son is also in NC but he's out in the mountains in Boone. He's a student at Appalachian State University.

I'm glad you're feeling well and here's to that continuing for a long long time. I'm hoping with you that this is a mis-diagnosis and they figure some other reason for the scarring they see.

Please keep us posted!!!

Beth in NC age 48 Fibrotic NSIP 06/06

"For as long as I shall live, I will testify to Love."

New Member question> > Hi everyone. I am new to the group and my name is Ann. I am still > in a state of shock from the diagnosis last Wednesday and perhaps a > little in denial. Yet, I would like to draw on your significant > knowledge of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis to try to get an answer to a > question I have.> > I do not have some of the symptoms that I have read on the internet, > but the doctor said I had some

scarring at the bottom of each lung. He > asked if I'd had pneumonia other than when I was a child and I said not > to my knowledge. Since I came home I remembered that I had breast > surgery some years ago (10-12) and I am wondering if the scarring from > that would be showing up on the images. I know this is something that > you may not be qualified to answer, but since the scars from that > surgery are very close to what I perceive as the lower portion of my > lungs, it seemed possible to me. I haven't gone for my second opinion > yet, but of course I will do that too. Your responses will be greatly > appreciated. Thanks.>

[Guest guest]

says HI Raleigh-Durham. Love and Prayers, Peggyipf 6/04Worry looks around.Sorry looks back,Faith looks up. Ann,Well you certainly have been down the testing road haven't you.  It's not alot of fun. If they've found it early it's likely that the "80 something percent" was not an O2 level but perhaps a total lung capacity?  That would be about average for a 66 year old. Where and O2 saturation level in the blood in the 80's would not be at all average and would in fact qualify you for supplemental oxygen.It sounds like your docs are doing all the right things and you are asking all the questions you can think of. You are doing the right thing!!I am also in North Carolina, Durham to be specific and am a patient of Dr. Lake on at Duke.  Duke has a strong interstitial lung disease program and I'm happy with the care I'm getting.  My son is also in NC but he's out in the mountains in Boone. He's a student at Appalachian State University.I'm glad you're feeling well and here's to that continuing for a long long time. I'm hoping with you that this is a mis-diagnosis and they figure some other reason for the scarring they see.Please keep us posted!!! Beth in NC age 48 Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 "For as long as I shall live, I will testify to Love."   New Member question> > Hi everyone. I am new to the group and my name is Ann. I am still > in a state of shock from the diagnosis last Wednesday and perhaps a > little in denial. Yet, I would like to draw on your significant > knowledge of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis to try to get an answer to a > question I have.> > I do not have some of the symptoms that I have read on the internet, > but the doctor said I had some scarring at the bottom of each lung.He > asked if I'd had pneumonia other than when I was a child and I said not > to my knowledge. Since I came home I remembered that I had breast > surgery some years ago (10-12) and I am wondering if the scarringfrom > that would be showing up on the images. I know this is something that > you may not be qualified to answer, but since the scars from that > surgery are very close to what I perceive as the lower portion of my > lungs, it seemed possible to me. I haven't gone for my second opinion > yet, but of course I will do that too. Your responses will be greatly > appreciated. Thanks.>

[Guest guest]

Tell my friend this yankee girl in Raleigh-Durham says Hi right back.

See you both soon!!

Love,

Beth in NC age 48 Fibrotic NSIP 06/06

"For as long as I shall live, I will testify to Love."

New Member question> > Hi everyone. I am new to the group and my name is Ann. I am still > in a state of shock from the diagnosis last Wednesday and perhaps a > little in denial. Yet, I would like to draw on your significant > knowledge of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis to try to get an answer to a > question I have.> > I do not have some of the symptoms that I have read on the internet, > but the doctor said I had some scarring at the bottom of each lung.He > asked if I'd had pneumonia other than when I was a child and I said not > to my knowledge. Since I came home I remembered that I had breast > surgery some years ago (10-12) and I am wondering if the scarringfrom > that would be showing up on the images. I know this is something that > you may not be qualified to answer, but since the scars from that > surgery are very close to what I perceive as the lower portion

of my > lungs, it seemed possible to me. I haven't gone for my second opinion > yet, but of course I will do that too. Your responses will be greatly > appreciated. Thanks.>

[Guest guest]

Ann... yes, we all do understand.

Do be careful before rushing into an OLB. It indeed may need to be done but gather all the information first!

Remember, there is no cure or treatment for IPF and if that is your Dx then be sure you know the reasons you are having an OLB.

Watch for posts from Bruce and others.

Mama-Sher, 69; IPF, 3-06, OR.Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

New Member question> > > Hi everyone. I am new to the group and my name is Ann. I am still > in a state of shock from the diagnosis last Wednesday and perhaps a > little in denial. Yet, I would like to draw on your significant > knowledge of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis to try to get an answer to a > question I have.> > I do not have some of the symptoms that I have read on the internet, > but the doctor said I had some scarring at the bottom of each lung. He > asked if I'd had pneumonia other than when I was a child and I said not > to my knowledge. Since I came home I remembered that I had breast > surgery some years ago (10-12) and I am wondering if the scarring from > that would be showing up on the images. I know this is something that > you may not be qualified to answer, but since the scars from that > surgery are very close to what I perceive as the lower portion of my > lungs, it seemed possible to me. I haven't gone for my second opinion > yet, but of course I will do that too. Your responses will be greatly > appreciated. Thanks.>

[Guest guest]

I LOVE this group!!!!1 You are what you say you are supportive,informative and loving. I have so much i want to add but the typing is soooo slow for me!!! Just want you all to know how much you all add to my life. Bruce you are so very full of great info. Babs your warmth comes through and Tony Final stage is a catch-all you sound far from their final stage!!!!!!!!!! W YES ITYPED BY MYSELF

New Member question> > > > > > Hi everyone. I am new to the group and my name is Ann. I am > > still > > > in a state of shock from the diagnosis last Wednesday and perhaps

> a > > > little in denial. Yet, I would like to draw on your significant > > > knowledge of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis to try to get an > answer > > to a > > > question I have.> > > > > > I do not have some of the symptoms that I have read on the > > internet, > > > but the doctor said I had some scarring at the bottom of each > lung. > > He > > > asked if I'd had pneumonia other than when I was a child and I > said > > not > > > to my knowledge. Since I came home I remembered that I had breast > > > surgery some years ago (10-12) and I am wondering if the scarring > > from > > > that would be showing up on the images. I know this is something > > that > > > you may not be qualified to answer, but since the

scars from that > > > surgery are very close to what I perceive as the lower portion of > > my > > > lungs, it seemed possible to me. I haven't gone for my second > > opinion > > > yet, but of course I will do that too. Your responses will be > > greatly > > > appreciated. Thanks.> > >> >>

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Ann,

I have an oximeter but I'm in a much different place than you are. My total lung capacity is just a shade under 40% and my O2 sats can bounce around wildly if I'm not cautious. A small fingertip model costs around 2-3 hundred. Insurance will often pay for them if your doctor agrees that it would be a useful tool. My insurance paid for mine last year though many have just bought them on their own and I would also if I needed to.

It certainly sounds as though your doctor is being thorough which is a very good thing. Have you checked your sats when your a bit more active around home? If you have and they stay above 90 that's wonderful. If they drop below 90 when your moving around and more active I'd be awfully tempted to get an oximeter as a tool to monitor myself and adjust my activity level to my bodies tolerence. Does that make sense?

I'm very familiar with the Caldwell County area. Have driven through Lenoir on 321 more times than I can count. I adore the western part of this state. The mountains are so gorgeous. My son has lived in the area off and on (more on than off though) for the last 4 years. He's pretty settled now, school, work and a girlfriend born and raised in the area. It's good to see him happy!

Beth in NC age 48 Fibrotic NSIP 06/06

"For as long as I shall live, I will testify to Love."

New Member question> > > > > > > > Hi everyone. I am new to the group and my name is Ann. I am > > > still > > > >

in a state of shock from the diagnosis last Wednesday and > perhaps > > a > > > > little in denial. Yet, I would like to draw on your significant > > > > knowledge of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis to try to get an > > answer > > > to a > > > > question I have.> > > > > > > > I do not have some of the symptoms that I have read on the > > > internet, > > > > but the doctor said I had some scarring at the bottom of each > > lung. > > > He > > > > asked if I'd had pneumonia other than when I was a child and I > > said > > > not > > > > to my knowledge. Since I came home I remembered that I had > breast > > > > surgery some years ago (10-12) and I am wondering if the > scarring > > >

from > > > > that would be showing up on the images. I know this is > something > > > that > > > > you may not be qualified to answer, but since the scars from > that > > > > surgery are very close to what I perceive as the lower portion > of > > > my > > > > lungs, it seemed possible to me. I haven't gone for my second > > > opinion > > > > yet, but of course I will do that too. Your responses will be > > > greatly > > > > appreciated. Thanks.> > > >> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

A lot of people here have had very good experiences with the lung biospy. I, on the other hand, did not. Some of the others on the group had bad experiences, also. I only decided to go through with it in order to have a definite diagnosis to apply for disability. Really now wonder if I made the right choice. I am 13 days post right lung biopsy and now have pneumonia in both lungs. They suspected I had it in the right lung before the biopsy, but I guess with the invasive procedure, it spread to both. I am now on prednisone and Levaquin for the past 3 days and am somewhat breathing a little better today, but still very weak. It was not a great experience for me, but in order to get the diagnosis, I would probably still go through it again, just to be certain for my own peace of mind. At least now I know FOR SURE what I am dealing with. I hope you are one of the lucky ones and things go smoothly. I will

keep you in my thoughts and prayers and wish you all the best. You have definitely come to the right place for help!! Caroonecarolinagirl wrote: I forgot to add that I am going on the 19th for a second opinion and he also wants me to do the lung biopsy but that sounds so dangerous. I will be 66 years old in three weeks and most of what I read says people normally have IPF before that age too. He

didn't mention my having anything else. He is a specialist, but he is referring me for a second opinion and to get further info on the lung biopsy. >> Hi Ann,> I'm happy to welcome you hear but as everyone says, I'm sorry you have reason to seek this group out. You don't say specifically how your doctor made this diagnosis was it based on a chest x-ray, a ct scan, a pulmonary function test? I would think it is doubtful that your doctor could be mistaking surgical scarring in the breast tissue for fibrosis (lung scarring) in the lower portion of both lungs. However anything is possible so I would ask that question of your doctor asap. > Did he tell you anything else other than IPF? Has he mentioned any further testing or a referral to a

specialist? If you're someplace where you have access to a teaching hospital, I'd suggest starting there. > Good luck and please keep in touch with us. We've all been down this road and there is no greater support than this board!> > Beth in NC age 48 Fibrotic NSIP 06/06> > "For as long as I shall live, I will testify to Love."> > > > > > New Member question> > Hi everyone. I am new to the group and my name is Ann. I am still > in a state of shock from the diagnosis last Wednesday and perhaps a > little in denial. Yet, I would like to draw on your significant

> knowledge of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis to try to get an answer to a > question I have.> > I do not have some of the symptoms that I have read on the internet, > but the doctor said I had some scarring at the bottom of each lung. He > asked if I'd had pneumonia other than when I was a child and I said not > to my knowledge. Since I came home I remembered that I had breast > surgery some years ago (10-12) and I am wondering if the scarring from > that would be showing up on the images. I know this is something that > you may not be qualified to answer, but since the scars from that > surgery are very close to what I perceive as the lower portion of my > lungs, it seemed possible to me. I haven't gone for my second opinion > yet, but of course I will do that too. Your responses will be greatly > appreciated.

Thanks.>CaroAsthma 1976,Osteoarthritis 2002, COPD 02/06, IPF 08/06, UIP 01/08Mississippi

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[Guest guest]

Hi Bruce, I am going to call my pulmo doc in the morning, as they told me to follow up with him next week. I have an appointment on 2-13, but don't want to wait that long. I am hoping he is back in the country so I can see him tomorrow. (Nice way to celebrate your B-day, huh?) I look at it this way, though. If I wake up tomorrow, at least I MADE IT to another B-day!!! LOL!!! I agree with the treatment in the hospital, too. My mom through a fit when I went to the ER on Friday. She said, "I cannot believe I saw you walking through those doors and they sent you home with double pneumonia!!" (My mom is old school!! LOL!!! I love her to death, though!!) I got my spirometer up to 1200 last night, though!! I have really been practicing. I was actually pretty proud of myself!! I only did once,

though, and that was the first try. The next 2 hit 1000, and the rest were between 500 and 1000. Hope you all have a wonderful day!! HAPPY SUPERBOWL SUNDAY!!!! CaroBruce Moreland wrote: Glad you're a bit better. See, to me the worst thing was them letting you go home too soon and your

aftercare. I fear so as to what if you'd waited until your appointment. For you it wasn't the surgery but the sloppiness in taking care of the patient that turned it all bad. That makes me even angrier knowing it just didn't have to be that way. It I could sit here and tell you pneumonia was a worry and to get to a doctor, why couldn't they have? See, my surgery went fine but some of the things that happened in the hospital were so sloppy and inexcusable. I also developed pneumonia but not as bad as you and hopefully am over it. I see my pulmonologist (I recently switched) on Friday.> >> > Hi Ann,> > I'm happy to welcome you hear but as everyone says, I'm sorry you > have reason to seek this group out. You don't say specifically how > your doctor made this diagnosis was it based on a chest x-ray, a ct > scan, a pulmonary function test? I

would think it is doubtful that > your doctor could be mistaking surgical scarring in the breast tissue > for fibrosis (lung scarring) in the lower portion of both lungs. > However anything is possible so I would ask that question of your > doctor asap. > > Did he tell you anything else other than IPF? Has he mentioned any > further testing or a referral to a specialist? If you're someplace > where you have access to a teaching hospital, I'd suggest starting > there. > > Good luck and please keep in touch with us. We've all been down > this road and there is no greater support than this board!> > > > Beth in NC age 48 Fibrotic NSIP 06/06> > > > "For as long as I shall live, I will testify to Love."> > > > > > > > > > > > New Member question> > > > Hi everyone. I am new to the group and my name is Ann. I am > still > > in a state of shock from the diagnosis last Wednesday and perhaps a > > little in denial. Yet, I would like to draw on your significant > > knowledge of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis to try to get an answer > to a > > question I have.> > > > I do not have some of the symptoms that I have read on the > internet, > > but the doctor said I had some scarring at the bottom of each lung. > He > > asked if I'd had pneumonia other than when I was a child and I said > not > > to my

knowledge. Since I came home I remembered that I had breast > > surgery some years ago (10-12) and I am wondering if the scarring > from > > that would be showing up on the images. I know this is something > that > > you may not be qualified to answer, but since the scars from that > > surgery are very close to what I perceive as the lower portion of > my > > lungs, it seemed possible to me. I haven't gone for my second > opinion > > yet, but of course I will do that too. Your responses will be > greatly > > appreciated. Thanks.> >> > > > > > > Caro> Asthma 1976,Osteoarthritis 2002, COPD 02/06, IPF 08/06, UIP 01/08> Mississippi> > ---------------------------------> Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it

now.>CaroAsthma 1976,Osteoarthritis 2002, COPD 02/06, IPF 08/06, UIP 01/08Mississippi

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Thanks Bruce!! I didn't think of that. I have been trying to do sets of 10 every 3 or 4 hours or so even though they told me every 2 hours!! I really got in a lot more yesterday and I actually believe it is helping. I have a bad cough, today, though, more so than usual. My grandkids came over yesterday for 2 or 3 hours and they all have colds, which I don't think helped me much at all, but just am always glad to see them. My mom threw (I spelled it right that time!! LOL!!!) a fit AGAIN last night cuz I was around them when they had colds. GEEZZZ!! I can't live in a BUBBLE!!! CaroBruce Moreland wrote: OMG thats great.....the spirometer part that is. Wasn't it such a feeling of accomplishment when you saw it hit 1200? Just keep at it regularly and with your meds you'll be there. Look at the improvement already. One thing I like about the spirometer is that its an objective measurement. I knew definitely I needed something when mine was down. I'm better at reading guages than feeling how I feel sometimes so spirometer and oximeter tell me. And thats the way it happens...you hit one high, a couple close. One thing that helps is if you're doing ten to do sets of three or so with big exhales between the sets and regrouping and inhaling for all you're worth.> > >> > > Hi Ann,> > > I'm happy to welcome you hear but as everyone says, I'm sorry you > > have reason to seek this group out. You don't say specifically how > > your doctor made this diagnosis was it based on a chest x-ray, a ct > > scan, a pulmonary function test? I would think it is doubtful that > > your doctor could be mistaking surgical scarring in the breast > tissue > > for fibrosis (lung scarring) in the lower portion of both lungs.

> > However anything is possible so I would ask that question of your > > doctor asap. > > > Did he tell you anything else other than IPF? Has he mentioned > any > > further testing or a referral to a specialist? If you're someplace > > where you have access to a teaching hospital, I'd suggest starting > > there. > > > Good luck and please keep in touch with us. We've all been down > > this road and there is no greater support than this board!> > > > > > Beth in NC age 48 Fibrotic NSIP 06/06> > > > > > "For as long as I shall live, I will testify to Love."> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > New Member question> > > > > > Hi everyone. I am new to the group and my name is Ann. I am > > still > > > in a state of shock from the diagnosis last Wednesday and perhaps > a > > > little in denial. Yet, I would like to draw on your significant > > > knowledge of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis to try to get an > answer > > to a > > > question I have.> > > > > > I do not have some of the symptoms that I have read on the > > internet, > > > but the doctor said I had some scarring at the bottom of each > lung. > > He > > > asked if I'd had pneumonia other than when I was a child and

I > said > > not > > > to my knowledge. Since I came home I remembered that I had breast > > > surgery some years ago (10-12) and I am wondering if the scarring > > from > > > that would be showing up on the images. I know this is something > > that > > > you may not be qualified to answer, but since the scars from that > > > surgery are very close to what I perceive as the lower portion of > > my > > > lungs, it seemed possible to me. I haven't gone for my second > > opinion > > > yet, but of course I will do that too. Your responses will be > > greatly > > > appreciated. Thanks.> > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Caro> > Asthma 1976,Osteoarthritis 2002, COPD 02/06, IPF 08/06, UIP 01/08>

> Mississippi> > > > ---------------------------------> > Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. > Try it now.> >> > > > > > > Caro> Asthma 1976,Osteoarthritis 2002, COPD 02/06, IPF 08/06, UIP 01/08> Mississippi> > ---------------------------------> Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.>CaroAsthma 1976,Osteoarthritis 2002, COPD 02/06, IPF 08/06, UIP 01/08Mississippi

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