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[Guest guest]

Hi Elissa,

my mom was diagnosed with IPF in june 04. she turns 50 later this year. a series

of

infections in the last 9 months have rapidly worsened her situation. she is on

o2 24/7 and

is being currently evaluated for a transplant.

we had some repair work done at our home (it lasted almost 2 months). we sealed

her

room with wet towels. this really helped avoid dust, smells and foreign

particles from

entering the room. while she was not allergic to dust, or chemicals/paints; IPF

has made

her sensitive to all kinds of smells.

cheers,

vrinda

> > >

> > > Hello Everyone!

> > >

> > > My name is Elissa (like no M). I have recenly been diagnosed

> > > with PF. I guess I am still in the shock and comprehend stage. I am

> > > 41 years old with a 9 year old son. I have been reading through the

> > > messages and gained strength from all of you. However, I must

> > > confess that I still am mourning the life I thought I would have and

> > > preparing for this new course. I guess that's the main reason I'm

> > > here. To find out what that course is going to be and how to prepare

> > > for it. Awhile after I found out I have this disease, a friend the

> > > same age died unexpectedly. Today I went to her funeral and watched

> > > her nine year old play with mine. It put things in perspective a

> > > bit. I have to feel some appreciation that I get the time to prepare

> > > my family for the inevitable. On the other hand nobody knows how

> & g t; > much time they have and there is no truer statement than to live

> > > everyday as if it's your last. The funny thing is, I finally

> > > realized that about 7 months ago and decided to change my life.

> > > After years of trying to get ahead and building 2 businesses with my

> > > husband, I decided it's time to enjoy my son and family. Almost

> > > immediately I got sick and never recovered. I kept telling everyone,

> > > this is the year I get my life back. I hope this doesn't ring too

> > > much of negativity, but I just find it ironic. I do feel there will

> > > be many positive things to come from this situation. My family and

> > > friends have really shown their support and love. That is such an

> > > amazing feeling. But I must admit handling people has been a

> > > challenge for me. I am a realist and when people say, " Oh, you'll be

> > > fine. " it is annoying to me. If anybody has any suggestions on how

> > > to convey the situation it would be helpful. Oh, and I don't have

> > > medical insurance. I've been paying cash to all these appointments,

> > > x-rays, tests and the CT scan. Honestly, I still paid less than

> > > many people pay in monthly insurance payments. My Doctor warned me

> > > that is about to change and am scrambling to obtain insurance. I've

> > > had Asthma since I was a child and numerous bouts with pneumonia and

> > > bronchitis. I always joked with everyone that my lungs would kill

> > > me. Well I hope my ramblings are not inappropriate and I do feel

> > > better to get it off my chest. I was recently asked if I was angry

> > > about the situation. Definately not. I believe the Lord has a plan

> > > for me and I am scrambling to figure it out. I just want to get

> > > through this with dignity and grace. Be a good example of a life

> > > well lived. I know many of you are ju st that and I look forward to

> > > getting to know you better. I have many questions, but another

> > > time. Thanks for the space.

> > >

> > > Elissa

> > > Age 41, PF 5/08

> > >

> >

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