Re: Re: piano lady-music girl

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Thanks Jan, that was so helpful! No i don't have oximeter but that is next on my list. I plan to do whatever it takes to stay around too..i'm only 42 & i know God's not through with me yet!Dot/42/UIP-10/08/SA,TX

Subject: Re: piano lady-music girlTo: Breathe-Support Date: Monday, September 7, 2009, 11:40 AM

Dot, Yes I was diagnosed in December of 1998 but I know I had it beforethat year. Doctors don't know how long anyone has with pulmonaryfibrosis. At that time, my pulmodude gave me a long duration ofprednisone that really messed me up. I started an exercise program inMarch of 1999 (the same class that I am still going to now) and I havetried to maintain by that. Now I have had ups & downs in my battle withpulmonary fibrosis. My doctor at Emory told me that information. Icould be going along in a stable mode then all of a sudden-I get alittle worse-something comes along to upset my being stable. Some ofthe episodes that caused me to worsen were: allergies, VATS (I didworsen some after that) and ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome). Just try to stay the best you can and be the best you can be. Stay awayfrom sick people and children ( they have the most germs). I try tolimit my time with

children by washing my hands, etc. I have masks thatI can wear, too. Exercise is a big key to staying stable. Walking isgreat. If you need oxygen tell your doctor that you are having troublebreathing. Do you have an oximeter? You don't have to have aprescription to get one--just google it and you can order one for as lowas $65.00. I have one and I check mine when I am exercising and anytimeI feel short of breath. YOur stats should stay above 90 and many peoplewho are having trouble breathing and SOB (short of breath) will alsohave a high heart rate. I also take a multi vitamin and NAC, which manypeople on the board take. ( you can order if from Puritan's Pride) NACis an OTC supplement that helps get rid of the mucous. I also takeMucinex-D because I have some sinus stuff going on all the time with myallergies. I also stay away from crowds. I never go to Wal-Mart. If Ido, it is when no one is there. I am

lucky that the K-Mart near my homedoesn't have much business so when I go there, no one is hardly there. If I am tired, I give in, rest and stay at home. Listen to your bodyand take good care of it. And you should make it even longer!Years ago when I went to my first support group meeting for pulmonaryfibrosis, I sat at the table with an older lady who had had pulmonaryfibrosis since 1975. I vowed to myself that I wanted to be like thatlady. She wasn't even on oxygen. So stick around here in our grouphere and you will learn much info to help you along your jouney. Takecare!Toodles!Jane UIP/IPF 12/1998 Dalton, Georgia aka pianolady_musicgirl>> did i read right? UIP 12/98? I was just diagnosed 10/08 & my dr saidi only have 2-5 years MAYBE & only if i get a lung transplant i MIGHTcould extend my life some 15 years..can you share a bit for me on yourexperience? I would love to hear!> Thanks,> Dot/42/UIP10/ 08/SA,TX>