Guest guest Posted September 25, 2009 Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 Darlene, MB... I'm one who opts out of a VATS. My reasons are my age (71), other chronic health issues and an already existing chronic pain problem anyway. My poor old body just doesn't want any more... MB, you just say it the best it can be said. I know you know my reasons for no VATS but what you write here to Darlene is so clear and honest and open. You say it the way I would like to have said it, so Darlene, I Ditto MB! Have a good weekend gals! MamaSher; 71, IPF 3-2006, OR.Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! VATS procedure Hi everyone, again it has been awhile since I last posted. I read all of your posts everyday but sometimes I don't feel like I have anything to contribute. I'm still rather new at all of this and still all over the place with how I "feel". Somedays I'm great perfectly normal except for hauling my portable O2. Other days, not so much. I have lots of gratitude for being able to still do most of what I want to do most days. Those are my good days. The not so great days I'm feeling scared and tired and sorry for myself. I do my best to stay positive.A quick recap: I was diagnosed (by way of PFTs and CT and xrays and a bronchoscopy) with PF in April of this year. I see a local pulmonary specialist. I was in the hospital for a week. Three months after this I did more PFTs and I actually improved. Two months later, now, my ability to breathe has decreased, my diffusion stats are at 29%. My doctor has referred me to a thoracic surgeon to do a VATS lung biopsy. I have researched this as much as I can, and I understand both the risks and the possibility that after doing this my treatment options may remain the same. Still I believe that this is what I need to do. I know that some of you have been through this procedure and would appreciate your opinions and suggestions to make this go as well as it possibly can. I am 55 years old and currently taking 10 mg prednisone daily and O2 24/7 at 2 lpm resting and 3-4 lpm with exersion. And 4 lpm for sleep. The doctor had me try Imuran, but I had an allergic reaction to it.Thank you all - Darlene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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