Boston IPF Symposium

[Guest guest]

The Symposium at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston

this past Saturday was a huge success. I'd estimate that the attendance

was 50% above last year and the information and answers provided were

well received by those attending. Dr. Zibrak and Dr. LaCamera said the

presentations should be up on their website within a couple of weeks.

I was able to make it through my presentation without stumbling too

much. I wish to thank the group for providing me with much of the

practical advice I passed on. I once again made a pitch to have

attendees join on-line support groups. Although I was in the placebo

group in the Capacity 2 study for pirfenidone, I have been on the real

medicine for about a year in the follow-on Recap study. Participating

in a drug study is very rewarding in that the participants receive the

very best care available. I was fortunate enough to have been diagnosed

very early and have only required 24/7 oxygen several months following

my surgical biopsy. I'm on the treadmill a lot and do use Oxygen during

my exercise program. Included in my slides is a screenshot of the health

management software that came with my Omron pedometer. This pedometer

automatically distinguishes between aerobic and non-aerobic steps and

can download the results into a computer via a USB connection. It makes

keeping track of your level of exercise much easier.

I did get to meet Nan at the symposium. It is always great to meet face

to face with other group members.

I'll post the slides from my presentation in the group files if

Beth gives me the OK. I've been guilty of posting files in the past on

my own without asking (I've often been more inclined to ask forgiveness

afterward rather than asking for permission before probably a carryover

from my days in sales).

Ken Baker UIP/IPF 12/05 New Hampshire