The Unexpected Positives of PF

Kim Fredrickson avatar

by Kim Fredrickson |

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Just breathe, passionate help for the PF journey

Being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis is tough, don’t get me wrong. If I could wave a magic wand and not have PF, I would. As I’ve grieved over the last three and a half years, I’ve come to appreciate some positives related to this diagnosis. To learn more about the grieving process, check out my previous column. I could not see any positives for at least two years.

Over time, my perspective has changed. Please don’t expect to have this outlook if this isn’t how you feel. For me, it has come at the end of my grief cycle — acceptance. Accepting my diagnosis after working through the stages of grief helps me see some positives I couldn’t see before.

I’m able to take care of business

www.kimfredrickson.com

(Courtesy of Kim Fredrickson)

I am grateful to be able to take care of end-of-life details that will help my family enormously once I’m gone. These involve making financial and healthcare decisions, as well as making sure my husband has all my records, passwords, and account information in one place.

I’m thankful that I can leave my loved ones notes and special mementos they will cherish. I even wrote a parenting book for my adult children to help them with parenting once they have children. That was at the top of my list, and I am so glad I accomplished it.

If not for my terminal illness, I wouldn’t have done any of this, thinking I would live another 30 years. I could have easily died in a car accident, and not taken care of these important preparations.

I’m not dying from a more difficult disease

Kim and Joany

From left, Joany and Kim. (Courtesy of Kim Fredrickson)

Before I was diagnosed with PF, I battled breast cancer. I went through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. It was REALLY hard and painful. I have never felt so horrible as I did when going through chemotherapy. While I was finishing radiation, I helped care for my best friend, Joany, who died of breast cancer. She went through so much pain her last year. I have told my husband on many occasions that I am glad I am going to die from PF rather than cancer.

While PF has its own set of hardships for sure, I am not in the kind of pain and agony I watched my dearest friend go through.

As my friend, Jim Warrick, an IPF patient said in a comment on my last column:

“Kim, I see IPF differently from some others. It is not cancer, nor Parkinson’s, nor Alzheimer’s, etc. It has no cure and that means there are no side effects from the cure. Every day is pretty good. Sure, I don’t want that oxygen and I need a nap every afternoon but this is really small stuff compared to chemo, radiation (you know about this) nor do I have to dread an operation and recovery. I can plan with my wife knowing that one day, probably this year, she will have to take over all the things that I have done. We have time to reflect on our lives together and all the great things we have done and places we have gone. Everyone will die but I know with some accuracy when I will die and that is an advantage. No surprises. IPF is a blessing.”

My thanks to Jim for allowing me to share his perspective.

PF helps us confront our mortality

Part of accepting our diagnosis includes facing our mortality and what it means to us. For some, it will mean trying to repair relationships. For others, it will mean exploring spiritual issues and the afterlife. For still others, it will mean intentionally living life to the fullest. It is amazing how many people act as if they will live forever, even though all of us will die. It is hard to confront our mortality but doing so can be a blessing. Refusing to face it leaves things undone, and robs us of joy we can still experience with the time we have left.

Please know this is a process

As a therapist of 30 years, I have walked with clients through their darkest hours. It is important to grieve through the reality of this diagnosis. There is no timeline or expectation. Don’t hesitate to get help if you get stuck in the grief process or are dealing with depression and anxiety. These responses are normal, and you can get help. Relief from the pain ebbs and flows as we grieve, and gets better over time.

I’d love to hear from you

What jumped out at you from this post? Are you in a place to notice some unexpected positives? Are there other positives you’ve noticed as you reflect on your diagnosis?

Please leave a comment below, and share with those who could benefit via email or on social media.

***

Note: Pulmonary Fibrosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Pulmonary Fibrosis News or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pulmonary fibrosis.

Comments

Anne Levin avatar

Anne Levin

I saw a pulmonary Dr. for the first time two weeks ago. I am 71 years old. The choice was mine to go, I figured it was time. I have been diagnosed with COPD for many years - When I saw the dr. we went over my lung xray - there is scar tissue in the bottom part of my lungs. He said it looks old. Then I go to my foot dr because I need surgery on my foot, very minor. She sends me to my primary dr. who has to do an EKG. She tells me my EKG is not normal - sends me for an echo cardiogram. Results - I have PF !! Omg - I don't even know what it really is. Pulmonary dr. sent me for a scan of lungs and I dont go back for 4 weeks. I have no idea what I am dealing with . I found this website and I am not sure if it helps or scares me...I need a direction to go in. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

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Kim Fredrickson avatar

Kim Fredrickson

Hi Anne,

So sorry you had such a hard time getting diagnosed. I know it is so much to take in. I welcome you on this site, and hope the information will be helpful to you. I would recommend reading this column in particular, because it directs you to a lot of great information that the pulmonary fibrosis foundation provides for patients. I hope it is a help to you. http://pulmonaryfibrosisnews.com/2018/01/23/pulmonary-fibrosis-patients-need-all-help-they-can-get-resources-pff/

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Larry Smith avatar

Larry Smith

I just traveled over 500 miles to take a very special friend to the hospital...From the ER to ICU Stage 4plus Pulmonary Fibrosis..He never really told anyone. He had heart problems also a couple of surgeries with stints so he put the lung issues on the shelf. He is at almost 5 years with no treatment. He caught a cold and pneumonia and is now trying to deal with end- of- life issues with all hell cutting loose with family and etc. I have worked as a home caregiver previous and with home caring for hospice and I am treated as a nobody from his family yet they can not take care of him. This is breaking my heart as only I care to help him make the most of what he has left. The problem being he is 450 miles from everyone. My heart goes out to them but no one is willing to help him there but acute centers and he wants to come home and the family is fighting him. I have seen this so much in my career and well as my own life. I lost my daughter to cancer so I have experienced it as well. I can only watch and help if asked or they will throw me out and he wants me to stay. My heart is tearing in half for anyone in this but he was my last love on this earth but never married or etc. Everyone has to go through losing someone to understand how to let go. I believe it takes a village and the sooner they see and accept this the easier it will be for everyone. Just love him and be kind. NO DRAMA....my heart is breaking for him and for myself. I wish his family would stop it.

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Kim Fredrickson avatar

Kim Fredrickson

Thanks so much for sharing your very sad and tragic experience. What a wonderful friend you are, coming to his aid in such dire circumstances and family discord. I'm afraid most people are not skilled in processing deep emotions of grief, and often deflect that deep pain in anger and strife. Take good care of yourself in this process and focus on you and your friend and what IS in your control. So very sorry for what you are going through.

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Patsy Archibald avatar

Patsy Archibald

Anne, Your story could be mine. I am 68 years old and was diagnosed three years ago. The first two were grusome. I was tired all the time, in pain from struggling to breathe and depressed from not knowing what the future held. Luckily I received excellent healthcare and am surrounded by loving family and friends who have supported me through this journey. While I've fought like hell to retain some appearance of health I came to accept my limitations. Staying positive, staying social and staying as active as I can helps. Today, the medicine is keeping me able to function pretty well, but I miss working, traveling and it takes a while to recover after any activity. I can accept that and am grateful every day that I have to watch my grandchildren grow.

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Dan Baxter avatar

Dan Baxter

I was just recently ( 1 year ago) diagnosed with IPF and I do appreciate your perspective and comments.I will be 69 next month, but went for test and blew pretty good so my doctor said it was in the beginning stages. Recently, (2 weeks ago) I got pnemonia and was prescribed antibiotics. After the chest x-ray the doctorinformed me once again of my IPF and prescribed puffers for now and said I will need a catscan. I live in Thunder Bay, Ontario. We have no Resperologist in our city so I would have to go to Winnipeg or Toronto if I need to see one. I have noticed for some time now that my breathing is getting much more labored. I wil attend to the things you suggested. My wife and I have 7 children and 19 grandchildren. We are taking life one day at a time leaning on our faith, each other and loving family and friends. Still, being honest, there's still an element of fear. Thank you for your blog.

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Kim Fredrickson avatar

Kim Fredrickson

Hi Dan,
Thanks so much for sharing. So sorry you have to go so far to see a Resperologist. I encourage you to in order to get the best help possible. If you aren't already, ask about oxygen. Even though it is cumbersome, it will help with fatigue and help you to stay as active as possible. I love your take one day at a time, leaning on your faith, family and friends! Yes, there is always an element of fear. Blessings to you.

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Sandra Koenig avatar

Sandra Koenig

I can relate to your story. I am holding steady with my IPF. Going on almost three years since I knew something was wrong. Two years since I was diagnosed. I've gone from bad to better with the help of Esbriet, one of the drugs to slow the progression of this disease. I have my days, don't get me wrong. But overall I keep plowing ahead. Because I am doing a bit better with the help of oxygen and meds, I don't dwell on the outcome. If I got worse, as I know that is the progression of this disease, would I want a lung transplant? I'm not sure I would. I am 63 years old. I'm not sure I want to go through all of the pain, suffering, cost, let alone what it would cost my family. But! I may feel differently if the situation were to present itself. I'm my heart I could not have asked for a better life. I know I am loved, I've a wonderful husband, and a wonderful husband who died way too soon, wonderful children and dear friends who care about me. Who could ask for anything more? I've gotten to taste this sweet life and experience everything I've ever wanted to do. My only hope is that my loved ones know how much I love them. I pray for a cure, especially for those who are way too young that have to live this dreaded disease. For them I pray a cure comes today ❤️

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Kim Fredrickson avatar

Kim Fredrickson

Hi Sandra, Thanks so much for sharing. I'm so delighted to hear Esbriet has been such a help to you. I love your attitude of positivity, gratefulness and not dwelling on the outcome. That approach is working well for you, and I'm so glad you shared with us. Appreciate your prayers, especially for those younger PF patients. Take Good Care...

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Erica avatar

Erica

I see me in so much of your well written article.
I too have arrived at acceptance and now appreciate the gift I've been given. I have the gift of time.
I'm not in pain. I use oxygen overnight and periodically during the day. I've had a chance to organize and let people I care about, know just how important they have been and continue to be, in my life.

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Kim Fredrickson avatar

Kim Fredrickson

Hi Erica! Love what you shared. It is wonderful that the grief process helps us get to acceptance, where we can enjoy all the good that is available to us. So glad you shared...

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Bill Hunt avatar

Bill Hunt

I am another person diagnosed with PF. For several years I have been treated by a cardiologist and have had stents for blockages. Many EKG's stress tests and for the last few years I have complained of dizziness and passing out. Last month I told him that I thought it was a lung problem. He sent me for a chest x-ray and it came back that there were abnormalities. I then was sent to a pulmonary doctor who did oxygen level tests. He sent me for a catscan and when it came back he showed me the results and also some other older images in the hospital records showing the progression. For some reason this did not overly alarm me when he told me I would have 3 to 5 years. I am 85 so have lived a good life. The only positive thing is that I know what is ahead and know that I have time to get my affairs in order, rather than not know and leave chaos.

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Kim Fredrickson avatar

Kim Fredrickson

Hi Bill,
What a journey you've been on to get a correct diagnosis. I'm so glad you can relish the good life you've enjoyed, and use your energy to get your affair in order. So appreciate hearing about your story and positive attitude.

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Terry Turner avatar

Terry Turner

Hello Kim,
When my husband was diagnosed with IPF we both went through stages of grief beginning with denial then anger, regret, etc. He had a transplant in Sept.--6 months ago. Although we are both grateful for a second chance-we're both in our 60's; I feel like I've lost the man I married-I haven't reached the acceptance part in of all this and I know my husband hasn't either. It is hard to celebrate life when he constantly worries about rejection. I just want my husband back.

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Kim Fredrickson avatar

Kim Fredrickson

Hi Terry,
Thanks so much for sharing. I appreciate your realistic perspective that even with the gift of new lungs you live with the fears of rejection. What a really difficult situation. I can see how it is hard to reach acceptance, because you are grieving another loss. I'm sure the hope was that the transplant would solve the problem, and you wouldn't have to live in fear, and get your husband back. I'm so sorry. Having mixed feelings in your situation is so normal, and sooooo hard. I'm very glad you shared.

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Jim Hartmann avatar

Jim Hartmann

I agree with everything in your article. As I've often remarked, a terminal diagnosis has a wonderful way of getting your attention!

One caveat for folks about "The Grief Process." The model, with its stages of grieving, is a a great one. But the more we've worked with it, the more we've seen that folks sometimes do the stagess out of order, or perhaps only partially resolve a stage and go back to it.

Most importantly, when we grieve an illness like PF, it isn't the same as grieving someone's death. When I lost my mother, I was able to "work through the stages" to acceptance, and that has stayed with me through the years since her death. But when we grieve our illness, we can reach acceptance - only to grieve again when we experience a significant loss of function.

I am 4 years, 8 months since my initial diagnosis. I'm in a good place with it - acceptance is a good word. I use some oxygen and I have some limitations. I've found ways to make a rich and varied life within the boundaries of those limitations - and believe me, I've stretched those boundaries to the limits.

But when I encourage others, I keep in mind that I don't know how I will respond when I have a significant decline. I THINK I'm ready... I THINK I'll be OK. But I know that just as I had to grieve for the "ME" that I lost with my diagnosis - the "ME" that climbed mountains and traveled rough and fast - I know I may grieve again, perhaps several times.

I worked for 35 years as a school counselor and had this lesson hammered home. I worked with kids grieving the loss of the child they were when they experienced puberty. They also often grieved the loss of their self as a young adult when they were approaching high school graduation and the first couple of years of college. Now, as an older person, I observe my peers enterring old age. For some, it is just a normal progression. Others grieve it as a loss.

So... Acceptance is great - it just can't be treated as a permanent state!

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Kim Fredrickson avatar

Kim Fredrickson

Hi Jim! Thanks so much for sharing. I REALLY appreciate your clarifying that acceptance is not a permanent state, but that with each loss of functioning a new grief process ensues. So appreciate you sharing. Loved your comment!

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Kevin avatar

Kevin

Hi all I'm a 38 year old diagnosed 3 years ago with pf.
To say that my world came crashing down around me is an under statment.
My wife and I got the biggest shock of our lives.
It took me ages to get it into my head how to cope with pf. I had to learn to cope to get up exercise keep the weight off just so as if I ever get a transplant I will be fit enough for recovery.
So now we have our own support group up and running and trying to help others with the help and information on your page. Your story's is inspiring.
All I can say is were possible keep moving and never let it drag you down.
My greatest inspiration is my wife and children to wake up every morning and see them helped me through.

Thank you

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Kim Fredrickson avatar

Kim Fredrickson

Hi Kevin,
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with PF and staying active in caring for yourself as well as helping others. I love your philosophy of keeping moving in every way. You are doing a wonderful job, and your wife and children are blessed to have you in their lives. Many blessings to you and your family.

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Beverly K Kunkel avatar

Beverly K Kunkel

I truly appreciate your inspiring and positive attitude and it gives me hope that there truly is support and encouragement out there "somewhere." I was diagnosed in July 2017 of IPF after having been misdiagosed with other diseases. I found my doctors had been treating symptoms that only aggravated my real problems. In a independent attempt to help myself I went off every prescribed medication I was taking (starting out slow) in December 2016 and then full fledged off everything by March 2017. I was so miserable for several months that I almost returned to my prescription routine. I am glad I held out because by summer and prior to my diagnosis I was digging in the garden, climbing around on the roof making repairs, painting, cleaning, walking and taking out the garbage and mowing the grass. Prior to this I could not even take out the garbage without having to hit the sofa to regain momentum and ability to breathe. I live in Central Illinois and my doctor told me there was no cure. Being beyond curious I starting surfing for information because I did not understand I got the disease and had not even heard of it. I am still a bit skeptical but had a rude awakening a couple of weeks ago when an attending physician promptly informed me that my lungs sounded like velcro. I did not sleep for many days after his statement but decided that I would trust how I felt which is pretty good for a 69 year old female. I do take lots of enzymes that seem to be helping me and I have seen studies of which are experimenting on other kinds of treatment. I know that grief is a process but I am at a certain level of acceptance about this disease. Acceptance does not mean one has to like it only that I have come to terms with reality. I liked your article because it isn't preachy, does not tell me what "I need to do" and it's honest. I sort of surf the PF comments but have been more annoyed by what I have read than supported. Thank you.

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Kim Fredrickson avatar

Kim Fredrickson

Hi Beverly,
So appreciate you sharing your story getting diagnosed with PF. I love your attitude of caring for yourself and trusting your instincts. I love your quote, "Acceptance does not mean one has to like it only that I have come to terms with reality." I'm so glad you shared and found my column. Welcome, and I hope you'll be back. We're in this together!

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Deborah avatar

Deborah

Thank you for this post. It has help me better understand what I've been going through since receiving a double lung transplant almost one year ago (Mar 12, 2017). My recovery has been filled with a lot of pain, anguish, anxiety, panic attacks, nausea, vommitting, you name it and I've gone through it. I was diagnosed with PF Nov. 2013 and started on full time oxygen July, 2014. I was 56 when diagnosed. I'm now 60 and looking forward to returning home (Mobile, AL) after spending almost 4 years in Houston. I have a wonderful support system with my family and what I believe is one of the best transplant teams in the world. Even though my recovery has been hard, my deep faith and belief in God sustains me and encourages me to continue the fight. Just to give you a brief review of my journey, I was in the hospital for a total of 153 days in 2017. During that time, I was switched back and forth between the hospital and rehab twice. After that, I had to return to the hospital 3 times before end of year for various complications. In 2018, I've been in the hospital 3 separate occasions spending 4 weeks the first time, 2 weeks and lastly 1 week. I've been on a feeding tube prior to transplant and continue on the feeding as of today. I was allowed to eat during the holidays but it didn't agree with my digestive system. I hunger and crave food all the time but dare not eat because of the consequences. My doctors assure me that things will get better.
I think often about dying from this disease but I don't dwell on it. I'm okay with death. My business is in order and I have the love and support from my family, friends and church. God never promised that life would be easy but he did promise that he would be with me always, even until the end. I pray God's blessings on every PF/IPF patient out there.

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Kim Fredrickson avatar

Kim Fredrickson

Hi Deborah,
Thanks so much for sharing. What a difficult journey you have been on, and still are. I appreciate you sharing your story. I'm so encouraged that even though you've been through so much, your faith is strong, and you are soaking in the love and support from family and friends. So appreciate you sharing, and wish you the best. It will be so good to be back home soon!

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Maribel Gonzalez avatar

Maribel Gonzalez

Thank you for sharing with our PF community. I'm always looking for your articles. I think of you and have prayed for you other times when you have shared your struggles. I remember reading you were getting evaluated for transplant and I prayed hard tasty time. I've been battling since 2011.It started slow, I remember when I started using oxygen it was at level 2 and 3 at exertion but now I'm at 8 liters 24/7. I was denied a transplant twice, in Seattle and in Houston. I didn't lose hope and went for a third opinion at Baylor St Luke's Hospital in Houston and they accepted me in their transplant program. I feel positive knowing God has the control.
Also,where can I find your book?
Again, thank you for everything you share with us. I'll keep you in my prayers
Maribel

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Mary Burgess avatar

Mary Burgess

Hi Kim I'm a 62yr old that was diagnosed with PF in January 2017. I really enjoy reading your post.I look forward to your future posts, thank you very much. For many years I was told that I had asthma, for about 15yrs I was constantly battling Pnuemonia. On January 18th 2017 I woke up my husband at 5am and told him I was having trouble breathing, he rushed me to our local hospital where I was admitted with Pnuemococal Pnuemonia after 2 days of many attempts with breathing treatments, IV antibiotics, and oxygen 24/7 I wasn't getting any better,on the third day around 6pm I had a exacerbation, my o2 sats dropped to 47. I was sent to ICU immediately where my family was called in and by 730pm they transported me to a bigger hospital 30min away. I was put on life support for two weeks. Once they took me off life support the Dr's came in the next day and told me I had PF. I had never heard of it and I was so scared. I was released 3 days later to come home. I was so weak I couldn't walk on my own.
I'm so thankful to GOD for being with me every step of the way. I know HE spared me go a reason. I have been through physical and orthopedic therapy to regain my strength. My husband (my soulmate) of soon to be 45yrs has been my rock and caregiver and without him I couldn't have gotten this far. I came home with oxygen from hospital and only had to use it when active. My Pulmonologist put me on Imuran, Prednisone, and Bactrim DS. 6 months ago my oxygen is on 24/7. I went to Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville Tn on February 1rst for the beginning of my evaluation for right lung transplant. He said my lung has shrunken significantly smaller than my left lung and I definitely need a lung transplant. I go back on March 29th for more testing. I'm very scared of what's to come after transplant if I get approved for one. I'm not afraid to die for I know where I'm going when my journey of life ends I'll be in HEAVEN. I'm struggling with the decision whether or not to have transplant. I don't want to suffer and put my precious family through that. I have 2 sons and 9 grandsons and 2 grandaughters. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

GOD bless you
Mary B

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Vic avatar

Vic

My mother-in-law passed from IPF in 2011, so when my husband was unexpectedly diagnosed last spring (April 2017) on the severe end of IPF we had no illusions of where this ends. At 53 he has actively chosen to go to the “live life to the fullest” stage. He moved with our children, now 8 and 14, last summer to our favorite spot on Earth. It’s a remote area with many lakes. Just fishing, ice fishing, watching TV, barbecuing, hanging out around the fire, or at the local bar. “I didn’t move up here to die, I moved up here to live [the life I have left]”.

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Jim Hartmann avatar

Jim Hartmann

Vic - I'm glad your family has taken the "live life fully" approach. It is so sad when people look back and say "I wish I had..." after they put off things too long. The opportunity to participate in the lives of your children in a beautiful setting brings a big smile to my face!

I do hope your husband will do all of the positive things he can to maintain his health. One of the two medications, of course... and exercise and diet for fitness... and keeping transplant on the options list for the future if he doesn't have other medical conditions that rule that out.

What triggered this thought was the mention of "hanging around the fire." I still camp and love the wilderness. The one concession I've made is replacing our home fire pits with propane "campfires". That smoke can be a really bad thing for irritating challenged lungs.

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dianne frazier avatar

dianne frazier

I was diagnosed with PF bout a year ago. My pulmonologist wants me to have an open lung biopsy so heknows how to treat me. I dont understand, it has been positively dignosed with it. I dont want the surgery, why cant he treat me? Am I wrong?

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Kim Fredrickson avatar

Kim Fredrickson

Hi Dianne,
Thanks for your comment. I would talk to your pulmonologist and ask how the results of the biopsy will help. Being sure about the diagnosis? Treatment options?
I know my pulmonologist originally wanted to do an open lung biopsy, but I read about all the possible complications and declined. Instead he did a broncoscopy with a biopsy and took a small tissue sample to be sure of what type of PF I have. This was under anesthetic, out patient, and I didn't feel a thing. I insisted on being put out and I'm glad I did. I was able to travel 100 miles by car the next day to see our son who was from out of town. I'm glad you are paying attention to your instincts!

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Debbie Herndon avatar

Debbie Herndon

Kim, I enjoy reading your columns and I know they are very insightful to patients! I, too, have to agree with one of the positives - the time to plan, to share information, appreciate each other more than ever in your relationship. My cousin recently lost her husband very unexpectedly and I can’t begin to imagine her pain. Granted there is NO way to prepare for the end (as I found out) - you can talk, plan, share but it’s still very difficult when the end comes. However, the shock is less for the expected than the unexpected.

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Billy avatar

Billy

I went to my doctor last Tuesday and had a chest x-ray later that day. I received a phone call this morning from my doctor to say I have lung fibrosis. Is this the same and as serious as pulminary fibrosis.

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Kim Fredrickson avatar

Kim Fredrickson

Hi Billy,
So sorry for that news. I'm not sure. I would call your doctor to find out. Blessings to you, Kim

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J. T. avatar

J. T.

While Mr. Warrick seems to take solace in his IPF and rationalize the inevitability into some sense of peace, I wonder how -- assuming he hopefully has -- his caregiver views her/his fate? There's scarce mention in most cases of what the latter feel while they stand helplessly by, 24/7, watching their loved one endure the damned disease. It need not be said that they are the only ones who try their best to comfort, care and console in less brave moments. And at an advanced age, the patient and caregiver are quite alone with no friends or family. The oft-cited alternative of a "support group" usually results in a sense of commiseration and sad resignation while offering scant consolation.

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Kim Fredrickson avatar

Kim Fredrickson

Dear J.T.,
Thanks so much for your comment. You share a very important perspective. While the patient can come to a measure of acceptance and peace, caregivers are left with a different kind of grief, and eventually living life without their loved ones. I appreciate you raising this very sensitive and painful point. Best wishes to you on this journey.

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Jim W avatar

Jim W

J.T., you raise a good point about care givers, in my case, my wife of 55 years. She reflects my attitude. When I got bronchitis in January and was worried that this was the beginning of the end, we both were a bit down. But that passed and life is good and optimistic again. She keeps herself fit. We have a young IPF support group here, started by a friend with IPF and he insisted that the meetings would never be "oh woe is me" and indeed, they have always been upbeat. I suggest three things to read. First read all of Kim Fredrickson's columns. I learned more from her than from all other sources about living with IPF. To increase your knowledge and optimism, read the book "Ultimate Pulmonary Wellness" by Dr. Noah Greenspan. Here you will learn how to breathe and how to exercise. Following this author's advice, my breathing situation has improved so much, so quickly that friends can hear it in my voice and I can measure it with my oximeter and at the rehab workout. A speaker at our IPF meeting said that exercise is probably more important than drugs. Finally (not a pun) read "Accepting Death, Embracing Life" by Patricia Gulino Lansky. A speaker at our IPF Support Group meeting lost her husband to IPF last year and she said that this book was an enormous help to her. For perspective, I am 80, diagnosed late 2013, taking OFEV, on oxygen 24/7 at level 5.

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Kim Fredrickson avatar

Kim Fredrickson

Thanks for your kind words Jim! Great ideas for information and support.

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