[Andrew (Randy) Hicks]

Good morning Charlene,

Thanks for the reply.  My diet experimentation has gone well.  I have not had any problems as long as I eat normal non spicy foods and take the pills with peanut butter crackers or ramen noodles.

I still itch but I am beginning to think it is just the weather changing here.  It is the time of year where we have the AC on during the day and the heat on at night.

San Diego is a great place and maybe I can show you around if you get down this way.  I was transferred here in 1982 and remained here after I retired from the Navy in 2000.  I currently teach Shipboard Satellite Communications Equipment Repair for the Navy.  I am lucky to still be able to teach, though I have to watch that I don’t move around too fast or get too animated when teaching like I used to.  The military guys that I teach with also look after me so I am in good hands.

Well the grandchildren are waking up and will probably want some breakfast.  Have a great weekend.

 

 

[Andrew (Randy) Hicks]

Hi all.  I have been on 100 mg OFEV for a little over two months now.  Initially I had some diarrhea problems but changed my diet a bit to be able to handle things.  After my last liver test my doctor went ahead and upped me to 150 mg and put me on oxygen.  I have only been on the increased dosage for two days and I have been getting a little nausea and diarrhea again.  I am lucky enough to have a four day weekend so I am working on adjusting my diet again while I am at home and close to the restroom.

I saw Charlene’s post about itching and I have been having some skin issues.  I spent 26 years in the US Navy and whenever we went to a new country or the ship got underway I used to itch like crazy for a couple of days.  I think it was due to the PH of the water or something like that and it always went away after my body adjusted.  I have also experienced it a bit during the spring and fall when the San Diego weather can’t make up it’s mind if it wants to be cool or hot but it only lasts a day or so.

Recently I have been itching a lot and now I am beginning to think it might be the OFEV as it is not just my legs itching this time but also my back and chest.  It has intensified since I have been on the 150 mg capsules.  For right now I will give it a couple more days and see if it goes away and if not I will talk to my doctor.

 

 

[Andrew (Randy) Hicks]

Thanks Mark,

I always drink a lot of Gatorade, sometimes instead of water.  I guess if I cut down a little on the Gatorade and coffee, and drink more water I should be fine with the cramps.  I’ll keep the Pedialyte in mind if I get gastro problems again.

[Andrew (Randy) Hicks]

Thanks Mark,

So far I have not had anything bad like diarrhea after the first night.  I did have a little cramping in my hands but drinking more water took care of that.  I still take the OFEV with a banana, but only one now.   The banana’s were giving me too much gas ( a little embarrassing).  I am glad that I made it through the week with no major issues at work or at home.  Have a great weekend.

[Andrew (Randy) Hicks]

Thanks Mark, Bob and thanks for passing Bob’s post Charlene.  The first night went ok.  I did have to get up frequently for Diarrhea.  Before work I took some Imodium before leaving the house.  I was worried about how I was going to do at work, but I drank some orange juice and ate a banana, took my capsule (I am on 100 mg) and then ate another banana and washed it all down with water.  I was fine all day other than having to pause and remind myself to slow down.  Tonight I had something to eat as soon as I got home and then ate when I took my pill.  I take mine at 7 PM because I go to bed at 8 PM and get up at 4:45 AM.  I then take my morning pill at 7 AM while at work.  I’d like to thank you all for sharing.  It looks like there are a lot of differences in people’s experiences, and I realize it might take me a little while to find what is best for me.  Thanks again.

[Andrew (Randy) Hicks]

Hello,

I am starting OFEV tonight.  I was diagnosed about two months ago with moderate IPF and after blood tests, breathing tests, and a lot of paperwork my prescription arrived today.

I have read a lot about side affects and diet on the forums, so I am going to be really careful with what I eat and all.  I am still working full time as a military electronics instructor so I would hope I will not have diarrhea of too much nausea when I am teaching tomorrow.

Since I am new as far as this disease goes I don’t have much to post yet.  I am open to advice and will share any experiences I have.  Have a great evening everyone.