Robert McGrath
Forum Replies Created
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I have a room unit in my living room and one in my bedroom and have for years. A simple model by Hunter, available almost everywhere. I have also had electrostatic filters for micro particles. Based on what I see on the filters, they do work. I keep them on slow speed. However, I am really writing to add that likely more (or at least as important) is having a high rated filter on your furnace and change it more frequently than 1x per year. Although I’m not at all sure that the horse hasn’t left the barn in terms of disease control, if you think filtration will help, I’d do both. I do have a whole house humidifier which provides the proper amount of moisture in all seasons as it’s adjustable. Best of luck. I was diagnosed 6.75 years ago and am 67.
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I have been teaching family and friends to play backgammon which I bring to hospital. We can also play when they visit, or play each other. Simple game to learn, lifetime to master. Is fun, gives people something to do, and boards are generally in a hinged case which is convenient. Comes in different sizes. Check Amazon.
I also bring a volume of The Far Side comic strip by Gary Lawson. They’re especially funny when on pain meds! Lol
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Hello. I was diagnosed at the end of 2012, however I complained of shortness of breath on exertion 1 1/2 years before that. Thus, I am about 6 1/2 years from diagnosis. I am having a DLCO test next week since I haven’t had one in over a year. My FVC is 49. My last dlco was 35. I anticipate being in final stages before or by Christmas.
I was in the last phase 3 trial for Esbriet and got in a few months after diagnosis which may have prolonged my life. Too, I switched my RX from Esbriet to Ofev and started buying Pirfenidone through Canada after both drugs were approved here. My thinking that since they both work differently, taking both might help. My doc said he didn’t think it would hurt and would continue to monitor blood. Standard dose of Esbriet through Canada is about $400 a month (cash US). Note that Ofev is not available otc in Canada. It is very important to eat before taking this combo as GI effects can be bad and result in vomiting if you don’t. Avoid caffeine and other irritants a few hours before and after taking your meds.
Remember that the placebo effect it real so if you believe in what you’re doing it will help.
Finally, you know how fast time goes by at my age of 67. Get your affairs in order, get it out of the way, and then concentrate on staying healthy and enjoying the time you have left with family and friends and this planet we call home.
Best regards.
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My understanding is the GERD in IOC patients forms or occurs secondary to the disease. As our bodies struggle for more air our esophagus actually expands as a compensating measure. This larger esophagus affects the sphincter (?) muscle between stomach and esophagus leading to “leakage” or GERD. My surgeon ( I developed lung cancer twice after if diagnosis) showed me mri images from 2012. Through 2018 and even a layman can see the changes in size. I treat the GERD because I have no interest in developing esophageal cancer.