[Cheryl]

I can’t speak for anyone else, but every day that I listen to the news on the updated Covid-19 new case and death tole statistics, it just boggles my mind how somehow wearing a mask became not only a political issue, but a moral issue as well.

Being a PF patient on O2 for the past year, I knew back in February that I probably needed to take precautions and wear a mask just for my own protection.  By the end of March with the pandemic full blown I became a “rule follower” and went by the guidelines recommended.  I never once thought about my civil rights, only that I wanted to play a part in “flattening the curve”.  Even with all of the unknowns at that time, I was educated enough to know that the situation was already bad and going to get worse if actions weren’t taken and guidelines followed.

It’s been very disheartening to see all of the people out and about not wearing masks or following social distancing guidelines. It’s hard for me to swallow at how selfish we are as a human race. We as PF patients already know how scary it can be to catch a breath.  What part of seeing a picture of someone on a ventilator do people not understand?This could be you or your loved one!  I do  not and have not seen the harm in wearing a mask since the start of the pandemic.  I know I have protected myself as best I can, and hopefully protected others by wearing a mask.  I just wish others didn’t have such  trouble figuring that out.

I will close with a statement I heard early on and I feel is apropos to our current situation:  It’s  bettert be six feet apart than six feet under”.

[Cheryl]

Thanks to everyone who has replied to my inquiries.  As each day passes I am doing my best to adjust.  I will say that I don’t care for the underlying nausea.  I am dealing with it, but am tired of it…..

[Cheryl]

Hello Everyone.  I just started on OFEV last week and reading everyone’s comments/suggestions here has been very helpful for me.  I have had GI issues for most of my life and starting on the OFEV was very scary for me.  I decided to go ahead and take it anyway because I am hopeful that it will really be able to help me, and I can always stop taking it if I cannot tolerate it.

I’m glad I found this forum, as I am fairly new with this disease and even with all the reading and research I’ve done so far, it is better for me to have the connection of those who share what we are going through and not so clinical.

Thanks!  Cheryl K.