Debra Lowder

Dear Cecil, When I began taking Esbriet 2 years ago, I was assigned a nurse who gave great advice about diet and managing side effects. Genentech assigned the nurse and she was a lifesaver. The side effects subsided after about 4 months and I am managing very well now. I feel good after being diagnosed with IPF three years ago. Still not on oxygen…[Read more]

BRAVO. Well said, Darlene. I couldn’t have expressed it better myself.

50 MG. Per day.

When I had COVID last fall, my pulmonary doctor told me to take zinc. I didn’t know why, but I started taking it and I haven’t stopped. I’m holding my own and feel pretty good for this being my third year living with IPF. Not sure if it’s due to zinc, but it sure hasn’t hurt any.  Debra Lowder

Trying to keep that healthy balance between acceptance and being thankful for “good days “, is a challenge. Each step (like needing oxygen for the first time), brings a new level of acceptance  that things will get worse. All families are different, but I think mine is typical in that some members are more accepting than others. It’s frustrating…[Read more]

Dear Laila: I was prescribed Esbriet 6 months after my diagnosis, and I have had good results on CT scans – very little progress with the disease. The side effects were not too bad and they lasted for about 3 months. They are now manageable, and my diet change was a huge factor. The best advice for managing the side effects: Eat well and get…[Read more]

In response to Laila: I too am in the beginning of accepting this disease (diagnosed April 2020), and my best advice is to exercise. I walk 2 miles a day at a health center where the environment is temperature controlled. I feel good (except for fatigue in the afternoons). I am 68, and still healthy enough to travel. I guess this is as good as it…[Read more]

I had the Pfizer in March and tested positive for COVID 2 days ago. I was diagnosed with IPF in March 2020. I ran a fever for 3 days, had a bad headache and cough, with body aches. The worst seems to be over here at day 5. I stayed out of the hospital and do not need oxygen. I’m very thankful for the vaccine and recommend it for everyone.

Wendy, I’m taking Gabapentin for pain and as a muscle relaxer. I only take it when I’m going to sleep (at night), so the side effects don’t bother me. What are you taking it for? Debra

Wendy, I’m taking Gabapentin for pain and as a muscle relaxer. I only take it when I’m going to sleep (at night), so the side effects don’t bother me. What are you taking it for?