Fran Johnson
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Good morning, I am the caregiver for my husband, Randy, who had a lung biopsy in late May. His diagnosis was IPF, he suffered a collapsed lung about 2 weeks after the biopsy, a slow leak. He was in the hospital for about 8 days and the leak thankfully closed. Before the biopsy, Randy was able to do almost everything independently, he drove, we took walks with our dog, we went out to dinner, now, he is on supplemental oxygen – and using a walker. I am perplexed – it seems as though the biopsy and lung collapse exacerbated his condition? We have an appointment at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL on August 1st, I am hoping we can get answers… I think the not knowing what is happening – increased progression or just a slow recovery from collapsed lung is taking its toll. Randy is on Esbriet at this point, he’s on a low dose of anxiety medication as well and we have PT and Home Health nurses each week and we are starting with counseling this week as well… has anyone else had this experience? Thank you for any advice!!!
Fran
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Hello everyone, this is my first post – I am the caregiver to my husband, Randy, who had a lung biopsy in June, was doing really well after, then he suffered a slow leak which led to a collapsed lung. He just got out of the hospital about a week and a half ago, so he is recuperating. He was doing well after the biopsy, then wham. He is on oxygen when exerting himself (which seems to be anytime he is moving). The biopsy was sent to the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, confirmed IPF. He was approved for Esbriet, but we haven’t started it yet, the representative from the maker is coming on Monday to speak to us about it. BUT, here is my food related question – he seems to have lost his appetite for food – I am breaking it down into about 6 small meals a day, but getting him to eat is a challenge – any ideas? He doesn’t need to lose weight – he needs to get stronger. We have PT coming twice a week, home health care twice a week… so he needs fuel to participate! Any suggestions would be welcome! Thank you all, finding these forums have been a life line for me!