William Pommy

[William Pommy]

I am 77 years old, and have been taking aspirate since it was approved by the FDA.  I did have a few issues as the prescription increased until I reached nine pills per day, which is what I’m on now.  As long as you follow the instructions, I see no problems with digestion.  Halfway through my meals I take the three pills.  That works. On occasions where I have to take them alone without a meal I use some Mylanta, which prevents any discomfort.  I guess it is working. I was diagnosed 14 or 15 years ago and in my last conversation with my pulmonologist, I asked about longevity.  She said she wouldn’t be surprised if I lasted another 15 years.  I had done Pulmonary Rehab and have been planning on going back.  Rehab was great..  mindfulness was helpful… as was prayer.  Unfortunately, I’m doing none of these right now and I’m trying to get back to rehab.

[William Pommy]

I was diagnosed 16 years ago and I have been on oxygen 24 seven for a number of years now. I have been on Esbriet since it has been approved and take it religiously. I highly recommend pulmonary rehab which I have done several times and plan on doing again. Mindfulness has also helped. At 76 I feel the idea of a lung transplant is not for me. Good luck and you do have reasons to be optimistic.

[William Pommy]

I was diagnosed 16 years ago.  I’m now 76.  When I first discussed transplant with my pulmonologist, she said she would support the idea but to consider all the ramifications, anti rejection drugs, life expectancy, etc.  at the time I believe the life expectancy was five years as it is now.  I’m sure someone will correct me.  No one knows why I have survived this long.  I have completed several pulmonary rehabs and will now return after an absence of nearly six months. I’m on oxygen 24/7.  I take Esbriet, NAC, and green tea extract.  I am slowly getting worse and can no longer make certain house repairs.  (Had to give up repairing stucco on the second story).  Gave up a 50 year “career “ in drumming and sold my Harley.  However, my doctor said she wouldn’t be surprised if I lasted another 15 years!  I’d give transplant careful consideration.

[William Pommy]

I sleep with oxygen on 4 L per minute  and a CPAP machine.  Well active during the day I use liquid oxygen small tanks and have it set on 10 L per minute sometimes up to 15 when I am going upstairs.  When grocery shopping I take one tank keep it on 10  and monitor my oxygen, and if it goes lower than 90 I increase to the next setting which is 15 and keep it there until my oxygen level goes up to 90.  I need to focus on moving more slowly and breathing correctly to maintain the proper oxygen level. It certainly is inconvenient but at least I’m able to get out and do things.

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