I was tested for GERD three years post-DLT, because of a very slow but steady decrease in Fev1 over the previous year. I had no symptoms of reflux, but the test did show reflux, so fundiplication surgery followed. They did repair a hiatal hernia at the same time, which I also had been unaware of. It was weird having surgery for a condition… Read more

Hello, everyone. This is Holly, Christie’s mom. I am 3.5 years post DLT. I did experience a complication after the surgery, a Strep infection in my new lungs which resulted in a month-long re-hospitalization. I had been in ICU for three months prior to my transplant. So, mine was a longer road than some, but I have been healthy since. I can… Read more

Hello,  Jade,

I am so sorry to read of your troubles.  These forums and the columns can be helpful,  especially if you are feeling alone. You are not! I refer you to a column here written by my daughter, Christie  Patient,  ” Busting 4 Myths about Lung Transplant. ”  She conferred with physicians on my lung transplant team to ensure… Read more

Hello, everyone. After a year of varying diagnoses and testing, my pulmonologist told me that I did have IPF. He tried to soften the blow by telling me I was an excellent candidate for lung transplant. I immediately began taking the necessary steps to qualify for the transplant list. This led me to talk to both my sister and brother, as I knew… Read more

Thank you, Charlene, for all you do. My post is a bit weird because my computer froze as I was writing, and I didn’t know my words had been submitted. I would have edited and certainly finished with more encouraging words. I admire you greatly. I could never have been as open and supportive of others as you are! Letting us see each others’… Read more

Hello, Charlene and fellow IPF warriors. Your article made me very sad, because I sense  completely understandable feelings of exhaustion, pain, anger, and perhaps bitterness. I am three years post transplant (DLT),  and I first want to express my admiration to all of you who have joined in supporting each other in the IPF community. After my… Read more