Forum Replies Created

  • jim-foley

    Member
    March 16, 2021 at 2:16 pm in reply to: Life span

    Three to five year prognosis seems pretty accurate in my case.

  • jim-foley

    Member
    January 26, 2021 at 2:37 pm in reply to: Has anyone stopped taking Esbriet?

    I have been taking Espiret for exactly two years without side effects, which was not the case when I took Ofev previously. However, I have seen no evidence that either drug actually slowed the progression of my IPF. I am right on schedule per the initial prognosis given me January 2017, ie a  3-5 year life expectancy.

  • jim-foley

    Member
    January 19, 2021 at 3:52 pm in reply to: Consuming a Healthy Diet with IPF

    One word for the food-averse: smoothies.

  • jim-foley

    Member
    May 21, 2020 at 3:21 pm in reply to: STALL Technique for Combating Breathlessness

    Taking deep breathes and exhaling through pursed lips helps me mitigate breathlessness.

  • jim-foley

    Member
    May 19, 2020 at 3:57 pm in reply to: Coronavirus Being Breathed In Through POC

    Interesting and to me a very relevant question. I will be flying cross-country this weekend relying on a face mask and my POC for safety.  It had not occurred to me that using the POC might do more harm than good while I am in the airport or confined to the airplane’s cabin.

  • jim-foley

    Member
    October 15, 2019 at 10:54 am in reply to: Gabapentin For IPF-Related Cough?

    Prescribed for my dry cough. Seems quite effective.

  • jim-foley

    Member
    October 4, 2019 at 8:41 am in reply to: Do You Identify With Being ‘Disabled’?

    I do not self-identify as disabled but I did obtain a handicap parking placard that I use only when I cannot find a space within a reasonable (for me) walking distance.

  • jim-foley

    Member
    October 1, 2019 at 8:24 am in reply to: Starting Esbriet

    My IPF diagnosis dates from January 2017. I started Ofev 2 months later but developed intolerable side effects (gastro distress and fatigue) by March 2019. I then switched to Espiret. The side effects are minimal to this point other than considerably  increased photosensitivity.

  • That explains a few things!

  • Male, age 67, IPF diagnosis 1/17. I exercise because I always have. Currently 2 hours of supervised pulmonary rehab once weekly, including treadmill, stationary bike, and Stairmaster plus dumbbells & body weight, all while on an O2 cylinder. In addition, daily exercise bike and free weight sessions at home using an O2 concentrator.

    For me, the greatest benefit is psychological – it lifts my mood to do SOMETHING. Regular exercise also maintains muscular strength and tone.