Forum Replies Created

  • james-lott

    Member
    December 3, 2019 at 12:57 pm in reply to: Am I Too Old for A Lung Transplant?

    I was able to get a single lung transplant, two years ago. I was just over 71 years old. IPF was getting worse and when I went over 5 liters of oxygen I was listed. Forty-three days later I got a call from Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan to get a transplant. Now over two years later I am enjoying life again.

  • james-lott

    Member
    May 7, 2019 at 10:13 am in reply to: Lung Transplant Considerations.

    I had a single lung transplant a year and a half ago. Because of my age and the IPF, I knew I would probably only get one lung. However I am almost certain that I would be dead by now without it.

     

    Charlene you worry about a sternotomy. Now days they use what is called a clam shell incision. A small cut around the bottom of the breast and move just the three bottom ribs. At age 71 it took me nine days in the hospital (after being warned of 3-4 weeks possibly).

    Second you worry about being a social loner. I have to worry about what I eat and drink. I also avoid people that are sick but most of my friends see no difference from the way I was years ago.

    You talked about feeling guilty. I assume you are referring to the donor. I am so grateful for the gift I received I don’t worry about guilt.

    Please people don’t wait so long making your decision that you are too old for the transplant. Here in Michigan they quit at 70 except for people like me that got on the list just before the magic age of 71.

  • james-lott

    Member
    August 24, 2018 at 8:37 am in reply to: Most common questions asked about Esbriet

    I am like Charlene. Very much ginger would give me more nausea. I could do ginger ale in fact I think I tried that once. Can’t remember if it helped though.
    Jim

  • james-lott

    Member
    August 21, 2018 at 8:52 am in reply to: Most common questions asked about Esbriet

    My pulmonologist started me on Ofev. However after three months I stopped. I had vomited five times and read the side effects including death.
    He then talked me into trying Esbriet. I had a lot of nausea but no vomiting. I used it for three years, till I had a single lung transplant.
    My advice is try either one and if you have problems switch. Extend your time and hope for a cure or a transplant.