Biography

I am and active male. Military retiree with Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam.  I was diagnosed in 2010, but never told it was a problem or anything to worry about.  For the last 4 years I have been dealing with a serious cough during the winter months, and my Dr tried all sorts of solutions, finally saying I should talk to a pulimonary Dr.  Did so in Jan of 2018. He diagnosed IFP and suggested I go on Esberit.  I did and was on it for 3 months when I developed a rash and had challenges with coughing and mucus discharge.  At that point I was off that medication and after the rash cleared up they put me on Ofev at 100 mg 2 times a day.  After 3 months and a weight stabilization he raised the level to 15o mg 2 times a day.  I have had the normal challenges with the drug, but nothing worse.  I am still coughing after meals and when changing environments.

At 72 I still work out, but can cough a lot and bring up mucous. It is annoying, and people around you think you have a cold they don’t want to catch, but I still maintain an active life style.

I know the reason for the delay in the Ofev was the cost of the drug.  The Dr wanted me on Ofev first, but my provider wanted me to use the other first.

I am still working to get IPF recognized by the VA as a reaction (result) to Agent Orange exposure.  I was stationed at Bien Hoa, Vietnam in 1990 and spent 6 months working in the hanger were the agent was stored and loaded for dispersant.  Needless to say there was quite a lot of dust created when they loaded the agent and at 90 plus degrees all the sweat we absorbed a lot of the material.  Everyday I walked to my office through the area it was stored and loaded from and was working right above that area.  Any information anyone might have please send.  I will be grateful for any help.