Lorraine

Hi @rod-danner:  Thank you and yes, I can see how this could lead to a “financially damaging path” — you forgot to mention car play. LOL.

I am a newbie iPhone convert, and do see an Apple watch in my future.

I only made the switch to an iPhone on October 8th.  I have been retired for six years and during that time, I was using an old school smart-less flip phone. I needed to reboot, I was an emergency manager before retiring — and used a Blackberry, Nextel Direct Connect, cell…[Read more]

Hi Charlene:

Thank you for your insight and for sharing your Salt Room experience. Also, for telling us about the salt inhaler, that is new to me.

And yes breaking up mucous and relaxing are excellent benefits.

Did you speak to your pulmonologist prior to using the salt room?

Wishing you a wonderful, fun and safe trip, enjoy that sea…[Read more]

@tarzan

Hi Tony:

I like the natural way of breathing salt air too and think it is safer.

I live inland and a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy taking walks along the boardwalk.

The thing about these rooms  that concern me is what else are we breathing? Are the room vent systems cleaned properly? Are the rooms/methods regulated? I…[Read more]

Hi Ed: Thank you for your reply. Best wishes to you and your wife. Lorraine

Hi Linda:

I think I am a bad test taker. Also, I do not follow instructions well. Perhaps because I am distracted/not concentrating, because I am in panic mode when taking the PFT.

One Respiratory Tech is very persistent and then the results are better.

Lately, I am experiencing shortness of breath, primarily when it is humid and walking hills,…[Read more]

@edknn

Hi Ed: Was your wife doing anything different that could have help the improved numbers. For example, Pulmonary Rehab or using Voldyne 5000 Incentive Spirometer. I hope she continues to do well. Lorraine

Hi Linda! Good news your numbers went back up. Do you attribute it to anything that you have been doing differently during this period? Wishing you the best, Lorraine

@deliassen

Hi Denny: That is good news about your test results. Can you tell me the names of your supplements? Thank you, Lorraine

Thank you Charlene for tagging me. Wishing you the best.

Hi Christine: And yes this forum and its members are very helpful and supportive, bar none. And the level of information-sharing is outstanding and greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your kind and supportive response. Unfortunately, I do not have anyone else that can step-up. So far we are doing well … and I hope and pray that I can continue to…[Read more]

Oh Wendy, I did check out your amazing miniature world and the adventures showcased in the soap opera blog, I was hooked. Outstanding detail. You are very talented on many levels. Your city and the citizenry must be therapeutic and joyful — and certainly enjoyed by fans.

Hi Wendy:

Yes, I easily see how the self compassion meditation exercises are a life saver.

After a few hours of sleep last night, I woke-up startled, from a deep sleep, haunted by the disease. I reached for my laptop and played, then practiced one of the self compassion meditation exercises. That did the trick, I relaxed, and a peaceful sleep…[Read more]

@patience21

Hi Pearl: While pouring my heart out on the ‘Living Our Lives’ forum, @wendy-dirks, was kind enough to turn me on to www DOT self-compassion DOT org — specifically the Self-Compassion Guided Meditations and Exercises. That night I listened to two Guided Meditation recordings and then another two the next day. Very helpful. You may…[Read more]

Would love to see a photo of your collection, if you would consider posting.

Have you heard of Gulliver’s Gate? It is the Largest Interactive Miniature World On The Earth. 50,000 Sq. Ft. To Explore! And experience a massive, mesmerizing World of Miniatures. Explore 5 Continents. You may have the web site interesting. www DOT gulliversgate DOT…[Read more]

Thanks Mark

Thank you so much Wendy. I really appreciated your input and information-sharing. I have looked to the link and like what I read. And when I practice and follow the mindfulness techniques of Dr. Neff, I will follow your lead and put my hand over my heart.

I too am struggling. My disease is progressing, slowly but none the less, progressing.

I can’t get this disease out of my heart and head. I was in a terrible funk for most of the summer and started to withdraw, putting myself in Social Isolation. At times I called a free mental health counseling service. Sometimes several times in a day. It…[Read more]