@Thom and @charlene-marshall!!!

Greetings both.

All things considered, I am doing well and hope the same is the case on your ends.

NYC flattened the COVID-19 curve and altho some things are still not opened, I have been spending a lot of time outside with friends and family. In fact, I just returned from Lake George where I went for a couple… Read more

https://www.nationaljewish.org/patients-visitors/patient-info/important-updates/coronavirus-information-and-resources/health-tips/allergies-cold-flu-or-covid-19-virus

@charlene-marshall

Greetings Charlene:

I welcome the idea of participating in a Zoom call.

From my experience, Zoom calls are pleasant and an uplifting experience.

While walking, I blast my Spotify playlist. I do not want to use my earbud, as I want to know if others are around, which is rare. I may try Sirus Radio, to mix things up and… Read more

@craftyone

Hi Judy: You raise a valid point. People here have been identifying smaller supermarkets, or even deli’s, in their respective neighborhoods, who deliver. I hope your community has similar alternatives, cause it is getting harder and harder to schedule deliveries from PeaPod etc, and then the recipient must then wait a few weeks… Read more

@charlene-marshall

Hi Charlene:

I am doing well.

First and foremost I am doing Extreme Social Distancing. Doing many virtual social events with Zoom, House Party, Facebook Messenger and Google Hangout. I also do virtual workouts with YMCA 360 and YMCA @ home.

Thank you for your love and support of NYC!!!

Stay safe and well

@charlene-marshall

Hi Charlene:

I am doing well, keeping busy and upbeat. Also, regularly connect with my 8 year old SILLY self!

I find my various ZOOM groups to be very uplifting and fun. Also, enjoying my daily virtual YMCA classes. Today, I did an outside walk, enjoying the music of my Spotify playlist. I also limit COVID-19 television… Read more

Hi Charlene and thank you.

Unfortunately, and as you may know, things are not going well in NYC,with regard to the number of COVID -19 cases and deaths.

However, I am doing my best to stay off the radar, by social distancing, and fortunately that is going well.

Stay safe and well.

Lorraine

“This tool can help you understand what to do next about COVID-19.

Let’s all look out for each other by knowing our status, trying not to infect others, and reserving care for those in need.”

Click link to Start Screening

https://www.apple.com/covid19

PSA Safe Grocery Shopping in COVID-19 Pandemic – UPDATED!!! – YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjDuwc9KBps

 

Greetings All:

While Social Distancing, on Staten Island, New York — I have been taking FREE Virtual YMCA classes.

If interested, here are the websites: https://ymcanyc.org/ymca-home and https://ymca360.org/on-demand#/category/15

Health & Fitness Videos: Live Workouts, Stretching & Yoga, Stretching and Yoga, For Seniors, Condition… Read more

Some days <span class=”_5mfr” style=”box-sizing: border-box;”></span> I’m doing great — other days 💙 I’m okay.

I am trying to stay strong, but know as things worsen, that may be challenging.

I live on Staten Island, New York — a 25 minute ferry boat ride to Manhattan.

Currently there are 59,648 COVID cases in NYC and 965 deaths.

On… Read more

Well said Miltont! Keep safe.

I will avoid large crowds and unessential travel.

Best wishes all!

 

I am afraid that Social Distancing will become my reality, especially if a 3′ distance, in public places is recommended … hopefully COVID-19 will burn out.

I just wrote a text to my pulmonologist, asking for guidance, given I am 61, have ILD and a heart PT.

In addition to the above postings, when in public places, I use a tissue or paper… Read more

@jaimeluciano

Hi Jaime:

A lot of good information and advice on this thread, and I hope it brings positive results.

I would like to add one other thing. I bought an adjustable bed a couple of years ago, prior to hip replacement surgery and find keeping my head elevated, while sleeping is an effective way to get rid of phlegm.… Read more

Hi Charlene: Glad to hear you are styling with the Apple 5. I am liking the functionality of the watch more and more. If I do decide to get one, I will let you know. Wishing you the best, Lorraine

Hi Charlene:

Glad to hear you received the Apple watch for Christmas!!!

If you were on the naughty list, there would be no hope for the rest of us. 🙂

Which watch did you get?, I am leaning toward the 5 if/when.

Best wishes,

Lorraine

 

 

@charlene-marshall

Hi Charlene:

Glad to hear you are on the mend, but sorry to hear you had been sick and hospitalized.

You will be the first to know if I am in need of additional support, I appreciate and value such resources. My therapy has made a difference!

By the way it looks like I will be going to South Africa for a few weeks next… Read more

Hi Charlene:

I am doing well and hope you are too!

Thank you for letting me know about available online support groups, I will let you know if/when I might be interested. I have been seeing a therapist 1:1 for a few months now and that has been helping (altho I still have my moments) and I am even socializing again.

Happy holidays,

Lorraine

Hi Charlene: Maybe a group FaceTime IPF chat is in our future. Ha.

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,… 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… 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?… Read more

Promising or Placebo? Halo Salt Therapy: Resurgence of a Salt Cave Spa Treatment

A spa day. We all need one. It’s meant to relax and revitalize the body and mind, but what about the lungs? A new trend increasingly found at modern spas is halotherapy, or salt therapy—breathable salt particles intended to improve breathing. There has been news… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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.… Read more

Thank you Linda. I appreciate the motivation and support. I will give you a shout out and a early or belated Happy Birthday wish, when I play the harmonica next. 🙂

Hi Linda:

I enjoyed reading your post … good info! Good plan. Forum members are resourceful and helpful.

I am a harmonica school drop-out. My classmates have musical talent and experience. They are now reading music. I still pick up the harmonica, but not as much. I will see my pulmonologist this week and will ask about the… Read more

Hi Linda:

Yes, given the circumstances returning the harmonica and books makes sense. And yes, revisit the need for Pulmonary Rehab, sometimes they cave when we are persistent and adamant. Good luck with this important cause. I hate the bureaucratic referral drama, and wish they would just step-up and provide it, leaving the drama aside. Grrr.… Read more

Hey Linda!

Glad to hear from you.

I was wondering if you found out if your local BBC had a harmonica class. I hope your BBC contact has not given up on finding a harmonica instructor.

Now that you have the harmonica and books, have you tried to play?

Let me know if they hold a fall BBC and you attend.

I have not ordered the pulmonica yet,… Read more

Hi Tony @anthonydegidio

Thanks for your post.

Your efforts to play the guitar and sing-a-long, shows real determination and passion, while still sharing your talent!! That is admirable.

I am determined to play Happy Birthday on the harmonica when we celebrate my dad’s 89th birthday next month. It will certainly add some laughs to… Read more

Hi Steve @steve-dragoo:

Ha, about a year ago I looked at the How to Strengthen The Breath and Expand Lung Capacity for Wind Instruments via didgeproject DOT COM website (free-didgeridoo-lessons to strengthen, breath, expand lung capacity wind instruments.

Thank you for your encouragement, I hope it helps too.

Lorraine

 

Hi Steve @steve-dragoo:

Thanks for sharing!  Buddy Greene was amazing. I really enjoyed watching and listening to that performance. WOW.

As it turns out I am going to switch from the harmonica to the pulmonica. “The Pulmonica is a special Pulmonary Harmonica that produces deep, resonant sounds felt vibrating in the lungs and sinuses. No… Read more

I agree, Linda @swanlw45 … and as the night progresses and we continue to discuss the pulmonica, I am leaning toward getting it. “The Pulmonica also has lower notes than most commercially available harmonicas, and it is specially tuned to set up harmonics that vibrate your lungs and sinuses.”

Hi Linda @swanlw45:

Regarding the pulmonica I found the info under the Research tab interesting and optimistic. Specifically the COPD Study Quantitative Results. But given that they did not have another group using regular harmonicas, I wonder if the results would have been the same for those unsing both instruments. This is why even if I… Read more

Hi Linda @swanlw45:

What a great update! I hope the Breathers Club has a harmonica class.

I do not have a club in close proximity, so I will continue with my class for now, until they read music. I may consider taking an online class … because  like you “I am a better show me and let me learn by doing” person too. I saw on line how to… Read more