Malcolm Mann

HI Michael
Yes we may have the same disease but there is a wide range of effects, in my case the movement of air in and out isn’t too bad but the diffusion (the exchange of oxygen from the lungs to the blood supply) is quite restricted.Lung function tests next week, first in 10 months.
I took the dogs out yesterday for a walk along the beach, I…[Read more]

Hi Jess

Thanks for your reply, like you my cough is a major concern, exactly as you described, and it can result in headache.

I bought a small open sports car, (1990 Mazda Miata, MX5) as motorcycle replacement therapy, 3 months before I started Esbriet. Not a good move to avoid sun exposure.

I’m now buying long sleeved t-shirts for summer, plus…[Read more]

Thanks Charlene @charlene marshall

Enjoy the ocean, swimming is good for the soul.

I have always swam and done age group competition, over the last 5 years I’ve worked out how to keep swimming with reduced lung efficiency. The main thing is I don’t kick, the legs just come along for the journey. Not kicking means you need a wet suit to maintain…[Read more]

Make that 3 times, I wrote a half a page, hit submit and got an error message “are you sure you wanted to do that?”

Hi Rene I,ve responded twice both times the system has eaten my reply

Cheers

Mal

Thanks Mark & Rene

I’m not one to give up easily, I shall persevere

Na Zdrowie

Mal

Hi all, here is a 4 months down the track report on my switch to Esbriet. I’m still tolerating it well, with no great GI issues, I have had no food intolerance problems and my weight has remained unchanged.

I have developed a dislike for beer, wine or cider are still tolerated. I find the Esbriet increases the sedative effect of alcohol, so much…[Read more]

I’ve been on Esbriet for 4 months, I’m developing an aversion to beer, this is un-Australian.

Cheers

Mal

Greeting from SE Australia where so far this year we’ve had fires, covid and now floods.

While I dont have access to any structured pulmonary re-hab groups, out in the bush abit here, our govt provides an exercise physiologist for us returned servicemen. I go to the gym twice a week for strength, aerobic and balance exercise. We finish off each…[Read more]

Hi everyone and Lou and thanks for the warning, I’ll keep on guard. Our next few months are our coolest and I’ll keep covered. As the warmer months return I’ll switch over to long armed tshirts, I have a wide brimmed cattlemans hat for beach walks etc.

I was in Vietnam 20 years ago and suffered from sun over reaction because of the anti malaria…[Read more]

Hi Michael &Charlene

Thanks for the encouraging thoughts, I’m very happy with the change, but not counting chickens just yet.

I had been dreading the sun exposure effects, but so far there have been none. I am using more sun block, and my skin is fairly impervious to sun damage, ie the damage has been done decades ago.

My normal dress is shorts…[Read more]

Hi Charlene

We’re so sorry and shocked to here your news, and so glad you appear to be over the worst of of it. Please take care and do everything to regain your strength, us IPFers look forward to your positive help and advice. Virtual hugs from the Austrzlian contingent.

Cheers

Mal

Hi I don’t know if I should start a new thread “stopping Ofev” , I stopped on Easter Saturday after another unauthorised discharge while in bed Fri night. I found, even on only 100mg x2 daily the benefits were out weighed by the side effects, lack of bowel control and a general feeling of continual dullness. My wife says while I’m on Ofev I’m not…[Read more]

Hi Loraine
In these days of restricted movement Jan & I are doing the old 5BX exercise program from the 50’s, designed by the Canadian Airforce. No equipment other than a rug is needed, You get a core, aerobic and strength workout, we add a few extras as well.
The expression on Ki’s (lurcher (dog)) face while he’s relaxing on his bed make it all…[Read more]

Hi everyone
While the world has disintegrated we have been house sitting and exploring Australias island state Tasmania in a little red sports car. Tasmania is stunningly beautiful.
We’re 850 kms and an overnight sea crossing from home, there is little Covid 19 here but its ramping up on the mainland (Australia) and we have to drive through the…[Read more]

Hi

I’m on the other side of Australia to Jill but received the same advice, the first question “have you had a flu vaccination” (answer “I’ve had it every year for the last 20 or so years and never had the flu, or a problem with the vaccination”).

The next suggestion was to ensure I had a pneumonia shot, that was the first I had heard of a…[Read more]

@charlene-marshall

Hi

Where we are the fires have not relented, only grown bigger, two mega fires have now merged, more houses were lost over the weekend. The problem is that the fires are seated in inaccessible mountain country, which up-til now was dense eucalyptus forest, interspersed with areas of farm land. The fires this season are totally…[Read more]