[Michael Hurwitz]

I was diagnosed with IPF in 2009. My PCP heard crackles in my lungs and referred me to a Pulmo doctor. The disease was mild for 10 years and then, in 2019, it suddenly became worse. I required O2 24/7 and was put on OFEV initially. However, that drug caused me severe diarrhea, therefore, I was switched to Esbriet which I take with no problem. I am also on Myfortic.

I manage now the best I can but I know that someday the IPF will become severe and I do not know what will happen then.

[Michael Hurwitz]

Hello, IPFer’s,

I am 72 years old and was diagnosed with IPF about 13 years ago.  For the first ten years it was mild; then in January 2019, the disease suddenly became worse.

Now I am on oxygen 24/7 at 4-5 liters.  Walking is definitely my biggest limitation.  Recently, I attempted to do a 6-minute walk test but after about 3 minutes of walking, my oxygen saturation dropped into the 80’s.  It just is too difficult for me to walk very far any more.

When going to a hospital for a doctor’s visit, sometimes someone will wheel me back to the hospital entrance, which I greatly appreciate.

I now have handicap license plates so, at least, I can park close to the door of a store.

This is my experience with this disease so far.