I have found outside, the bright sunlight interfers with readings.  Since the contraption works with a laser, there probably is light leakage, or even the finger is “lighter” and interferes.  I tuck my hand under my coat or jacket to get the reading and it works fine.

Rand

A couple years ago, MGH in Boston was “ranked” 4th in the nation.

I forgot to mention in my longer Green Tea gig, that I’ve been on Ofev for a little over 4yrs.  Had an allergic reaction to Esbriet after about 4 mos.  No miracle cure here, but seems like it adds a governor to the IPF engine.

Hi Folks,

Hope this won’t be too long, but wanted to share.  I also started on Green Tea extract (GTE), 725mg, after reading the studies from NEJM and the Stanford studies.  As is my proclivity, nothing happening at 1/day, then increased to 2/ day, then 4/day, at times 6/day.  I’m not suggesting this for anyone, just reporting.  Nothing… Read more

Folks,

I’m needing to get on O2 bottled for exertions, like walks in the woods, etc.  I kept being frustrated with the over the shoulder gig with my Onigen5, as well as the neck wear & tear.   After having the unit get too warm in a back pack, ordered a mesh backpack from Amazon, $16, and it works like a charm.  Carrying it over the back is a… Read more

Folks,

I was first on Esbriet, which was more expensive than Ofev.  Medicare after $X (I don’t know what that is at present clicks into Catastrophic rates, which are much less.  I recieved a grant from HealthWell, an organization that gives grants for catastrophic medical expenses.  Remember the Icares of BI is a means-based system on… Read more

I would be worried if my PCP noted that IPF “could” be progressive, given all the literature out there.   It is progressive, by all accounts I’ve seen.  I didn’t catch where you live, but I’d get to a good BIG hospital for a full work-up.  If near a place like Boston or Denver.  Look up the top Pulmonary Hosp1tals via Google and go. The… Read more

Do you drink milk or use milk products?  I have found they are a culprit, for me, with Ofev.  Using lactic free milk does the trick.  Just something to check out.  I’m a retired therapist and used to work with HIV folks, 20y/o. , back during the days of large “cocktails” and severe diarrhea.  They would take 2-3 Tbl. of ground whole husk… Read more

I have an Inogen 1 G5, on rec. of a friend of a friend. It works great. I’m out on trails, walking with my dog every afternoon and it keeps up with me. Two things to remember, in my understanding. 1. The numbers on the “output” are just numbers to tell an increase or decrease of O2. The don’t mean “liters/whatever.” 2. If you’re flying… Read more

the Moosewood “family” of cookbooks have a wealth of good vegetarian recipes.  Excellent and always work.

Rand O’Brien

I’ve been taking the Amazon capsules, forgot which one, at present Zenwise for about 6 wks. Thecapsules look the same as the ealier bottle with the same emount of ECGC. Bottle recommendation is 2/day, I take 2 twice/day. About 2-3 wks. into them I had my first 97% on the Oximeter, usually running at about 95, sometimes down to 92. Consistently… Read more

John,

I haven’t had problems if I’m off by a couple hours here or there.  But that is me.  I have a well known cast-iron stomach.  Also, as I have said before, for me, using whole husk psyllium is helpful with diarrhea, which seems counter-intuitive.  It’s something I learned from working with gay men back in the 90’s and early this… Read more

Piet, no one gets out of this alive; we all get our ticket.  Some are just to better places as a destination.  So….I work to just live life now to the best I can for myself.  I’m never bored and as things get worse, as they assuredly will, I will find more and different things that fill my mind and soul.  Just sayin’.

Rand O’Brien

I may have missed something…most probably….but I don’t understand what “laser treatement” is.  What happens specifically during a laser treatment and how, then, is it helpful?

Rand O’Brien

Hi Folks,

I think the hoarding is out of fear/anxiety.  People are trying to feel “safe” when they have little control.  We turn to food and necessities.  The food supply is not affected and the chains are long to supply major markets. I’m in a retirement community so we are looking out for each other and limiting trips off campus.  A little… Read more