Biography

I am a 66-year-old retired aircraft mechanic I found out about my IPF condition after having pneumonia 1-7-2021. The X-ray report indicated IPD with fibrosis in both lungs. I was directed to a Pulmonologist for further treatment. I started taking Esbriet 801 mg 3 times a day for 1 year but due my vitiligo I developed a severe rash and my pulmonologist switch to Ofveb 150 twice a day. My latest PR vital capacity test FVC%pred 62, FEV1%pred 65, DLCO% 43. I am not a candidate for a lung transplant due to ineffective esophageal mobility, CAD and arterial ectasia.  I keep a positive outlook hoping a new cure will be developed. I am a veteran of the USAF & ANG with 24 years of service as an aircraft mechanic. I’ve also work as a civilian aviation mechanic for a total of 47 years. I do believe I have this disease due air pollution from jet exhaust and other operating diesel equipment to support aircraft maintenance. I read a report from the Journal of thoracic disease dated Jan. 10,2020 ” air pollution -an overlooked risk factor for IPF ” that explain a lot to my situation with IPF.