I have found that the absolute best thing for quickly dealing with cramps is a magnesium foam called “Theraworx” it is available at pharmacies and some sporting goods stores. Just spray some on and rub it in. It helps provide almost immediate relief. Also, hydration and magnesium supplements may help some too, the hydration for sure.

Smothering, progressive, incurable, and terminal.  It’s certainly not a pretty picture.

I have been on OFEV for 6 years as of two days ago. The only actual side effects that have been a problem have been some stomach cramping and the associated diarrhea. I have been able to keep the diarrhea mostly under control with Loperamide (Immodium) by just taking one when the first sign of loose stools appears. If I am going to be… Read more

I agree with Paul Lakeland. The drop in O2 levels is most likely from the progression of the disease.

I use Albuterol on occasion before exercise and before bed. It does seem to help. I also use a nebulizer with Albuterol when I seem more “choked up” than usual. It also does seem to offer some relief. They also test me with Albuterol during my PFTs and it does show some improvement post-use.

Hello Ted,

It seems that oscillating pressure is a treatment that is common in the southern hemisphere. I have been using a device called an Air-Physio that is made in Australia. It is the same concept with the steel ball vibrating as you exhale. I have found that when I use it before bed especially, it tends to cut down on some of the… Read more

Hi Susan. I have already been using a wedge pillow and the head of my bed has been raised. I decided to try an experiment last night and sleep flat. It was with less coughing as I had been experiencing with the wedge. It was successful and I’ll give it another try tonight. It’s the same way for me with the cramps. I also get them when not coughing.

I have a cough, although it doesn’t go on quite as long as with the OP. Mine is most prevalent at bedtime and in the morning, but will also occur during the day. I often cough so hard and long to expel mucus that it causes cramps in my intercostal muscles in the back and in my transversus thoracic muscle. The cramps are quite painful. I… Read more

The Breathe app is native. It will already be on your watch.

I thought I would give an update on my experience with the Apple Watch 5 that was under the tree on Christmas. I have been exploring the use and potential over the last two weeks. I have found it to be extremely useful in any number of ways both health and related to life in general. It works relatively seamlessly with my iPhone, although,… Read more

I had not really been interested in an Apple watch until the series 4 & 5.  The new capabilities will be useful and they keep adding more with each update. I agree that O2 saturation would be a real benefit. I will be seeing one under the tree for Christmas.  Be careful Lorraine, the quality and performance of your iPhone may lead you down a… Read more

I have been on OFEV for almost three years. It is the first and only IPF medication I have used. I live in Florida and bicycle a lot, so Esbriet was a non-starter for me.  Of course, the effectiveness of the medication is quite subjective. I do believe that it has slowed progression, but then, how fast would it progress without? Anyway,… Read more