[Steve Dragoo]

Hi Charlene,

I will probably call an attorney soon as I do have a work restriction letter.  I have been in a variety of senior executive management and field positions in sales and marketing and can find some work on UpWork as a freelancer but that platform has changed a lot the past 5 years.

As the mental and physical reality of this disease sets in, we just want to be together under one roof. So we continue to work o her papers.  I probably will go visit her in November or December.

Thanks for fixing the smoothie recipes – I’ll have a look.

Here’s the breathing link:  https://pulmonaryfibrosisnews.com/2017/10/18/4-breathing-exercises-pulmonary-fibrosis/

Take care,

SteveD

[Steve Dragoo]

Hi Charlene,

Very sorry to hear of you being absent a few days.  This is not an easy disease.  I had a decent week in spite of loosing my job because I cannot work the hours and they would not offer an accommodation. The hardest thing I am dealing with is being away from my wife for four months as of today.  Very thankful we have Skype or Facebook.

Thanks too for the breathing insights. I did find a website that has four suggestions.  Tell me where to provide that link if you want it posted soewhere.

Thinking of websites, I tried a couple times to cut and paste 2 smoothie recipes I copied from the Web but kept getting what looked like html code mixed in.  Any ideas on that one?

Do hope you have a peaceful restful weekend. – SteveD

[Steve Dragoo]

@Charlene – please help I am doing something wrong posting a cut and paste recipe from word.  Also tried sending it as an email and cut and paste it.  That didn’t work either.  Thanks – SteveD

[Steve Dragoo]

Hi Charlene – I would certainly appreciate anything else you can share about your breathing exercises.  My PT is looking at some but doesn’t seem to have the experience you have mentioned before. I will ask again Thursday if she was able to obtain the metformin report but I do not thing it will shed any light or have any recommendations.   Certainly input is welcome from all.  – SteveD

[Steve Dragoo]

Anti inflammatory smoothies

1 cup berries of your choice (such as blueberries, raspberries, cranberries)
1 compressed cup of leafy greens of your choice (such as kale, spinach)
2 inch (5 cm) piece of ginger
1 tablespoon unrefined coconut oil
1 teaspoon, or more, of fresh chia seeds
A little bit of honey, maple syrup, or stevia to sweeten

Blend – drink

Ingredients
1 cup cucumber
1 cup fennel
1 cup apple
1 1/2 – 2 cups coconut water (water works as a substitution)
1/2 avocado (or more – I definitely use the seed too)
Juice from 1/2 of a lime

Chop the cucumber, fennel (use the bulb) and apple (without the core) into chunks, all with the skin on. The size of the chunks depends on your blender’s size and power. Peel your avocado and remove the pit. Put everything in a blender and squeeze in the lime-juice. Add a large dash of the sea-salt (this is not so that you can taste the salt, it is only to bring out the taste of the smoothie). Blend.
Enjoy this refreshing summer drink. If you make it a bit thicker by adding more avocado, it can be served as a summer soup! A health booster never tasted so delicious

[Steve Dragoo]

Hi Charlene,

Not sure if their paths ever crossed but probably not.  Our church has the health message and we reach many people world wide with it.  The US government has studied us twice, most recently in 2002 for a an extended period.  There overarching question to answer was determine why Seventh Day-Adventists live 10 years longer on average than the general population. It is our health message and Spiritual walk… – Steve

[Steve Dragoo]

Hi Charlene – My friend is a missionary in Australia now.  I returned from 2 years in the Philippines a few months ago. As I think about it he may have taught the breathing principles you mentioned – don’t fully remember. He had an attractive orthopedic practice but realized the medicine was not as helpful as food.  So magnesium is best in food not powder or supplements there are some problems with those.  Here is a brief list:  https://simplyhealth.io/21-foods-high-magnesium/?utm_source=%2Bfoods%20%2Bhigh%20%2Bmagnesium&utm_medium=magnesiumfoodshighin&utm_campaign=adw_us&gclid=CjwKCAjws8vaBRBFEiwAQfhs-MzQAGgbbb07CrrTyZA994NnppRzxSjZyuSH7tvTnuNIfJQjEsb_4xoCC7UQAvD_BwE

Hope that helps… – SteveD

[Steve Dragoo]

Hi Charlene,

Thanks for you kind words and the pulmonary respiratory PT idea.  The same doctor friend that said pills are for dying people; food is for living people also practices one great breathing exercise when he walks.  Slowly he built up to 6 or 8 steps (I forget exact number but maybe 8) inhale; 8 steps exhale – compared to our average 2 steps each.  Which brings me to magnesium. It is one substance that is a lot better to take as a whole food or smoothie as opposed to a supplement. Don’t know why just know a couple homeopaths that state that.

Regards my regimen I am saying I don’t know what I don’t know (think Johari WIndow) so I am doubly cautious about recommendations because for some their condition is frail and things may not be tolerated well.  Also there are certainly other potential lung cleanse/supplements to be discovered. So far I can sense no side effects or improvement from the 2 lung supplements but I can update you in a couple more weeks. I would count it a victory if my symptoms hold instead of getting worse.

I sure will give all any info I get from my PT next week if she has reviewed the report about Metformin.

Kind regards all – SteveD

[Steve Dragoo]

Hi Cooper – I love fresh ground flax seed and use it almost daily on fresh fruit and a “healthy” pancake recipe I do.  If you are taking grape seed oil because of its pycnogenol, I think the maritime pine tree bark may be a stronger form, at least it used to be when I was taking it over 20 years ago.  I may well start the pine bark again there seems to be a lot of history even from native americans.

I am not sure of getting over shortness of breath except strength training with a pulmonary PT and lung breathing exercises, increasing magnesium with green smoothies and D3 combined with K2 I mentioned above may help some too.

Success to you…

Steve

[Steve Dragoo]

Hello to all,

Several have asked me what I am taking.  I will post below but I just started both supplements less than 10 days ago.  My IPF seems slow growth and sometimes I have a good diet other times not at all.  So at 69 I do take several supplements that I have researched over the years several times.  Rather they help IPF or not I cannot say but they generally help my BP, BS, endurance, brain function, and more.  I will list those below also.

Since being diagnosed 2 months ago, I have looked a lot at video’s about lung help/cleanse and I will post the one that is easiest for anyone to do below. It is turmeric, real raw honey, and fresh ground pepper.

Somewhere on the internet there are several lists of optimal foods for the lungs all of us could use.  Additionally it is important our magnesium and D3 levels are average or above – according to several I have talked to regards immune defense. Next blood test you do ask for those to be added.

Regards Metformin, I hope my PT will be able to get the white paper soon but all drugs – ALL – have side effects.  Food is for living people, drugs are for dying people says a doctor friend of mine.  With that said I do take a small dose of Metformin being diabetic but diet is a much better long term course.

This is not a recommendation to anyone and I am 6′ tall at 230 lbs, 69 years old. Ok I take: Alpha Lipoic Acid 300 mg daily (Time Release – important or it’s a waste), D3 2000 IU – it is important to take K2 with D3, – I take 200 mcg daily, Co Q10 hi absorption 200 mg, Vit A 5000 IU, Vit E 400 IU (d-alpha tocopherol) Ginko Biloba 120 mg (just started again after 20 year absence).

The 2 Chinese supplements are Astragalus 2000 mg (can take more safely but I cannot advise how much, also one brief I read implies it is mildly successful in reversing IPF – unverified), and something called Clear Lung extra strength (the strength amount per pill is a little confusing but I take 3 – 5 of these daily).

Lastly, I just started a few essential oils in a diffuser and will need to experiment to figure it out.  One expensive EO (I did not get yet) has a couple recommendations (unverified) specific to IPF but EO is unregulated and purity is always suspect.

Here are the links I mentioned (I am not an affiliate of any of these): Turmeric/honey – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnCDzAHtjAM 

Astragalus: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075VCD82Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Clear Lung:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016AV5IE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Input definitely welcome…

Steve

[Steve Dragoo]

Howdy – been to TX a number of times closest to you was Johnson City and maybe Shreveport LA. Was diagnosed abut 3 months ago but I believe I may have started having symptoms in late 2016 in Manila.  Using VA Hospital system in Salem, VA – live in Roanoke.  VA is a little similar to a HMO – you have to ask but you do get. Currently have a terrific pulmonologist and she referred me to an outside pulmonary PT clinic – they are researching a recent white paper about Metformin for me and will post what I learn when they get the info.  Not in a group other than my church and a group at VA called M.O.V.E. Try to stay active as much as you can and change your diet – fresh, raw, organic. Currently on my own as my wife is in the Philippines so that’s not a lot of fun as I had to break the news to her via Skype.  Diagnosis gives a new sense of urgency…

[Steve Dragoo]

Michael – there are a couple different herb formulas I’m trying that support and may even reverse (not clear)PF.  My PT is trying to get the full Metformin report but that could take a while, however it is/was lab induced fibrosis and lab controlled.  That alone leaves a lot to discover.  If you want more on these two herb supplements let me know. – Steve

[Steve Dragoo]

PS from above.  One user inhales through the mouth and exhales through the nose.  Just tried it and that is more effective.  I also asked the general community what holds the oils (are there any carrier oils – if so what)..  Thanks again for this thread. – Steve

[Steve Dragoo]

Hi Charlene – the inhaler I mentioned in another thread has 4 essential oils and Himalayan salt.  Been using it about a week and like its’ refreshing action.  In reading the reviews by verified buyers, helped me decide. Supposedly it will last for several years if resealed properly. At $10 if it only lasted a year that would be a good bargain to me (no – I am not an Amazon Affiliate). Yes I would buy it again. Here is where I found it on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TWTGP4U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 . Thanks! – Steve

[Steve Dragoo]

Charlene – I think each of us will have a different response to the herbs in the lung flush.  Took one today start 2 tomorrow and every day.  Like the inhaler – it is refreshing…

[Steve Dragoo]

Hi Charlene,

The veggie caps/inhaler arrived today.  Veggie caps link:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016AV5IE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1.

The inhaler is the old type vicks nose inhaler. Inhaler link:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TWTGP4U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 .

Wellness is our duty…

Steve

[Steve Dragoo]

Hey Charlene,

I will ask my pulmPT next week about specific breathing exercises and I do know a couple.  Thanks for offering.  The heat?  Well I have been seen walking barefoot in snow just a few years ago but I spent the last 2 years in the Philippines so now the heat is familiar…. Been stateside since April and almost froze then in Roanoke, VA… hahahahah

[Steve Dragoo]

So what’s better; barefoot at the beach r baorefoot in the snow?  I don’t know I’ll let you know when I get home after I finish looking for my shoes. I left them in the Alps somewhere….. Peace…

[Steve Dragoo]

Hi Christine,

Thanks for your response. I was diagnosed a couple months ago but started having problems late 2016.  Just started pulmonary PT and it is more a general workout so far.  I am unfamiliar w liter measurements yet but the PlumPT should involve ways to expand capacity as much as possible while still able.  That’s why I mentioned my doctor friend.

So we can independently practice longer breathes while walking on flat surfaces to help inflate/expand the lungs. Best success to you… Steve

[Steve Dragoo]

Hi Charlene,

In one of your earlier posts here you mentioned pulmonary PT.  Did they teach you any specific breathing exercises? I have a doctor friend who practices taking 8 – 10 steps breath in;  8 – 10 breath out.  That seems like a good idea to work on for us.  Thoughts?

Thanks,

Steve

[Steve Dragoo]

Hi Charlene – I bought capsules with a slightly different formula (few dollars more) and an essential oil(s) nose inhaler.  Soon will buy a nebulizer and several pure oils and dilute with a top coconut carrier oil.  Some close to me gave some worthy advice to go on a strict juice regimen for 60 days.  I am working on the recipe and can share if you want later.  Basically it is carrots beets and dark leafy greens being the bulk. Drink 90 ounces per day. Hope your efforts are successful. – Steve

[Steve Dragoo]

Thanks Sandra – your post started me looking at other Amazon lung cleanse options and there are several. Some veggie caps and other mixtures.  I will be adding a few essential oils soon too and will try the veggie caps first and maybe an inhaler that looks useful on AZ… Steve

[Steve Dragoo]

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