[Terry Mcloughlin]

Charlene,

just 2 weeks ago, I started to feel pain in my finger and wrist joints. It moved to my shoulders and became much worse. At the same time, I noticed a skin pigmentation change to purple on the underside of both forearms. I went to my GP and he ordered blood tests, some of which indicated anemia with low hemoglobin and red cell count. I am waiting on the other results that may indicate if I should see a hemotoligist or a rheumatologist. It may be related to a bone marrow issue. Are you experiencing these symptoms?

[Terry Mcloughlin]

 

This is an article that suggests gene mutations resulting in short telomere length and can be linked to familial IPF and Bone Marrow failure.

http://err.ersjournals.com/content/errev/26/144/160122.full.pdf

[Terry Mcloughlin]

Charlene, humidity doesn’t seem to bother me as much since I moved from the city to Innisfil a few years ago. It may actually be the higher air quality based on reduced pollution. I would also like to hear from someone who lives is a climate with a consistently higher level of humidity.

Spending time on the lake and boating often gives me plenty of opportunity to swim but my distance is significantly reduced. I jumped off the front of the boat last year and barely  made it to the back to climb the ladder. I’ll never try that again. Be careful.

 

[Terry Mcloughlin]

I’m surprised about how much information is available linking vitamin d deficiency and lung disease.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-03474-6

[Terry Mcloughlin]

sorry for getting you hopes up but there is more information on the tax deduction.

In 2015, the tax department ruled that the deduction should not be allowed. Perhaps there is more to come.

[Terry Mcloughlin]

I just tried the link I posted earlier and it didn’t work however if you google
tallon v. the queen 2015 fca 156
You will find the information about the claims and appeal.

[Terry Mcloughlin]

I found a case where a person claimed expenses for a trip to a warm climate to improve their health condition. In 2008 their claim was accepted. In 2009 their claim was partially rejected however they appealed and won.  This is a link to the appeal;
<p style=”margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;”><span style=”font-size: 12pt;”>https://taxinterpretations.com/content/354519</span></p&gt;
Gil, I’ve been trying to understand what part of climate makes me feel better. Is it the temperature, humidity or barometric pressure, or possibly sun intensity and vitamin D?

My experience seems to indicate that high temperature, medium to high humidity and high barometric pressure helps the most. Ten weeks ago, I was in Mexico and could climb 2 sets of stairs and walk the beach without oxygen. Last spring I was in Ibiza and could climb cliffs to see the old forts with just occasional breaks and I also went to Cannes where I could walk up very high hills all without bringing oxygen. In these 3 examples, the temperatures were 25 to 30, the humidity was 75% or higher and barometric pressure was at sea level with a clear sky. Today, I am indoors with oxygen at 3.5 without exertion.

I feel that the most important factor is the barometric pressure or the salt air being at the coast.

 

[Terry Mcloughlin]

I find it interesting that such a high percentage of forum members share the same vitamins D insufficiency. I just started taking the suppliment several months ago and haven’t noticed any changes in how I feel. I may double my dosage to 10,000 IU, which is still within safe limits, at least until the summer begins.

When I returned from a trip to Mexico a few months ago, I told my GP how good I felt and how my IPF symptoms were significantly reduced. He responded by saying “so what are you doing here in Ontario. Go back to Mexico”. I had a chuckle and said I would, very soon. Apparently, if a medical condition can be treated by being in an improved climate, the expense or at least part of it, is a tax deduction. I spoke to my accountant about this and she is looking into it.

Perhaps it’s just another positive attribute to having IPF.

[Terry Mcloughlin]

I wonder if the vitamin D deficiency is a symptom or a contributor to IPF. I also have been diagnosed several times with a deficiency. I started a D3 5000 IU once per day. I am out on the water all summer and vacation in the sun during the winter but it doesnt seem to be enough. I wonder if increasing our exposure to the sun will reduce the symptoms or the disease progression

[Terry Mcloughlin]

Charlene, your posts are very interesting and motivated me to join this group. I hope I can learn more about ways to improve my quality of life living with IPF.

I have been very lucky since my diagnosis 5 years ago. I have many good days but if I come down with a cold or lung infection I have very bad days, for many weeks. My family and friends know how vulnerable I am and take precautions to protect me.

I too enjoy travel and still try to get away a few times during these long cold winters in Ontario. In December, I visited one of my favourite spots in Cancun where my symptoms where significantly better. Within 24 hours of arriving there, I could climb 2 flights of stairs and was able to walk the beach. At home, I can barely climb 4 stairs without needing to rest and catch my breath. I have been trying to understand what factors contribute to this, temperature, humidity or pressure. I think most lung related diseases have reduced symptoms in moderate temperatures and patients with asthma and allergies prefer the climate in Arizona which is dryer and a higher elevation than the coastal areas, but I feel best at sea level with hot temperatures and medium to high humidity. I would appreciate other people’s opinions on what climate is best for them?