Wendy Dirks
Biography
| Name | Wendy Dirks |
| Nickname | wendy-dirks |
| Year of Birth | 1952 |
| Gender | Female |
| Location | Newcastle upon Tyne, UK |
| Relationship | Patient |
| Short Bio | I am a semi-retired biological anthropologist, recently diagnosed with PF (chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis) after years of struggling with my breath. My father died of this disease 30 years ago and at the time, his doctor told us to be vigilant of our lung health as the genetics of the disease were poorly understood. I continue to do research from home and also write a doll soap opera blog that keeps me occupied. |
| Type of Diagnosis | PF of known aetiology |
| Treatment / Medical Facility | Royal Victoria Infirmary Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic |
| Current medication regimen | I am currently taking the numerous asthma medications I have used for the last 15 years – antihistamines and steroid inhalers. |
| Lung transplantation status | ineligible |
| Supplemental Oxygen | no |
| Best advice for PF symptom management | I have undertaken pulmonary rehabilitation and loved it. I’m in a video promoting it from the British Lung Foundation. However, over the last years my oxygen saturation has started to drop during exercise and I am focussing on chair yoga, which I love. Exercise is my main form of symptom management and a spoonful of honey when my coughing is out of control. |
| Are you currently taking an anti-fibrotic medication? | no |
| How did you find us? | PF News Website |
| How long have you or the person that you are caring for had PF? | My doctors believe I have had it for a long time and that would explain a lot. I was diagnosed 3 months ago. |
| Privacy Policy and Terms of Use | I agree |