Biography

Name

Gerry Raker

Nickname

gerry-raker

Year of Birth

1951

Gender

Male

Location

Jonesville, Michigan

Relationship

Patient

Short Bio

I am a 68 year old male, healthy and fit other than IPF, not taking any prescriptions other than Ofev. I am very outdoor and mountain activity oriented. In October of 2014 I was in a serious equestrian accident, fracturing multiple ribs and suffering through a bout of pneumonia. I recovered physically soon enough but could not seem to get my wind back. I kept training to no avail and finally went to a local doctor, complaining about shortness of breath on exertion. Now, many doctors and tests later I have ended up at the University of Michigan pulmonary clinic with a diagnosis IPF (March 2018).  My FEV1/FVC is 120%.  My DL/VA is 60%.  I use 10 l/m of oxygen to exercise and variable amounts during strenuous outdoor activity.  I have also been diagnosed with Hypopnia and use a BiPap machine set at 13 and 9 cm.  I was on Esbriet for a few months but could not tolerate the fatigue and skin reaction.  My biggest problem is finding oxygen equipment suitable for using while active.

Type of Diagnosis

IPF

Treatment / Medical Facility

Michigan Medicine Pulmonary Clinic, University of Michigan

Current medication regimen

Nintedanib, Ofev 300mg/day

Supplemental Oxygen

yes

Best advice for PF symptom management

Enjoy your memories, but forget about trying to be who you were.  Be who you are and live in the now.  Keep planning the future and pushing to do a little bit more than you think that you can.  Pay less attention to your oxygen saturation monitor and listen more to your body.

Are you currently taking an anti-fibrotic medication?

yes

How did you find us?

PF News Website

How long have you or the person that you are caring for had PF?

Who knows? Diagnosed in March of 2018.

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