Doctor visit

[Guest guest]

I had my app't with Dr Simonelli, the fibrosis specialist at NY

Hospital, Columbia-Cornell yesterday. I was both surprised and

gratified at the amount of time he spent with me. He shared lots of

information and I was happy I had my sister with me. She took notes

which allowed me just to listen and take it all in as best I could.

He ordered lots of bloodwork to try to determine the etioloty of my

fibrosis and a new high resolution ct scan as the one I had when I

was hospitalized is apparently pretty poor quality.

So no new meds, until we have more information. The one piece of

good news is he did some spirometry in his office and my FVC

improved from the PFT I had last month. He feels this may be

evidence that the prednisone is doing me some good.

So for the moment I will just continue doing what I'm doing and work

my butt off in rehab. I'm very glad I was referred to a specialist

of this caliber. It's nice to be able to ask questions and pick the

brain of someone who's got the latest information and research at

his fingertips.

Hope everyone is well today. You are all in my prayers!

Beth IPF June/06