New Member

[Guest guest]

Kandy:

Are you diabetic or have a family member that is? If so, tell about yourself

and the diabetes...are you on insulin or pills?

Welcome to the group, I'm sure you will find many helpful people here to

guide you with any questions you have in regard to diabetes, etc.

Kandy/ducksback

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[Guest guest]

Hello, Kandy. Welcome to our diabetes group. Tell us about how you control

your diabetes, which is our focus on this list?. Are you type I or type II?

Insulin, meds, or diet and exercise? What was your latest HbA1C? Do you

use the ADA diet, or low carb?

If you are diabetic, you will learn a lot here.

Barb

--------------

RAINBOW FARM UNLTD.

Breeding Premium Oldenburgs,

and fancy sport ponies.

http://www.rainbowfarm.com

>Hi I am Kandy,

>I am a stay-at-home-mom to a whole housefull of kids and we live in

>Vancouver, WA.

>I am 34 and married to one of the best guys around for 8 years now. I'm

>looking forward to getting to know you!

[Guest guest]

Hi Kandy,

I'm also a mum, I have type 1 diabetes, diagnosed about 6 years ago.

Welcome to the group

New Member

Hi I am Kandy,

I am a stay-at-home-mom to a whole housefull of kids and we live in

Vancouver, WA.

I am 34 and married to one of the best guys around for 8 years now. I'm

looking forward to getting to know you!

Kandy

Skin problems, hemoroids, acne, cold sores, burns, herpes, etc?

http://www.freeyellow.com/members8/kandyk00/index.html

Want a home-based business that works?

http://www.freeyellow.com/members8/kandyk00/page3.html

Kandy - Aspiring Midwife - Wife to a great man,

Mother of six, - Home-schooler/Home-birther

Love is the answer - Give in to God

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[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/24/00 2:16:26 PM Pacific Standard Time,

annie_pope@... writes:

<< The second time it happened, a month later, I was coincidently in my

doctor's office and they did an EKG recording the fib. I corrected myself

that time as well.

Now i seem to slip in and out of it easily. >>

Did your doctor check your thyroid level? A TSH and T4 test should have been

done because excessive thyroid hormone is a common cause of a-fib. Also,

electrolytes should be checked (potassium especially). From my experience, a

hot day can trigger problems with both the thyroid and electrolyte levels

which can in turn trigger a-fib.

[Guest guest]

Hi, Annie. I am a relative newbie like you.

I am only a layperson, but I have a few quetions from

looking at your database entry --

I am not sure what an ACE inhibitor does, but doesn't

it have an effect on the heart as well as the kidneys?

I looked up prinivil and it said a possible side effect

was " palpitations. " So maybe what you are experiencing

is just a medication side effect and your medication needs

adjusting.

Dilacor seems to be tiazac, a calcium channel blocker,

which is what my internist first

put me on. Later I went on toprol xl instead, a beta blocker,

the toprol is much more helpful for me than tiazac was.

I used to take ativan sparingly. Now I take it carefully but

fairly regularly, since for me stress is an afib trigger, and

the ativan helps me deal with the afib and, I suspect,

reduces the number of episodes.

A lot of afib people have gerd, and it is possible to

confuse (as I have done) esophageal spasms with heart

irregularities. I know you have ekg evidence, I am just saying

that it is easy to wig out after that and confuse the two

things. My doc had me wear a 24 hour heart monitor for a day

so he could tell what was actually happening once I was

past the initial afib.

I think dehydration can bring on afib, and it looks like

you might have been dehydrated at the beach. Has your

doctor checked for any underlying cause, such as thyroid,

or out of whack calcium/potassium/magnesium, and done an

echocardiogram and treadmill test?

good luck,

Trudy

[Guest guest]

Hi Mike:

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome.............you have come to the right place. It

shouldn't be too long and one or more of our members will be jumping in here

pertaining to your inquiry about Magnesium and Niacin and other natural

stuff.

Please feel free to bore us <g>! Honestly, we really enjoy hearing about

our members. In fact, a while back, we had a *Just Fer Fun* post where we

asked our members to rattle on. It's probably time to push that post up

front so that our many new members can provide their Bios.

Try out our many great features: *Poll*, *Database*, **Bookmarks*, *Files*.

*Calendar*. You can find these in the left hand column of our website.

Also, take a few minutes and take a look at and fill in ' Database:

http://www.dialsolutions.com/af. This database will give you some clues as

to who is who in our Group. In fact, you may just find lots of information

that will interest you.

Again, its a pleasure to have you join us..........log in often. We look

forward to your posts and inquiries.

Ellen

*********************

New member

(clip) I am Mike Reid a new subscriber to the site. (clip)

> I would appreciate knowing if anyone has had any positive impact from

magnesium and niacin specifically and also are there any other natural type

things I might look into. Thanks! Mike

***********************

[Guest guest]

Just wanted to say a BIG thanks to all who responded to my first

message. I really appreciate the advice. Those who wanted more info-

here it is-I have had high b/p (under control with medication) for

over 20 years-long before the afib. It always starts when I am laying

down or even wakes me up from a sound sleep-because I feel-then hear-

the thump, thump, thump!! I don't notice any particular triggers-

although stress could be one of them. I will start keeping a notebook

near by when I have the attacks and write down what I did that night

that might have brought on the attack-maybe that will help. I am

planning to make an appointment with a cardiologist because I am sure

he knows much more than my regular doctor about this. I will continue

to use my treadmill-thanks!! I am also watching what I eat and thus,

losing weight at the same time. I have lost 50 lbs. over the last

year and a half and am still working at it. My biggest mistake was

not getting enough exercise-which is why I got the treadmill. I will

continue to look forward to all these messages. Thanks again for

everybody's input.

Kathy

[Guest guest]

Hi folks,

My name is and I was just diagnosed two weeks ago with IPF. I

had been sick for about two weeks, really sick the second, and went to

the pulmonologist. (I'm an ICU RN, so I knew who I needed to see.)

By the time I went, I was getting better, so I expected him to let me

go to work. My sats on RA were 91% and he sent me straight to the

hospital.

I'm having a hard time accepting this diagnosis and quitting smoking.

Right now, I'm breathing well and back at work. I hate the combivent

inhaler because it gives me the tremors, but I can really tell a

difference when I do use it. I've only had a few cigarettes today,

big improvement, but I'm jonesing for one right now, LOL.

Anyway, thank you all for starting this group and giving me a chance

to join. It's good to know that there are others out there who've

been where I am and I hope I can help some of you as much as I'm sure

you'll be helping me.

, 7-06

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome to our support group. I am glad you are posting and sorry that you have to bear such a diagnosis. Have you had biopsy yet? There are people on our group that get a different diagnosis after biopsy. It will be good to have another nurse on board. We have one already... Diane. She helps us with medical questions and it will be good to have our own medical team. We are here to lend an ear, answer any questions that we can answer and to learn from you.

I pray that you will persevere against the tobacco.

Hugs,

Joyce Pf 1997 >> Hi folks,> > My name is and I was just diagnosed two weeks ago with IPF. I> had been sick for about two weeks, really sick the second, and went to> the pulmonologist. (I'm an ICU RN, so I knew who I needed to see.) > By the time I went, I was getting better, so I expected him to let me> go to work. My sats on RA were 91% and he sent me straight to the> hospital. > > I'm having a hard time accepting this diagnosis and quitting smoking.> Right now, I'm breathing well and back at work. I hate the combivent> inhaler because it gives me the tremors, but I can really tell a> difference when I do use it. I've only had a few cigarettes today,> big improvement, but I'm jonesing for one right now, LOL.> > Anyway, thank you all for starting this group and giving me a chance> to join. It's good to know that there are others out there who've> been where I am and I hope I can help some of you as much as I'm sure> you'll be helping me.> > , 7-06>

[Guest guest]

> >

> > Hi folks,

> >

> > My name is and I was just diagnosed two weeks ago with IPF. I

> > had been sick for about two weeks, really sick the second, and

went to

> > the pulmonologist. (I'm an ICU RN, so I knew who I needed to see.)

> > By the time I went, I was getting better, so I expected him to

let me

> > go to work. My sats on RA were 91% and he sent me straight to the

> > hospital.

> >

> > I'm having a hard time accepting this diagnosis and quitting

smoking.

> > Right now, I'm breathing well and back at work. I hate the

combivent

> > inhaler because it gives me the tremors, but I can really tell a

> > difference when I do use it. I've only had a few cigarettes today,

> > big improvement, but I'm jonesing for one right now, LOL.

> >

> > Anyway, thank you all for starting this group and giving me a

chance

> > to join. It's good to know that there are others out there who've

> > been where I am and I hope I can help some of you as much as I'm

sure

> > you'll be helping me.

> >

> > , 7-06

> >

>

, I am so sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with this

dreaded disease. Just remember that we have the disease it doesn't

have us. The best treatment is to keep a positive attitude and you

can make it through. I was diagnosed in Jan 2003 and I had never

heard of IPF and wish I still had not heard of it. I had to give up a

job that I loved dearly because it took me away from home and doctors

for 30 to 60 days at a time and I could not take my concentrator with

me so I had to leave. I have managed to keep a positive attitude even

during the times that have told me that I didn't have long left. I

know that the doctors mean well but they don't hold my live in their

hands, God does and I know that no matter what the diagnoses may be

only He knows for sure when and how I am going to die, so why worry

about it? I just wish more doctors and medical personel were aware of

what they are looking at when they see all of the scarring in the

lungs so that may be it would not take so long for some of us to me

diagnosed. It took them almost 2 years to finally diagnose my IPF and

I am just thankful that I had a primary care person that knew I

wasn't crazy even when I started doubting my own sanity and kept

sending me to specialist until she found someone that knew what it

was. I tell her all the time that if it were not for her I am sure

that I would not be here now.

I will keep praying for you and all of us that have this disease and

our families. Family is so important for us now.

Barbara IPF 2003.

[Guest guest]

Thank-you for your warm welcome. I haven't had nor heard of the need

for a biopsy, yet. I see my pulmonologist again next week and we'll

see what he has to say. I get the feeling that it isn't that

advanced, although that may be just wishful thinking. They both said

the CT scan was terrible.

Anyway, I don't feel any different than I used to feel, but I sure

have a hard time owning the diagnosis. It's easier to say I had

pneumonia than that I have this debilitating disease. I'm not on

oxygen, though I was while I was in the hospital. How fast does this

stuff progress, anyway? I have two teenage daughters at home, plus

and 18 and 22 year old, with their respective baby sons, and my dad.

I'm the caregiver, and I have years to go. LOL

I'm encouraged to read how you keep going and doing things, even with

oxygen. It looks like that may be me someday, and its good to know

that it can be handled so well.

Hi, Diane, what area do you work in? I'm glad there's another nurse

on-board.

> >

> > Hi folks,

> >

> > My name is and I was just diagnosed two weeks ago with IPF. I

> > had been sick for about two weeks, really sick the second, and went to

> > the pulmonologist. (I'm an ICU RN, so I knew who I needed to see.)

> > By the time I went, I was getting better, so I expected him to let me

> > go to work. My sats on RA were 91% and he sent me straight to the

> > hospital.

> >

> > I'm having a hard time accepting this diagnosis and quitting smoking.

> > Right now, I'm breathing well and back at work. I hate the combivent

> > inhaler because it gives me the tremors, but I can really tell a

> > difference when I do use it. I've only had a few cigarettes today,

> > big improvement, but I'm jonesing for one right now, LOL.

> >

> > Anyway, thank you all for starting this group and giving me a chance

> > to join. It's good to know that there are others out there who've

> > been where I am and I hope I can help some of you as much as I'm sure

> > you'll be helping me.

> >

> > , 7-06

> >

>

[Guest guest]

,

Wow, you really have your plate full!! We have several members who still work. One in a steel mill!

There is no definate timeline for IPF. Each individual has a timeline of thier own. At biopsy I was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis secondary to Lupus ( I have mixed connective tissue disease ). My pulmonary doctor worked in conjunction with my rheumatologist to get the Lupus under control and that halted the fibrosis somewhat. I am 9 years out from diagnosis but I was sick for a long time before they started getting serious. I am considered end stage now. But I still have a good quality of life, even with drugs, nebulizers, percussion therapy and oxygen. Every day is sweet.

There are people in our group who have differing views as to biopsy. It can be (and was for me) a very difficult experience. I think that I had gotten so sick and my poor body was not up to the operation. I believe from everything that I read from the top pulmonary docs that biopsy is the only way to get a true diagnosis. Even with high resolution scans and nuclear medicine, they know more with actual tissue samples. Up until biopsy the docs were putting a dozen different diagnosis to my lung pictures. Finally they knew what we were fighting.

There are decisions that you and only you can make. You are a medical person and have access to information. Research and know your enemy. You can do this! You sound like such a strong person and you can get through this. We will be here to help.

Hugs,

Joyce 1997> > >> > > Hi folks,> > >> > > My name is and I was just diagnosed two weeks ago with IPF. I> > > had been sick for about two weeks, really sick the second, and went to> > > the pulmonologist. (I'm an ICU RN, so I knew who I needed to see.)> > > By the time I went, I was getting better, so I expected him to let me> > > go to work. My sats on RA were 91% and he sent me straight to the> > > hospital. > > >> > > I'm having a hard time accepting this diagnosis and quitting smoking.> > > Right now, I'm breathing well and back at work. I hate the combivent> > > inhaler because it gives me the tremors, but I can really tell a> > > difference when I do use it. I've only had a few cigarettes today,> > > big improvement, but I'm jonesing for one right now, LOL.> > >> > > Anyway, thank you all for starting this group and giving me a chance> > > to join. It's good to know that there are others out there who've> > > been where I am and I hope I can help some of you as much as I'm sure> > > you'll be helping me.> > >> > > , 7-06> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

Welcome Jan, (like I hope this is your name)

I am 47 and have been diagnosed with IPF via an open lung biopsy this past June. According to the biopsy the fibrosis is "severe". I am currently on 60mg a day of prednisone which (thank God) I'm tolerating fairly well and as a bonus it does seem to be causing some moderate improvement in some aspects of my pulmonary function. I'll take whatever I can get.

You're right in the importance of a positive attitude. It makes a huge difference although some days are easier than others as I'm sure you know. I'm actually going to see a counselor to help me and am considering an anti-depressant. This stuff ain't easy.

How are you feeling? Keeping as active as possible is helping me. I'm currently participating in a pulmonary rehab program which is a godsend!

I'm glad you found this group although I'm sorry that it's necessary. I hope you'll find the support and friendship here that I am finding!

Beth IPF 06/06Draw close. Hold hands. Life is short. God is good.

new member

Hi,I'm new to this group. A little nervous about it too. I was diagnosed with UIP/IPF a few months ago. I've known for about 7 years that I've had fibrosis in my lungs. But it wasn't until I had a SECOND biopsy that I found out that I had IPF. It kind of blew me away when I was told that I'd eventually require a lung transplant. I just turned 50 so that was pretty scary. I've been through the evaluation process, but am currently too healthy to list for transplant. I was VERY happy when they told me that! I currently take Advair and recently started taking NAC. I'm not on any steroids and don't want to be. I'm keeping a positive attitude and moving on with my life. But, I'm also trying to learn as much as I can so I know what to expect. I know that a transplant is a big IF not WHEN. So, I want to prepare myself for the loss of lung function that I know will happen. I'd really like to be a part of this group because I

think we can all help each other cope. Thanks for listening!