The final decision is pulmonary fibrosis. The doc said it's very concerning that it came on and whacked my life so hard over the past year. I had more test and crap done on me in the past 12 months and they finally come up with a name for it. There are different kinds and causes and sometimes no cause can be found. Her best bet is the drycleaning fluids I worked around for 30 years. Could be agent orange also. Any way, it's the scarring of your lung tissue so it no longer is pliable and flexible. She says the only cure for me would be a lung transplant. Most places won't accept a person as a candidate if you're over 65. I'm 69. She has a call into a couple of the better places. She really is pushing to get me into Pittsburg. They'll do the evaluation and see if I otherwise qualify. If I don't... well that's pretty much it. Air flow will become less and less and one day I'll just stop breathing. Anyway, she's trying to get me in. She wouldn't give me a timeline. I kept asking and she kept ducking the question. Finally my brother(he went in with me to make sure I heard everything) just said, why won't you answer his question. I think he has a right to know. She said, because I don't know. This came on so fast and progressed so fast.... there's no way of knowing. I'll try and get you into Pittsburg as fast as I can. If they say no, well it's pretty much NO. So there you are. At the very least I'd like all moderators I pissed off over the years to take a double Tanqueray on the rocks for me. It was all in fun. I cheated death really bad a couple times back in 1968. I say I dodged the bullet 5 times but caught it 3 times. Looks like now maybe Vietnam or my business got me in the end. So, that's the end of this talk. I won't mention it again unless something note worthy pops up.... like yes or no from Pittsburg. Back to the games at hand.
Prayers for you David, I hope all works out... I'm sure you'll be fine, your one tough old guy. Seriously though.. keep us updated.
Hoping for the best for you bud. And also knowing that not much is going to keep you from keeping on. Best of luck to you and keep us informed.
Really sorry to hear this David. Prayers are with you, and for some reason, I have a feeling you will be around with us for a while:D
Hang in there Dave, your a tuff old bird. My dad found out he had stage 3 black lung and TB, 15 years ago. They gave him 5 years to live. 12 years ago one of his lungs collapsed twice and they had to take it out. For the past 10 years, he's lived with 30% of his brething in the one lung he has. Anyway, he's still kicking, he just brought me a mess of fish he cought last week....he and mom are going dancing tomorow night, lol.
A positive attitude is a crazy, powerful, magical thing David. Beat it in your head first. A few million little fishies are counting on you! I prayed a prayer of healing for you.
I second this. My grandfather lost both his legs then got leukemia. They told him he only had a few years... That was 7 years ago. He is very happy and is extremely positive. Like said before a positive attitude will go a long way
Very sorry to hear that David. I've never met you in person but this still does hurt me. You have given a lot for this country and deserve better. Good luck with getting in to Pitt. And for heaven’s sake, keep us updated as much as you feel comfortable. We do want to know.
Geez Dave that's tough man. I'll definitely say a prayer for you. As others said, stay positive and kick this thing in the @ss.
