Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

[mrsmoose123]

My father passed away at 58 yrs old from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.  I have heard that this is a fancy way of saying he has a life threatening lung disease but they have no name for it.  Through researching online I have seen a few studies published indicating that this may be hereditary.  has anyone else gone through this, is anyone going through this?  Maybe we can share info?  I am scared not only for me but for my two young children.

Thank you.

Christine

[al14]

i think im very interested on this topic because last year my last chest xray result say  fibrosis on my right apex. i dont know what kind of fibrosis its only in the result. so kindly give me an idea if this is a deadly disease or kind of alarming disease. because what i know is just a scar according to the doctor.

[lynnkay]

I keep a regular check on this forum. So, I will especially keep a close eye on your post. Just in case you want to talk about your concerns. I have even been contacted before by email. From other MedHelp members. Please feel free to do that, if you so like.

[lynnkay]

My mother passed away August 20, 2007. She was in the end stage of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. She died 4 months after a lung transplant. So, I do so understand how you feel. My mother was 69. I am sure if you researched IPF, that you know idiopathic means cause unknown. Yes, it is a terminal and deadly lung disease. Life expectancy between 5-6 years. Sometimes, medication may slow it down. But, in my mother's case, the medications did not. I am afraid that yes, it can be hereditary. But, not in all cases. Lung disease is running in our family. My mother's father died with lung cancer. My mother's brother with COPD. Last year me and my only brother found out, that we both have COPD, also. But, I want to add, that all of us smoked, except for my mother. I understand your concern for yourself and your children. If I can be any further help to you, I will be most glad to offer any help I can. I already have lung disease, which is what COPD is. I worry about my future to be quite honest. I have 3 grown children and 5 grandchildren. I worry about them possibly having the gene that could cause lung disease, too. I am no expert by any means. I though have researched IPF in great depth. Along with COPD. I am here, if you need to talk.