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Supporting my husband, ILD - So afraid

Warriors2014 profile image
91 Replies

My husband was diagnosed ILD in Feb 2014 and since that date to this he has rapidly declined. He is 47 and we had 2 children 12 & 9

Today he is in ICU and they are considering Ventilating him i am pettrified as they have said it would be hard to bring him back from it,

At the minute he does not fit Transplant Criteria and to be honest i dont have much faith this will ever happen,

Hes had 3 infusions of "c" cant remember the name and on Sat they infused him with Ritolomab no positive signs yet x

Just looking for some ideas thoughts support, i am realisitic but so afraid :((

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Warriors2014
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91 Replies
creakykneed profile image
creakykneed

Hi Warriors. I'm afraid I have no ideas, but wanted to send my love and support. I can understand how scared you must be, and having to be strong for the children when you are afraid yourself is so hard. This is the place to come for us to help look after you.

I am sure someone with experience in this will be along soon, but my thoughts are with you. X

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply tocreakykneed

Thank you for your response x

Suzy6 profile image
Suzy6

Oh Warriors try and stay strong for the children. Have you got a relative or a friend nearby to help you. I don't have ILD so can't help much except to say I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Stay with this forum others I'm sure will be able to offer support and help xx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply toSuzy6

Thank you, I have lots of support but think I need to see this one out alone, the condition is so unknown and friends look at me strange as they to have no understanding, I am strong but unfortunately realistic - why isn't there more support from the NHS like there is for cancer patients, after all the condition is worse x thanks for listening x

knitter profile image
knitter

I am so sorry that your husband is suffering, can you ring the BLF helpline today...they are open from 10am during the working week...they can advise you better than I can. Thinking of you and your family

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply toknitter

Thank you x I did call BLF yesterday, and I was called back, unfortunately I did not find the advise useful - not sure what I expected everyone just seems to sit on the fence x thanks xx

Mavary profile image
Mavary

Hi Warrior. My Husband had Idiopathic Pulmonary fibrosis. I have seen him go into hospital and have wondered if he would come out. It's marvelous how they can recover and it can be quick. Here's hoping this will happen for your husband. I know how worrying it can be. My thoughts are with you. X

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply toMavary

Thanks Mavary x you said Had what happened if you don't mind me asking ? X I understand if you don't want to talk

Mavary profile image
Mavary in reply toWarriors2014

Hi Warriors. I have just read the other responses. My Husband had IPF and not ILD. The treatments are very different for this. My Husband went into hospital very ill. They gave him high doses of steroids. When he came home he was so much better. Unfortunately his condition was critical and I lost him twelve weeks ago this Friday. Please don't compare the two illnesses as they are different. X

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply toMavary

I am so sorry to hear of your loss, thank you so much for taking the time it really does mean so much xxx

Oh gosh how dreadful for you all. I am sorry I cant give you any help but perhaps the BLF helpline can help you (click on the red balloon) the nurses maybe able to help you with your fears. Take good care of yourself, my thoughts, love and prayers are with you. TAD xx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply to

Thank you x I did call BLF yesterday, and I was called back, unfortunately I did not find the advice useful - not sure what I expected everyone just seems to sit on the fence x thanks xx

maggie44 profile image
maggie44

Hello warrior

I have ILD. I had 6 of the infusions you described which seems to have slowed down the fibrosis. I know that rituximab is the next drug used to treat ILD. It is a problem that not many professionals understand or know of the disease, never mind the general public. If it is any comfort I have been in hospital a couple of times with pneumonia and been unable to walk for a few weeks, but have got back to being mobile in a limited way with oxygen. When I was in the Brompton a nurse from the Palliative care team came to see me.Her role was not just to deal with end of life cases, but to help patients access help to make life easier. She was v helpful. I wonder if your hospital has a similar service? I am so sorry you are having to go through this, it can feel v lonely and scary as my husband would agree.

You will both be in my thoughts.

Maggie

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply tomaggie44

Thank Maggie and im so pleased that you are better and managing at home xx Yes thats the drug he had Rituximab was infused Sat we have to wait 15 days for next lot x they have sediated him today hust praying that hes not ventilised as they where not hopeful - xx Thanks for love and concern xx keep fighting xx

Oh dear Warrior,you're realy having to live up to that name.

Big hugs to you,what a horrible time for you.How are your children copeing? As they are old enough to pick up what's happening.If they do ventilate your husband,they will need to see him,before that happens.I do feel for you,& unfortunately I realy can't advise you.

As your friends don't understand about ILD,is there any pamphlets etc. you could give them to read.You will probably need your friends in the coming days,so don't push them away love.Take care,we will be thinking of you,love Wendells xxx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply to

Thank you wendells so much for your concern and comments xxx im doing ok and the kids been amazing xxxx much love xx

huggs profile image
huggs

Hi Warrior, I am so very sorry that you are going through this. There is not much that I can say because I don't know anything about this condition. I wish I could help you in some way. I hope that you have someone with you at the hospital to support you, and , I agree with Wendells that if your husband is ventilated that your children should see him before this. Poor souls, to have to go through this at their age, its hard enough for adults. I just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, and to say that plenty of people have come back from situations where doctors and family have prepared for the worst. My father had a severe and near fatal heart attack and I was told there was no hope. Thank God, he lived for many years after that. I know the situations are completely different. I guess I am just saying, try and keep hope alive for as long as possible. Take care of yourself, and I am truly sorry for your situation and that I cannot help you. Best wishes, hugs xxx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply tohuggs

Thank you hugs so much for your concern and comments xx much love xx

dall05 profile image
dall05

Hi Warriors, I hope I can give you some positive vibes. I was sedated and ventilated for 1 month in Worcs Royal and I pulled through. I was in ICU for a total of 2 1/2 months and on the wards for a further 1 1/2 months but that was 4 years ago now and I'm ticking over ok. I was 51 at the time and this disease came from nowhere, stay positive and let the experts do their thing.

Remember stay positive, its possible to beat this ILD thing.

Tony.

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply todall05

Tony omg thank you for such a positive response xx I do hope your ok xx do you need a transplant ?? They transplant clinic have said they wont touch him until he can walk in !!!!! Unreal !

Thank you xxx

dall05 profile image
dall05 in reply toWarriors2014

Hi Warrior, Yes I've been on the transplant list for 12 months now at the QE Birmingham. You have to be ill enough but also fit enough to survive the operation which is a little weird.

After 3 1/2 months of being stuck in a bed I had to learn to walk all over again and it took another 4 months before I could walk 100 meters without stopping.

I can walk miles now at a very steady pace but I do need portable oxygen too.

There is light at the end of this but its all done in small steps.

If I can help in anyway don't hesitate to ask.

Tony xx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply todall05

Thanks so much Tony i would like to stay in touch if you dont mind, i understand if you dont want to, I will be sure to tell my husband your amazing story, xx

dall05 profile image
dall05 in reply toWarriors2014

Tell your husband not to fear sedation and ventilation as I had the most amazing dreams and in a crazy way I was having fun while all around me were going through hell. The hard work started when they brought me round and the physios appeared at the bottom of my bed. :)

Ask me anything you like and I'll do my best to help

Tony xx

dall05 profile image
dall05 in reply toWarriors2014

I thought I could add that while I was in ICU after I was brought round from sedation my oxygen levels struggled to hold above 90% on high flow air/oxygen, and my heart rate was a constant 120 for months. Its now 70-80 and pretty much normal.

From experience your husband will need to hear positive story's from others who have been through what he is enduring right now.

Tony xx

newlands profile image
newlands

You poor thing , how awful for you but you are being strong and you have come to the right place for support .

Please take care i will be thinking of you Dorothy xx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply tonewlands

Thank you Dorothy xx

DozyDormouse profile image
DozyDormouse

Hi Warrior

My heart goes out to you. I was in the same position as your husband and Tony just 18 months ago. I negotiated with the doctors to try everything else before being ventilated. The first was if my sats reached 55 and I could no longer talk in full sentences. The second was if the bipap machine was no longer helping and the third was if I refused tea. So for 12 hours I smiled and chatted to the nurse and drank tea. In total I was in hospital for 3 months but walked out and went home and have not had to go back as an inpatient yet. Take heart and big hugs xxx Dozy

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply toDozyDormouse

Dozy thank you for your care support and amazing positive outcome, i am trying so hard to feed from this, just so hard to watch him today, with Oxygen at 90% heart rate at 102 and BP at 50/50 im no expert but having spent the last 3 months in and out of hospital even i no thats not good xx

I am so pleased you have beaten this so far and I will read him your post xxxxx

Thank you xx ill stay in touch xx

Puffthemagicdragon profile image
Puffthemagicdragon

I hope things turn out ok Warriors. I wish I could offer more help.

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply toPuffthemagicdragon

You took time to write somthing xx it means alot xxx thank you xxx

sue48 profile image
sue48

I cannot immagine what yoou are going through trying to be strong.for your husband , your children your various family members ,all i can do is to send you.my love ,my thoughts and a prayer for you all .God bless. XX Sue

Hi Warriors just read your post. What a terrible thing to go through for all of you. I can't offer any advice just want to say sorry and you are all in my thoughts and prayers. xx

coastal1 profile image
coastal1

Wishing you all the best for a good outcome. I am sure that Tony , Maggie and Dozy Dormouse will try to give you lots of good advice and support .They have written inspirational posts in the past and always seem to remain positive .

Offcut profile image
Offcut

I was on a ventilator for 30 days and in that time I was put on an oscillator for 10 days back in 2008. I did have some weird dreams but it was the right thing to do for me.

I wish you and your family the best and stay strong.

sassy59 profile image
sassy59

Well Warriors you have had some amazing advice and support on here so far and I just know it will keep on coming. Your husband may well pull through knowing that there is so much support for him, for you and your wonderful children. Try and stay strong and as positive as you can possibly be. Lots of love and kind thoughts for you all. Take care. xxxx

docmel profile image
docmel

Warriors2014,

This is what many people do not understand about certain types of lung disease it can take your life very rapidly. At age 44 I was diagnosed via open lung biopsy I have UIP sometime's called IPF. I was told that day, one illness could very well take my life, that there is no treatment, avoid becoming sick that the common cold could take my life, while smoking is bad for you don't bother quiting it won't make a difference and could cause further stress on my lungs, avoid using inhalers, antibiotics, steroids, when I do get sick unless proven by x-ray and blood work I have an infection, avoid using oxygen until absolutely necessary, and once I go on a ventilator it would be hard to get off. I will pray for your husband that he be given strength to get over this hurdle. This is the very reason I have been so hard on my doctors. The doctor that diagnosed me I've known for over 20 years he took care of both my parents and told me all that information with tears streaming down his face and he told me most pulmonary doctors would not be as forth coming with the information. The doctor that I see for general health is amazed I am doing as well as I am at this point based on CT scans and lung x-rays and pulmonary function tests, but I thank God every day for the gift of breath life. Best of luck to you and yours.

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014

My amazing Warrior lost his fight on Thursday 22nd May at 4:55, they transfered to a life support at 11am but unfortunatley he died in my arms, he could not fight no more, and even the machines could not keep him xxxx

He was 47 a father to our amazing 2 children Megan and Thomas we are truly devastated, in just 3 months hes gone I am just lost for words the crulist diesease ive ever know in my life xxx

RIP Dave Hart xxxxx Breath Angel xxxx

dall05 profile image
dall05 in reply toWarriors2014

I am deeply saddened at this news, I was very hopeful that your warrior would get through this. It seems that this disease is unstoppable sometimes no matter how strong you may be.

Tony xx RIP Dave Hart

maggie44 profile image
maggie44 in reply toWarriors2014

How sad to hear this news. It is even more tragic when he was such a young man whose family needed him. I am sure though that it was a comfort to your husband Dave, that you were with him and he knew how much he was loved and will be missed.

My heart goes out to you and your children. You will all be in my thoughts.

Take care

Maggie

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply tomaggie44

Thanks Maggie x

in reply toWarriors2014

So so sad to read your post. I can only imagine how you must be feeling. My deepest condolences to you and your family with much love TAD xxxx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply to

Thanks x

huggs profile image
huggs in reply toWarriors2014

I am so sorry and saddened to hear of your own special Warriors passing. Life is so unfair at times. I am positive your husband knew how much he was loved by you, your children and all your family and friends. There is no greater thing to love and be loved, and you and he had that. You must be numb and completely overwhelmed at the moment, but you will find strength you never knew you had. He is still around you and your children because of all the memories and good times you shared together, all his little ways and habits and the things he did. I wish I could help you and take away some of your pain. Thank God, that you have

his children and he will live on in them and they will give you strength as well. I am praying for you and your family for the courage and strength to get through this time. Please stay in touch and let us know how you are all doing. As you know the site is open 24 hours a day so you will always find someone to talk to if that is what you want. I wish peace for you and your children. God Bless you all. hugs xxxxx

ps I hope in time, you will find some comfort from all the support you have received on here, so please stay in touch when you want to and the time is right. xxx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply tohuggs

Thank you huggs xx

thomas8 profile image
thomas8 in reply toWarriors2014

We are all terribly saddened by your news, condolences to your family and yourself xx RIP Dave Hart xx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply tothomas8

Thank you xx

newlands profile image
newlands

I am so so very sorry you have lost David my condolences ,find comfort in your children ,lots of love Dorothy xx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply tonewlands

Thank you x

sassy59 profile image
sassy59

So terribly sorry to hear of your very sad loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies to you and your amazing children. God bless you all. xx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply tosassy59

Thank you xx

ptliverpool profile image
ptliverpool

Oh! you poor woman. I am so sorry to hear your very sad news. I will say a pray for you to have the strength to bear this for the sake of your 2 beautiful children. PT xxx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply toptliverpool

Thank you xx

jenss profile image
jenss

I am so very sorry to hear of your very very sad loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies. I wish you and your family strength at this very difficult time. xxx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply tojenss

Thank you xx

My deepest condolences to you,dear girl,& your wonderful children Megan & Thomas.

I was so sad to hear of your tragic loss.I do hope you have people near to offer support to you all.

Gentle hugs to you all,I hope you can all draw strength from each other.Love Wendells xxxx. RIP Dave.

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply to

Thank you xx

Nannypat1947 profile image
Nannypat1947

Hugs to you and your children may they be a comfort and a blessing to you in the sad times.

Pat xxxxxxxx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply toNannypat1947

Thank you xx

My deepest sympathy to you and your two young children. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all.

Thérèse xxx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply to

Thank you xx

Toci profile image
Toci

What dreadful news. My heart cries for you and your young family. RIP David. xxx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply toToci

Thank you xx

peege profile image
peege

Oh Warrior my heart goes out to you and your dear children. You will have a lot of love from everyone here, invisible, through the atmosphere.

Words cannot express the devastation.

My 3 lost their father 3 years ago so I well understand that their pain is also your pain.

Thinking of you all, with love Penelope

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply topeege

Thank you xx

peege profile image
peege in reply toWarriors2014

You're so very welcome. It must be tough, life can be so cruel.

My very best wishes to you and your children and I very much hope that you three find some moments of joy in the school holidays. P xxx

Oh Warrior that is dreadful news and I am so sorry. Dave is at peace now and up with the angels on his cloud. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children xxx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply to

Thank you xx

sue48 profile image
sue48

I know i cannot say or do anything to lesson your pain ,i can only send you my deepest condolences, love, and prayers. God bless you and your family Rest in peace Dave. X

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply tosue48

Thank you xx

longlungs profile image
longlungs

Hello Warriors was just reading through your posts and replies and was wondering what I could say as I know nothing of ILD! Then I read your post about your beloved Dave loosing his fight with the wicked disease,was not expecting to read that and feel a little shocked to say the least,god only knows how you must be feeling you have had no time to get your head round his diagnosis and now your loss.Iam so very very sorry and my heart goes out to you Megan and Thomas, one day at a time.If ever you want to come on and sound off or just say hello please do you have a lot of support and understanding people hear. :( Janexx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply tolonglungs

Thanks Jane xx

DozyDormouse profile image
DozyDormouse

My poor sweet dear, sometimes things were just not meant to be. Sending you and the children the softest and most comforting cuddle that there is. A mum hug. Your dear Dave is now at peace and no longer struggling and can rest. For you things will take longer but you have the love of your family and you know where to come if things get too hard to handle. You can always get me via pm. Love Dozy xx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply toDozyDormouse

Thanks dozy xx

TEDTHEBEAR profile image
TEDTHEBEAR

My love thoughts and prayers go out to you and your children. You have a difficult time ahead, but take heart in the thought you have memories of a life with him and 2 children, I know that's not much comfort now though. Take it one day at a time, God bless.

xxx xx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply toTEDTHEBEAR

Thank you xx

Bronch1noGO profile image
Bronch1noGO

Condolences to you and your families. My sincerest sympathy on the sudden death of Dave, it is a small blessing to know he's suffering no more, your memories of him will carry you through this difficult time. R.I.P Dave Hart

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply toBronch1noGO

Thank you xx

pollyjj profile image
pollyjj

I am sending my love, prayers and my deepest condolences to you and your children at this very sad time.

R.I.P, Dave

polly xx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply topollyjj

Thank you xx

coastal1 profile image
coastal1

So sorry .Hope that you can somehow find strength . As others have said your husband will live on in your children and they are old enough to always remember their father .

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply tocoastal1

Thank you xx

creakykneed profile image
creakykneed

Hello Warriors,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Whilst I can find no words that will go anywhere close to bringing you comfort, please know that you will always have us to turn to. We will be here when you need us; whether that time is next week or next year.

You are all in my thoughts. X

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply tocreakykneed

Thank you xx

Suzy6 profile image
Suzy6

So sorry Warriors to hear this sad news. R.I.P David. You have been a very brave and loving young lady. He would have felt your love. Take comfort in your children and your memories. In my thoughts.

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply toSuzy6

Thank you xx

Riverbank profile image
Riverbank

Such sad news.

I'm so sorry Dave lost the fight.

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply toRiverbank

Thank you xx

Nanny49 profile image
Nanny49

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad, sad time.

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014 in reply toNanny49

Thank you xx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014

Thank you xx I cannot find the words at the moment xxx But thank you x its people that matter and Im touched by the support respect and dignity of complete strangers xx

Warriors2014 profile image
Warriors2014

Well its been 2 months since my warrior lost his fight xx I read your words and they are still so warming xx

I just want people to understand the reality of the condition, there was so much I wish I could have said but the end was so rapid and even the medics were shocked with the speed

If there are any suffers or people just supporting sufferer all i can say is dont hold back say what you need to say and face what could be the last time you tell each other I love you ,

I wasnt prepared and had no idea once ventilated the machine cant keep you xx Dave had just 4 hrs and passed whilst the machine was still on full.

Life is so cruel and wicked and there isn't enough information or support for families in this situation x

I want to do more to bring awerness to more sufferers xx

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