MALVA-H A NEW HOPE FOR PULMONARY                        FIBROSIS PATIENTS

                             Michael’s Story in a bit

Having IPF can be lonely, isolating and scary. I have to avoid walking up hills or doing strenuous exercise, so I have to plan where I’m going, where I’m going to park, especially if I have to do a lot of talking in meetings etc. But when people share their stories of coping with IPF or substance use disorder, it can provide inspiration and hope and be a welcome reminder that you are not alone in your challenges. I had suffered from IPF as long as 2 and half years, I had no idea what was happening and didn’t know where to turn for help. It was hard then because I didn’t understand the symptoms earlier. When you struggle with a disease, many won’t believe you. Early detection of PF and early treatment could have prevent full-blown IPF and improve the long-term prognosis. There was a time I decided to get away from everyone, moving into a serene house in the woods with a pond and vocal wildlife. I said, “I loved to gaze at the moon and listen to an orchestra of fireflies and bullfrogs”.  As do most families, I went through many sleepless nights and periods of intense grief. I cannot express the pain and anguish that came over me.  We (my wife and I) fought for proper medical care and humane treatment. We did everything we could and we did it with love, with intelligence, with experience that threatens my life. We have ALL given pieces of ourselves, sacrificed our own way of life for this disease and have spent many late nights worrying and praying. Behind the closed doors of our homes or a therapist’s office or a specialist office we put our heads together to decide what is best for me and sometimes most of our choices work but more often we are less than successful. There was very little support from friends, family and the community. I racked my brain and kept thinking of all the things I could have done differently to prevent such a horrible illness.

It was such a relief when someone told me about the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation of Australia. There I found other people going through very similar situations as me. I have dealt with shock, sadness, guilt, grief, anger and fear to name a few. I was able to interact with our new counselor, he told me about MALVA-H treatment and their depot office in Australia. I finally found some respite and help. Even though, our specialist was not in support.  Don’t expect everyone to understand your journey, especially if they have never had to walk your path. I am not judgmental of other people- I see good in everyone.  We have been using this herbal supplement for just a month and 2 weeks with up-to-the-minute development, the symptoms are all gone. I stay calm now. I can go to anywhere i wish. This illness has helped me grow to be a better person. Once again I have found balance in my life.

I would be very happy to receive any comments on what I have written here. It is also important to hear other points of view on the subject. I will keep you all updated after I complete the whole treatment in the next 3 months.

Authored by Michael R Deckard