JALLEN,

Sir, I do hope you find yourself in better health soon. You are definitely missed and I too hope to read your posts here again in the near future.

My best regards, Sir,

Greg

Jim, I don't talk much but I read a lot and I always enjoy your posts. I truly hope you get to feeling better.

I've missed seeing those posts of yours. Things here aren't the same without you. Get well soon.

Jim, glad to hear that Para checked in on you, and hope you are well enough to post soon. This corner of the internet isn't quite the same without you!

I hope you are well enough to post soon, I always enjoy your articles and personal experiences with many subjects.

I hope you get better soon

J Allen, I truly appreciate your posts and hope to see you back in the saddle again soon. In the mean time I want to thank you for the thought provoking posts you have posted and look forward to reading some more.

I wish you the best!

Jim, all the best from your friends here.

I almost don't know what to say, reading this outpouring of good wishes and appreciation like I have never experienced.

As many have read before this, I have pulmonary fibrosis. I was diagnosed ~6 years ago. Since then, I have gotten steadily worse. It was this diagnosis which motivated my retirement and move to Texas where I grew up a long, long time ago.

The reality of IPF is that there is no treatment and no cure. There is no "getting better." You get worse until you die, either of it, or with it. I am passed the age where a transplant is done. A lung transplant is a serious, serious surgery. Recovery is lengthy, there are lots of very strong medicines to minimize rejection, etc, and you must avoid animals, children, etc to avoid the germs, illnesses etc they often carry. Average life span afterwards is ~5 years. I have decided not to pursue it, not that I would qualify at my age anyway.

The mortality rate I have seen is that 80% of patients die within 5 years of diagnosis. I'm a bit passed 6 years since diagnosis. I am now on supplemental O2 24/7, 5 liters per minute, and cannot walk from one end of the house to the other without it, and barely with it. I normally spend 18-20 hours a day in bed. I can still go out, to the supermarket, to Costco, etc., but I have to use those electric carts they provide. It's tiring even so. I've given up most of my activities, other than those where I can sit on my butt, like reading, radio. I just don't have the energy to do very much. When my wife goes to piano camp in a couple of weeks, my son is coming to dad sit!

I haven't been to a range in a long time. I'll be selling off my guns and ammo shortly, not that I have a large collection.

I appreciated and surprised by Para's call this afternoon, and grateful for the many very kind comments. I have gotten as good as I have given and more besides in the discussions we have had here. Para pointed out I was 42 posts short of 40,000 posts. Many of those were posts of columns shared from the numerous publications I read, but a great many were me seeking help with various mysteries, computers, firearms, and those were almost always fruitful.

So thanks again for the kind words and good wishes. Those mean more than I can say.

Well Jim, can only wish to fell better ASAP and don't hesitate to call us if there's anything we can do to assist you.

Get well my friend.

0-0

Thank you, Jim, for taking the time to write that. Very much appreciated.

Dad sitting...Haha!

JALLEN, even though the prognosis isn't good. I am going to still pray for the small things for you. Extra comfort and trips across the house with no shortness of breath.

Please spend some of the time on your butt time continuing to post stories and add your knowledge here.

PS this is one of the fastest growing threads on here that didn't involve some kind of major news event. Remember that there are 80,000 invisible friends rooting for you.

Prayers for you
Spunk

JALLEN. Always liked you posts. Hope you are able to make it around more often as comfort allows.

The rapid response to this thread is testimony of the very high regard this community has for you JALLEN.
You are fortunate to have the rare treasure of reflecting on your life and enjoying it a second time.
Thank you for sharing it with us.

I hope he gets to feeling better I've always enjoyed his posts. I've learned a lot from him here.

Jim, thank you for the wisdom and insight you've shared with so many of us over the years. You will be in my family's prayers as well and, should you need a diversion, your many SF friends are here for you.

Best wishes, JALLEN. You have always been one of the standouts on this forum, and I look forward to the day when you start posting again. Take care.

Best wishes for a return to good health!

As usual I am late to this party. Jim, you are part of what makes SIGForum what it is. I enjoy reading the articles you post. It is clear to me you find them yourself and not just what scrolls across some screen or what is linked at Drudge. Those posts are much more valuable that way I think. Thank you for taking the time. I also admire the even-keel manner in which you make your cases here and set the record straight. I don't believe I've read a post of yours wherein you are combative and dismissive...even if the opponent warrants it. It is distressing to read that you are afflicted as critically as you are. Makes me want to do something, though I don't know what I could. There are people in this world who make it a better place just by living in it. From what I've seen here, you must be one of them. Thank you for spending time with us.