I have IPF. LabCorp cultured my sputem and yesterday evening reported I had a colony or pseudomonas aeruginosa in my lungs. What does this mean? What should I do for myself while waiting for the pulmonologist to weigh in? To protect others? And, in a related question, why do you always learn these things on Saturday night?
Rob, don't you hate learning these reports on the weekend?! As with any infection, it is good to wash hands well and for the people around to also practice good hand hygiene.
My husband who is 74 yrs old has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.
He was a welder for forty years.
His doctor put him on prednisone for a month, his cough went away, but he could not tolerate the medicine.
He just started another drug, Cellcept.
We are hoping this is a good fit for him.
My husband who is 74 yrs old has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.
He was a welder for forty years.
His doctor put him on prednisone for a month, his cough went away, but he could not tolerate the medicine.
He just started another drug, Cellcept.
We are hoping this is a good fit for him.
How kind of you to ask, we are doing well.
He is finishing his first week on Cellcept, 1000 mg a day, no side effects.
After the second week he will go to 2000 a day.
We pray there will not be any side effects.
My husband 61, was diagnosed with IPF in November of 2011, he is deteriorating very quickly, a set of lungs is his only hope. We have been turned down my Tampa General and Jackson Miami Hospital. He has to be an "otherwise Healthy being" the first dr we had did nothing, and now I find the issues he has are related to the IPF and disqualify him for lungs. I am desperate, I want him to live.....on and off of steroids and xanax, spent a week in hospital three weeks ago for respiratory failure. Anything anyone knows of to help, please send me info....
I have IPF as well from Ankylosing Spondylitis. It's attacked my entire body with spinal fusion from C2 to T3 and L1 to S1. My thoracic is fused ( bamboo) so basically entire spine fused. Now my rib cage and lungs are being attacked. On oxygen because saturation level is always 82 to 85 when I do any physical activity. This only started about 3 months ago. Any suggestions are welcome
I found out that I have PF about 2months ago. Had alot of test and blood work . The Dr. I have wants me on oxygen 24hrs a day but I have been fighting that. Now it looks like I will be giving in to the use of oxygen. Don't like the idea of there not being a cure other than lung transplant. I try to stay active by golfing softball and yard work, but sometimes its a alot of work where it didn't used to be that way. I will not sit home and be a veggie. I am 66 yrs old.Don't have a mayo clinic near me.
Hi from JackC , I have been on oxygen for only a few weeks but without it my saturation levels range from 77 to 85. Struggling to breath. I to am on it 24/7 but it sure beats the alternative. I don't qualify for a lung transplant since I have severe Ankylosing Spondylitis and am totally fused. Best hope is to enjoy what life I have left, that's my reality.
I have IPF as well from Ankylosing Spondylitis. It's attacked my entire body with spinal fusion from C2 to T3 and L1 to S1. My thoracic is fused ( bamboo) so basically entire spine fused. Now my rib cage and lungs are being attacked. On oxygen because saturation level is always 82 to 85 when I do any physical activity. This only started about 3 months ago. Any suggestions are welcome
I know the situation of having more than one bad thing and how it complicates treatment.
Do you know the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation? https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/
The site offers lots of information and one can find a support group through them. I found one and they do zoom calls and have speakers.
* Pulmonary fibrosis typically develops in middle-aged and older adults, with most cases diagnosed between ages 50 and 70.
I am in the above age bracket.
* Diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis can lead to onycholysis.
* Onycholysis is a condition where a nail separates from its nail bed, often caused by trauma, fungal infections, or certain skin conditions.
I have been diagnosed with Onycholysis and I am being treated by my Dermatologist with Fluconazle 150 mg once weekly.
* The common complications associated with cystic fibrosis versus pulmonary fibrosis
* Cystic Fibrosis complications include recurrent lung infections, pancreatic insufficiency, and male infertility. Pulmonary Fibrosis complications primarily involve progressive breathing difficulty, right heart failure, and increased risk of lung infections.
I don't have a breathing difficulty.
Some nights when laying down to sleep at night, I experience coughing up multiple sticky balls of saliva. I intermittently cough up phlegm.
I have a dilated heart aorta and low evacuation frequency and I have been prescribed Losartan 12.5 mg by my Cardiologist.
08/2023 CT SCAN CHEST WITH CONTRAST - IMPRESSION: Tree-in-bud nodularity seen bilaterally is 'suggestive of small airways bronchiolitis'. While not diagnostic, the location of findings raises suspicion for nontuberculous 'mycobacterium infection'.
04/2024 CT ANGIOGRAPHY OF CHEST
Impression: 2. Interval development of groundglass opacities in the lower lungs with asociated early fibrotic change.
* This description suggests a progression of pulmonary fibrosis, where ground glass opacities in the lower lungs indicate areas of inflammation or fluid, often associated with early scarring of lung tissue.
I have been treated for MAC infection with 3 antibiotics for a year and 4 months that ended this month by my Infectious Disease Specialist.
10/2024 - Bronchoscopy (culture wash not a biopsy) - Results - Bronchoalveolar Lavage (Lung, Right Middle Lobe) Culture, Fungus Value Scant Growth (1+) 'Yeast Abnormal'
The above bronchoscopy indicated that I no longer had MAC but I did have Candida.
I was prescribed Fluconazle 200 mg for 2 weeks by my Infectious Disease Specialist for the Candida.
* Weight loss in patients with pulmonary fibrosis can occur due to decreased appetite, increased energy expenditure from breathing difficulties, and other related health issues.
I don't have a decreased appetitie rather I have a healthy appetite and eat between 3 meals a day.
Studies indicate that lower body mass index (BMI) and unintentional weight loss are associated with worse health outcomes.
In 2023, I had a 25 pounds unexplained weight loss and have been unable to regain my lost weight.
06/2023 I consulted with a Dietician, RD. - we discussed diet - she told me I was eating enough calories and I have some form of malabsorption - she said she had never had a patient with my unexplained weight loss.
My Infectious Disease Specialist thought I would regain my lost weight towards the end of my MAC antibiotics treatment but I haven't.
I have symptoms of intermittent night sweats, bouts of fatigue, weight loss and inflammatory biceps, chest, feet and legs pain.
* Pulmonary fibrosis and allergic rhinitis are distinct conditions, they can be interconnected.
I have chronic allergic rhinitis.
20 years ago, I received the Allergic rhinitis skin test and subsequently received allegery shots for 3 years.
3 years ago, I received the Allergic rhinitis skin test again and I have received allegery shots for the past 3 years.
* Prevalence of GERD in Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients Up to 90% of individuals with pulmonary fibrosis may also have GERD.
Years ago, I was diagnosed with acid reflux. I take Pantoprazole 40 mg as needed for acid reflux.
* Studies have shown that patients with pulmonary fibrosis often have lower vitamin D levels.
52% drop in my Vitamin D levels 07/30/2019 to 02/26/2025
07/2019 Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy Value 75 Range 30 - 80 ng/mL
11/2021 Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy Value 36 Range 30 - 80 ng/mL
09/2024 Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy Value 32 Range 30 - 80 ng/mL
02/2025 Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy Value 36 Range 30 - 80 ng/mL
I take and have been taking a daily Vitamin D supplement for over 15 years.
----
10/2025 ARUP Laboratories Cystic Fibrosis (CFTR) Expanded Variant Panel CF VAR Genetic Test
Test name Result Flag Units RefIntvl
My test result was negative for cystic fibrosis.
----
Has anyone thought to have Cystic Fibrosis was diagnosed with Pulmonary fibrosis?
Has anyone diagnosed with Pulmonary fibrosis have significant unexplained weight loss even with a healthy appetite?
Has anyone diagnosed with Pulmonary fibrosis have MAC Lung Disease?
Has anyone diagnosed with Pulmonary fibrosis have Acid reflux/ GERD?
Has anyone diagnosed with Pulmonary fibrosis have Allergic rhinitis?
* An HRCT (High-Resolution Computed Tomography) scan of the chest is a specialized imaging test that provides detailed pictures of the lungs, helping to diagnose conditions like interstitial lung disease, emphysema, and bronchiectasis. It uses thinner slices of images compared to a standard CT scan, allowing for
better visualization of lung structures.
Has anyone received an HRCT (High-Resolution Computed Tomography) scan of the chest to diagnose Pulmonary fibrosis?
* Mayo Clinic Laboratories Test Id : IPFGP Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Gene Panel, Varies
Has anyone received genetic testing such as the above genetic test that confirmed you have Pulmonary Fibrosis?
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Rob, don't you hate learning these reports on the weekend?! As with any infection, it is good to wash hands well and for the people around to also practice good hand hygiene.
You might be interested in joining this related discussion:
- Diagnosed with pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in my lungs
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/diagnosed-with-pseudomonas-aeruginosa-infection-in-my-lungs/
Have you met with your pulmonologist in the meantime? What treatment is suggested?
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1 ReactionMy husband who is 74 yrs old has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.
He was a welder for forty years.
His doctor put him on prednisone for a month, his cough went away, but he could not tolerate the medicine.
He just started another drug, Cellcept.
We are hoping this is a good fit for him.
@pinetreestate, how is he doing on Cellcept? How are YOU doing?
How kind of you to ask, we are doing well.
He is finishing his first week on Cellcept, 1000 mg a day, no side effects.
After the second week he will go to 2000 a day.
We pray there will not be any side effects.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI have IPF as well from Ankylosing Spondylitis. It's attacked my entire body with spinal fusion from C2 to T3 and L1 to S1. My thoracic is fused ( bamboo) so basically entire spine fused. Now my rib cage and lungs are being attacked. On oxygen because saturation level is always 82 to 85 when I do any physical activity. This only started about 3 months ago. Any suggestions are welcome
Hi from JackC , I have been on oxygen for only a few weeks but without it my saturation levels range from 77 to 85. Struggling to breath. I to am on it 24/7 but it sure beats the alternative. I don't qualify for a lung transplant since I have severe Ankylosing Spondylitis and am totally fused. Best hope is to enjoy what life I have left, that's my reality.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI know the situation of having more than one bad thing and how it complicates treatment.
Do you know the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation?
https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/
The site offers lots of information and one can find a support group through them. I found one and they do zoom calls and have speakers.
10/27/2025
My research is indicated with a *
* Pulmonary fibrosis typically develops in middle-aged and older adults, with most cases diagnosed between ages 50 and 70.
I am in the above age bracket.
* Diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis can lead to onycholysis.
* Onycholysis is a condition where a nail separates from its nail bed, often caused by trauma, fungal infections, or certain skin conditions.
I have been diagnosed with Onycholysis and I am being treated by my Dermatologist with Fluconazle 150 mg once weekly.
* The common complications associated with cystic fibrosis versus pulmonary fibrosis
* Cystic Fibrosis complications include recurrent lung infections, pancreatic insufficiency, and male infertility. Pulmonary Fibrosis complications primarily involve progressive breathing difficulty, right heart failure, and increased risk of lung infections.
I don't have a breathing difficulty.
Some nights when laying down to sleep at night, I experience coughing up multiple sticky balls of saliva. I intermittently cough up phlegm.
I have a dilated heart aorta and low evacuation frequency and I have been prescribed Losartan 12.5 mg by my Cardiologist.
08/2023 CT SCAN CHEST WITH CONTRAST - IMPRESSION: Tree-in-bud nodularity seen bilaterally is 'suggestive of small airways bronchiolitis'. While not diagnostic, the location of findings raises suspicion for nontuberculous 'mycobacterium infection'.
04/2024 CT ANGIOGRAPHY OF CHEST
Impression: 2. Interval development of groundglass opacities in the lower lungs with asociated early fibrotic change.
* This description suggests a progression of pulmonary fibrosis, where ground glass opacities in the lower lungs indicate areas of inflammation or fluid, often associated with early scarring of lung tissue.
06/2024 Bronchoscopy Results - AFB CULTURE Value Mycobacterium avium-intracellularae complex (MAC) Abnormal
I have been treated for MAC infection with 3 antibiotics for a year and 4 months that ended this month by my Infectious Disease Specialist.
10/2024 - Bronchoscopy (culture wash not a biopsy) - Results - Bronchoalveolar Lavage (Lung, Right Middle Lobe) Culture, Fungus Value Scant Growth (1+) 'Yeast Abnormal'
The above bronchoscopy indicated that I no longer had MAC but I did have Candida.
I was prescribed Fluconazle 200 mg for 2 weeks by my Infectious Disease Specialist for the Candida.
* Weight loss in patients with pulmonary fibrosis can occur due to decreased appetite, increased energy expenditure from breathing difficulties, and other related health issues.
I don't have a decreased appetitie rather I have a healthy appetite and eat between 3 meals a day.
Studies indicate that lower body mass index (BMI) and unintentional weight loss are associated with worse health outcomes.
In 2023, I had a 25 pounds unexplained weight loss and have been unable to regain my lost weight.
06/2023 I consulted with a Dietician, RD. - we discussed diet - she told me I was eating enough calories and I have some form of malabsorption - she said she had never had a patient with my unexplained weight loss.
My Infectious Disease Specialist thought I would regain my lost weight towards the end of my MAC antibiotics treatment but I haven't.
I have symptoms of intermittent night sweats, bouts of fatigue, weight loss and inflammatory biceps, chest, feet and legs pain.
* Pulmonary fibrosis and allergic rhinitis are distinct conditions, they can be interconnected.
I have chronic allergic rhinitis.
20 years ago, I received the Allergic rhinitis skin test and subsequently received allegery shots for 3 years.
3 years ago, I received the Allergic rhinitis skin test again and I have received allegery shots for the past 3 years.
* Prevalence of GERD in Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients Up to 90% of individuals with pulmonary fibrosis may also have GERD.
Years ago, I was diagnosed with acid reflux. I take Pantoprazole 40 mg as needed for acid reflux.
* Studies have shown that patients with pulmonary fibrosis often have lower vitamin D levels.
52% drop in my Vitamin D levels 07/30/2019 to 02/26/2025
07/2019 Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy Value 75 Range 30 - 80 ng/mL
11/2021 Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy Value 36 Range 30 - 80 ng/mL
09/2024 Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy Value 32 Range 30 - 80 ng/mL
02/2025 Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy Value 36 Range 30 - 80 ng/mL
I take and have been taking a daily Vitamin D supplement for over 15 years.
----
10/2025 ARUP Laboratories Cystic Fibrosis (CFTR) Expanded Variant Panel CF VAR Genetic Test
Test name Result Flag Units RefIntvl
My test result was negative for cystic fibrosis.
----
Has anyone thought to have Cystic Fibrosis was diagnosed with Pulmonary fibrosis?
Has anyone diagnosed with Pulmonary fibrosis have significant unexplained weight loss even with a healthy appetite?
Has anyone diagnosed with Pulmonary fibrosis have MAC Lung Disease?
Has anyone diagnosed with Pulmonary fibrosis have Acid reflux/ GERD?
Has anyone diagnosed with Pulmonary fibrosis have Allergic rhinitis?
* An HRCT (High-Resolution Computed Tomography) scan of the chest is a specialized imaging test that provides detailed pictures of the lungs, helping to diagnose conditions like interstitial lung disease, emphysema, and bronchiectasis. It uses thinner slices of images compared to a standard CT scan, allowing for
better visualization of lung structures.
Has anyone received an HRCT (High-Resolution Computed Tomography) scan of the chest to diagnose Pulmonary fibrosis?
* Mayo Clinic Laboratories Test Id : IPFGP Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Gene Panel, Varies
Has anyone received genetic testing such as the above genetic test that confirmed you have Pulmonary Fibrosis?
Thank you for your replies.