first posting

[Trish]

Finally, I have had the chance to say hello.  Tried years ago to use listserv.  I was diagnosed in 2005 b/c of pneumothorax.  I have been doing great since.  I am grateful.

[harbauma]

Trish,

Welcome and thank you for posting!  I am glad to hear you are doing so well.  I was on the Listserv for several years but did not have the time to handle all of the e-mails that came in.  I was very happy when the Forum started and hope that more will post messages.  Everyone has valuable experiences and comments to contribute.

By way of introduction-I am now 60 years old.  My first symptom (a pneumothorax) occurred way back in 1982.  I was finally diagnosed in 2001.  In between I had pneumos on both sides and had surgery (pleurodesis) on each side to stop the collapses. 

I continue to work full time teaching Microbiology at a community college, although I am on sabbatical this year.  I also continue to travel as much as time and finances (especially finances!) allow.  I do get shortness of breath in certain situations but do not require oxygen (unless I travel to higher altitudes).  After two young women from Minnesota died because of their LAM, I started volunteering for The LAM Foundation on the Board and have found it immensely rewarding and interesting.

I live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota and have two grown sons.  My husband continues to work part time as a clinical psychologist. 

That's enough for now-I hope you can tell us a little for yourselves.

[SLester]

Hi Trish.  Glad you're here and glad to hear you're doing great!

[andrewmason]

Finally, I have had the chance to say hello.  Tried years ago to use listserv.  I was diagnosed in 2005 b/c of pneumothorax.  I have been doing great since.  I am grateful.

Nice to see your comments. every one at start is beginner and then become expert and then contributor. it is for all of us.