Although Ginny sometimes had shortness of breath, she didn’t worry much about it. But five years ago, during an X-ray following a fracture in her spine, she was diagnosed with a condition called Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a chronic lung condition that was causing her breathing challenges.
At first, Ginny went to her local pulmonologist in New Jersey who was not optimistic. “He said ‘You are going to get worse and you only have two years to live,’” she shares.
Ginny confesses it was devastating to hear that prognosis. She needed a second opinion.
“The doctor told me it was a complicated lung issue and referred me to the Temple Lung Center.” After doing some research on her own as well, Ginny selected Dr. Nathaniel Marchetti, a pulmonologist with the Temple Lung Center. Under Dr. Marchetti’s care, Ginny was prescribed medication for her IPF. She also completed respiratory therapy as part of her treatment. “The therapy helped me tremendously,” Ginny says. “Both the medication and the respiratory therapy helped me to improve my breathing and manage my disease.”
She remains under the treatment of Dr. Marchetti, and her breathing continues to improve. Ginny is now able to exercise and enjoy more time with her husband. “Dr. Marchetti told me my lungs are performing better and I only use oxygen while I am sleeping,” she continues.
Ginny is committed to sharing her story to help others. She participates in a lung disease support group. “I can give them hope that their situation can improve,” she shares. “I’m so happy with the results since I’ve been at Temple.”
Breathing easier has given Ginny confidence and energy to enjoy life to the fullest. She enjoys spending time with her family, and visiting Atlantic City.