Thursday, March 4, 2010

This is Research?

When I had the lung biopsy, a member of the interstitial lung team requested that any leftover pieces of lung be researched genetically and added to their database while they try to unravel the causes and search for a cure to these diseases. Of course, I agreed to donating whatever they needed.

Later, I was asked to be in another study. It was about how I felt about being ill. Depression was also part of the study. Interesting.

I heard of a research study for IPF where the subjects were given Viagra to see if it helped open everything up in the lungs. I volunteered for that one! Alas, I had the wrong disease.

About two months ago I received a letter from my university hospital asking if I was interested in a research study about interstitial lung disease. I followed the instructions then received another letter, which stated that a person from K*** Hospital Research Group would be phoning to set up a 30-minute phone interview. The university hospital needed my approval to share my file with this research group. I approved it.

So, the call came in last week. Today was the day of the interview right at 4:00PM. I was ready, I was excited and I was so looking forward to it.

When I got back from rehab around noon, there was a message on my phone from the research office at K***. “Please call about your interview today.” I phoned at 11:50. I waited. I phoned again at 2:30. I waited. I waited for the phone interview at 4:00. At 4:10, I phoned again and wished them good luck with their research.

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