Ann Reynoso lives in Alvin, Texas, working and volunteering as a patient advocate for those with disabilities and communities that struggle with inequalities in health and social care. She was diagnosed at age 53 on December 2019 with lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis. Her wonderful support team includes her husband and daughter. She writes both to regain a sense of achievement, post-diagnosis, and to make sure no one feels alone in their journey of navigating rare illness.
Living in Texas means facing an unpredictable climate. One minute, the skies are blue and it’s sunny, and the next, thunderstorms and tornadoes are rolling in without warning. I’ve lived in Texas all my life and still can’t keep…
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Living with pulmonary fibrosis is already a daunting challenge, but when coupled with a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, the burden becomes even heavier. Sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during…
Having the support of a loved one is a crucial aspect of the journey with chronic illness. Not having that support can make one feel alone and vulnerable. Conversely, the presence of a supportive partner, family member, or friend…
“Who is this woman?” I wonder as I look at a recent photo of myself. I hardly recognize the person looking back at me. Her face has changed. I haven’t looked at myself in the mirror lately. I’ve been…
Music has always played a significant role in my life. From childhood choir performances to playing the trumpet in school bands, melodies have been a constant source of joy, solace, and self-expression. Despite the challenges posed by my…
Stepping outside of our comfort zone can be an intimidating endeavor. But life often presents us with situations that require us to venture beyond what we’re used to. As I prepare for my first trip away from home since…
It has been two months since I last shared my thoughts in this column, and in that time, life has unfolded in ways I could never have anticipated. The lessons I’ve learned during this period have been profound,…
‘Tis the season of giving, a time when the spirit of benevolence fills the air. During the holidays, we’re encouraged to give wholeheartedly and with grace, which creates an atmosphere of joy and peace. However, the season’s festivities…
Veterans Day is approaching on Nov. 11, and most of us know someone who served in the military. For this column, I’d like to honor someone who left behind some promising words of the highest degree. During a…
Have you ever had the nagging feeling that a gray cloud was hanging over your head? For the past three years and 10 months, I’ve felt such a cloud. It comes from being labeled and stigmatized for my disability.
At the beginning of this year, I was told to start pulmonary rehabilitation to help with my pulmonary fibrosis (PF). I was prescribed 12 sessions as an outpatient, which would take six weeks (two sessions a week)…
Despite having a support group and talking with others who have the same condition, I haven’t gleaned everything I need to know about pulmonary fibrosis. I’m still walking in the shadows of this disease, trying to find a…
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