Charlene is a fiercely independent 30-something year-old who can’t sit still. She loves coffee, wine tasting, playing with her dog, and spending time on the beach with her family. She’s a lover of all things travel, and never passes up an opportunity for a dip in the ocean! A proud Canadian, Charlene was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2016 after 13 months of investigation into sudden shortness of breath, a chronic cough, and unusual fatigue. IPF has forced her to slow down, but she’s slowly learning the value of quality versus quantity in everything she does.Each new year brings an influx of marketing about resolutions, hopes, and wishes. If you’re like me, your social media feed is flooded with related ad campaigns this month. A new year often sparks hope for positive changes regarding a person’s physical health, mental wellness, or finances. I don’t typically…
Since my diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2016, I’ve learned to manage my emotions about my illness. However, there are a few circumstances that make it nearly impossible for me to control how I feel, often causing me to erupt with rage and anger. One of those…
Frequent appointments and testing are part of life with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). I’ve been living with IPF for eight years now, but the number of those appointments and tests can still overwhelm me, especially as I’m a young adult trying to prioritize my career. These visits…
I do not typically use my columns as a platform to complain about my idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Usually, I try to inform or inspire others; however, that’s not always possible with this cruel and unforgiving disease. I was diagnosed with IPF in 2016 and have been…
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease, which means it worsens over time. Because there’s no cure, the goal is to try and preserve lung function for as long as possible. This may involve regular monitoring and other measures, such as pulmonary function testing, exercise,…
Living with a rare disease is expensive. While I agree with the cliches that “money can’t buy happiness” and “time is more valuable than money,” the limited financial aid available to patients stresses me out. When I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2016, I wasn’t thinking…
I love to travel, and I’m grateful I can still do it. Despite the limitations caused by my idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), travel sets my soul on fire and provides me with many reminders about the beauty of being alive. Back in January, I wrote about relating more…
Keeping up with a regular exercise routine and a healthy diet can be hard as we get older. Between our career, family commitments, and social obligations, finding time for these habits tends to be challenging. Still, maintaining a healthy weight is important for our overall health, and may even…
The life I once knew and loved drastically changed on April 7, 2016. On that day, I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a life-threatening and progressive lung disease for which there is no cure. Earlier this month, I marked my eighth anniversary of having IPF —…
Last month, I wrote about my constant battle with lung infections. As a patient with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive and life-threatening lung disease, I think the condition’s physical manifestations are obvious: respiratory viruses, shortness of breath, and a dry cough. But IPF has implications…
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