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.It is natural for people to experience highs and lows throughout their lives. Significant highs may include milestone events such as marriage, a baby’s birth, or retirement. The death of a loved one, loss of a job, or a relationship breakdown are some examples of the lows we…
It is human nature to try and relate to one another, especially in times of difficulty. So, when a patient living with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is having a tough time, it is natural for others to try and relate to our experience. Despite knowing that others intend to…
Since my 2016 IPF diagnosis, so much has changed for me. I can no longer participate in the sports I once enjoyed or go for a run to channel my energy or frustrations with the day. I can no longer maintain the social schedule I was so fond…
This is an ongoing series. Read the May 2018 entry here. Here it is: my gratitude miniseries column for June 2018. This means that we’re halfway through the year and, overall, I’d say it has been a better one for me, compared to the past few years. That isn’t…
Since being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in early 2016, I’ve had to ask for or accept help on multiple occasions. I am always appreciative of offers of help following an acute event such as an exacerbation, illness, or prolonged hospital stay due to my poor…
For patients living with a life-threatening illness, adjusting to change and reevaluating our abilities is an ongoing task. This is because the progression of our disease causes physical limitations and restrictions and our values may change over time. When our physical capabilities change, it is important to consider…
This is a difficult column to write because I have always enjoyed doing things for other people. However, since my diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in April 2016, I have had to learn the hard way that sometimes I need to put myself first. Lately, I am…
There are many different memes, quotes, and metaphors out there about how different personalities make us all unique. I am sure you can think of people you love who are entirely different in their personalities, and how each of them is skilled or excels at different tasks. They…
I’ve experienced increased sensitivity to comments, gestures, or unusual behavior from others since my IPF diagnosis. Sometimes this is attributed to the medications I take for the management of my disease, such as high doses of steroids. At other times, I feel increasingly sensitive because I am aware…
Many patients living with chronic illness are considered immunocompromised due to the medications they take to treat their disease. This means that their immune system is not as strong as people who are healthy and that they can fall ill more easily. A patient living with a chronic…
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