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I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in January 2017, at age 59, and received a bilateral lung transplant in July 2021. During a visit last week, my adult daughter Heather asked me a perplexing question: “Is the IPF gone now that you have new lungs?”…

When idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients experience a worsening of symptoms, it’s often called an exacerbation. I didn’t know it at the time, but my diagnosis with IPF in January 2017 started me on an educational journey. My vocabulary was going to expand to include new…

There’s an Instagram account called “iwastodayyearsold_” (I was today years old) dedicated to sharing unusual discoveries people cannot believe they missed until now. Some of the information is insightful and makes me think, “How could I not have known that?” What if there were a similar resource for…

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 pulmonary fibrosis (PF), music remains a trusty companion, offering a therapeutic…

This has been quite the week. I can sum it up in one word: grief, which must be one of the most unpredictable emotions we experience. When I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in January 2017, I made a conscious decision to “be positive in all…

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 —…

“You’ll Never Walk Alone” was written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II for the 1945 musical “Carousel.” Many others have performed the song over the years, and it’s even become the anthem for Liverpool Football Club in England. Most recently, I’ve enjoyed the version by…

When I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2017, I soon learned the cause and cure were mysteries yet to be solved. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to solve a mystery. Difficult, but seldom impossible. I worked my first career as a special…

The arrival of spring here in Virginia is both a blessing and a curse. Despite the improved weather, I think of it as pollen and mold season. As a longtime sufferer of seasonal allergies, I don’t need the gentle yellow-green tint on vehicles and patio furniture to remind me to…

Are you angry? If so, who are you angry with and why? I follow a number of social media groups associated with different rare disease communities. Lately, it seems that people are angry with the very groups advocating on their behalf. I must admit, that intrigues me a bit. When…