Columns

Watching the U.S. elections last week was an exercise in mental health awareness, as is any activity in which the outcome is greeted with mixed reactions and emotions. The refrain from Carly Simon’s 1971 song “Anticipation” came to mind as I was laying out this column: “Anticipation, anticipation/ Is…

How is it already November? Here in the U.S., today is Election Day, so get out and vote if you haven’t already done so. I wanted to take the opportunity this week to update you on topics I’ve discussed in several recent columns. My bronchoscopy Diagnosed with idiopathic…

If you could go back in time, would you want to do it? I’ve given this choice some thought. I would. How would you use the time? When I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in January 2017, I hadn’t heard of it. I immediately began a…

What medications do you take regularly, and what are they for? Do you know the possible side effects? When I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in January 2017, I didn’t take many medications. I took a blood pressure medication, an over-the-counter (OTC) allergy pill, and…

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…

When I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in January 2017, there didn’t seem to be as much chaos in the world as there is today. Perhaps the drama seemed more distant, or maybe I was just completely engaged in learning about my disease. Today, every…

I was recently asked when I stopped working and how I knew it was time. First, let me tell you: It wasn’t an easy decision. My idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnosis came on Jan. 31, 2017. At the time I was the senior vice president for a U.S.

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…

At the end of this week, I will complete another trip around the sun. This seemed like an appropriate time to provide you with updates on several columns I have shared in the past year. When I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in January 2017, the…

When I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in January 2017, the disease was a mystery to me. I’ve shared before that when my wife, Susan, and I left the clinic following my diagnosis, we began to search for information from the parking garage. That thirst for…