Learning that you or a loved one might need a lung transplant is scary. You probably have a lot of questions, and may wonder whether they are the right ones. You want to know if you are looking in the right place for answers. Talking with your doctors…
We all know about the benefits of exercise and try our best to incorporate it into our lives. While engaging in physical activity is difficult when living with a chronic lung condition, doctors and physical therapists recommend that those with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) stay as active as possible.
I am passionate about professional development and ongoing learning opportunities. While I have always thought about these in the context of my education or career, I am looking forward to the learning that will emerge from the PFF Summit 2019 in San Antonio. I will be attending thanks to…
Ah, November. Tis the season for declining mental health! The end of fall and beginning of winter always make me anxious. In the past, it was the start of my competitive ski racing season that caused a lot of stress. After that were college midterms. There is no particular…
Before I got sick, my life was pretty straightforward. I knew what I wanted to study in college, and I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. And although I have struggles in the workplace due to living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), I am lucky to have a career…
Managing a chronic illness is not for the faint of heart. Learning to live with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I applaud my colleagues at Bionews Services and the friends I’ve made around the world who share their stores and advocate for others.
It’s been seven months since my mom, Holly, had a double-lung transplant. She and the miracle organs that have been stitched within her are going strong. But their relationship hasn’t been perfect. My mom’s body and her new lungs each brought their own baggage to the relationship.
After my single-lung transplant in December 2015, I was invited to participate in a panel of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and lung transplant patients who had previously taken the anti-fibrotic medications Ofev (nintedanib) or Esbriet (pirfenidone). My pulmonologist had asked me to take part in a…
For the third day in a row, I’ve been feeling angry with my body, particularly my lungs. I’ve been experiencing severe breathlessness. While I don’t have signs of a viral or bacterial infection, I’m struggling to hold a conversation because of my need to pause frequently. This level of…
I have spent a lot of time writing about self-care and mental health as a caregiver. Even if the term “self-care” sounds silly to you, I recommend dedicating time every day to your mental health. If for no other reason than to help prevent caregiver burnout.
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