Columns

My Top Takeaways from PFF Summit 2019

I am home safe and sound after a whirlwind three days at the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) Summit in San Antonio. In a previous column, I wrote about why I was looking forward to attending the summit. Being among other PF patients and their caregivers was beneficial in…

Dealing with Assumptions About My Physical Capabilities

When I engage with the pulmonary fibrosis (PF) community online, I frequently hear about the difficulties of living with an invisible illness. Sometimes it feels nearly impossible to convey my experience of living with this chronic lung condition, which is characterized by progressive scarring of the lungs, shortness…

Making Exercise Work for You as a PF Patient

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’m Eagerly Anticipating PFF Summit 2019

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…

My Plan to Hold the Anxiety Monster at Bay

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…

A Powerful Trio for Managing Pulmonary Fibrosis

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.

A Body and Its New Lungs: A Love Story

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.