Columns

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) patients often experience a sudden worsening of their disease — this is referred to as an “acute exacerbation.” An event such as infection often triggers the exacerbation, and sometimes the cause is unknown. About three weeks ago, I started needing more oxygen. I now require 1…

Relationships make the world go round, and connection with others is an essential part of our human existence. These range from the intimate ties between spouses to the close bonds between parents and children, siblings, and grandparents. Friendships and relationships with co-workers are also important in our…

I have never really believed in the importance of making New Year’s resolutions. That’s because I think people can choose to better themselves through personal goals or resolutions at any point in the year, not just when the calendar flips. I like thinking about what I’d like to…

Happy New Year! I consider it a minor miracle that I made it to 2019. You may feel this way, too. I was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) four and a half years ago and given a few months to a year to live. I’m grateful to…

So, here it is: the last of my gratitude miniseries columns for 2018. As I write this, tonight is New Year’s Eve, and I am looking forward to spending it reading each of these columns and reflecting on what a great year it has been. While many…

It’s no secret that life-threatening illnesses are overwhelming. Suddenly, patients must try to understand a flood of unfamiliar information, accept psychological and physical changes, and manage numerous appointments. Due to all of that, it is essential that patients find effective coping strategies. This is not something I’ve perfected,…

Christmas is a week away, and I’ve been tired from shopping, decorating, and making plans. I’m feeling discouraged because my fatigue has prevented me from accomplishing what I want to. I’ve had to do a lot of adjusting due to my pulmonary fibrosis (PF) troubles. I love decorating, but…

When I set out to establish a career some years ago, I couldn’t have foreseen that many of the skills that set me apart as a desirable employee would eventually be lost to a fatal illness. Unfortunately, this is now my reality as I continue my battle with…

Most of society thinks of grief in the context of a loved one’s death. However, people with chronic illness grieve other things as well, such as personal losses inflicted by disease. Since my 2016 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnosis, I have become increasingly aware of the things I’ve…

Pulmonary fibrosis patients need all the compassion we can get. It turns out that the most important person to give us compassion is … ourselves! A growing body of work demonstrates the powerful effects of self-compassion on our health. Studies have shown that people…