Columns

I’ve been feeling vulnerable lately. I feel vulnerable having pulmonary fibrosis (PF), being disabled, using supplemental oxygen, and being ever-increasingly more dependent on others. What do I mean by vulnerable? Oxford English Dictionary defines “vulnerable” as “exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically…

    As a continuation of my “Gratitude Miniseries,” a monthly column highlighting the things I’ve enjoyed over the past four weeks, I am happy to report that May was a better month for me. As I shared in my previous column, April was tough, and although…

Patients living with a life-threatening lung disease might struggle to breathe in humid weather. However, since each patient’s condition is unique, some people living with IPF find that humidity isn’t as bothersome as frigid temperatures are for their lungs. Following my IPF diagnosis, my pulmonologist gave me advice on…

It’s really difficult for me to hear from others that they understand what I am going through. Despite the motive for this sentiment usually being supportive, I struggle to accept the words, because unless they also have IPF, others do not understand what I endure. I certainly…

I shared in a recent column that I’m going through testing for lung transplant consideration. It has been challenging, but I am grateful because I know many pulmonary fibrosis patients do not have this opportunity. Being poked and prodded is exhausting, stressful, and sometimes painful. But it…

Having to deal with difficult days is inevitable for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The difficulty may be physical in nature, meaning our lungs cause us trouble. This complicates basic tasks such as taking a shower or getting dressed. Sometimes a medical appointment reveals bad news,…

If you’re a social media user, you’ve likely had a laugh or two at the many different memes that circulate on Facebook or Instagram about life being difficult as an adult. My favorite, and one that always makes me laugh, is an image of a French bulldog lying…

Last week, I wrote about my brain-fog struggles. It’s common to wonder, “Why am I having so much trouble thinking clearly? Is it from pulmonary fibrosis?” I was able to run this question by Noah Greenspan, a doctor of physical therapy who specializes in cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. He…

Person-first language is a concept that has been around for many years. However, the general population does not prioritize it in everyday language. I don’t believe that people deliberately use disability- or disease-first language, such as “autistic child” or “PF patient.” Rather, I believe person-first language is…

For as long as I can remember, I have always been passionate about traveling. While this has become more difficult since my idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnosis, I am grateful that it is not impossible. Having to pull an oxygen concentrator behind me wherever I go was not…