Since my idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnosis in early 2016, I have been committed to advocating for myself and others who suffer from this fatal lung disease. So far, my advocacy efforts have been on a small scale. They include a few speaking engagements, awareness posts through social…
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Two weeks ago, I went to the University of California, San Francisco for my last test for lung transplant evaluation. I had a left heart and right heart catheterization to test the pressure in my lungs and to see if I had any blockages in my heart.
There is nothing quite like having someone truly understand what you are going through. Living with a life-threatening illness like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) can feel excruciatingly isolating. While this is true for anyone living with IPF, it feels extra lonely when you are a young adult dealing…
Editor’s note: A continuation of the monthly “Gratitude Miniseries.” I am happy to report that things are on a slow but gradual upswing. As I wrote in my previous miniseries column, July was not one of my favorite months of 2018. However, August was a bit…
Dealing with a serious chronic illness like pulmonary fibrosis can be highly stressful, to say the least. Absorbing the seriousness of our illness, alongside dealing with repeated clinic visits, tests, and medication side effects can leave many patients wrestling with worry and anxiety. It’s easy to get stuck…
Following a life-threatening illness diagnosis, most patients learn to cope with their new reality in unique ways. Some patients seek professional help, such as counseling, for chronic illness coping strategies. Many patients lean on family and friends, while other patients learn to cope on their own through trial…
Lately, I’ve been dealing with some aches and pains. Although I try to get up and move around a lot, being sedentary has resulted in body aches, pain, and stiffness. I’ve come up with some solutions that have helped me. I hope they’ll help you, too. Pain on…
Following the diagnosis of a life-threatening lung disease like pulmonary fibrosis (PF), patients and their families often go through days, weeks, and sometimes months feeling confused, angry, and fearful. This diagnosis is emotionally shattering, and it is also mentally exhausting. It can feel like your mind is…
When you think of surviving idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), do you think only about the physical impact of this disease? I did, at least before my diagnosis in early 2016, when I learned the hard way that surviving a chronic illness is so much more than just the…
As a young person living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), I am scared of many things. However, I don’t get into the habit of voicing my fears of what this disease is ultimately going to cost me, but sometimes, I must talk about them. There is a lot…
