I try to stay positive while also being realistic about the hardships that go with using supplemental oxygen 24/7. But this week I’m irritated and worn-out from the hassles I deal with daily. Here’s me being real. I’m tired of: Having to fight with my insurance and…
Columns
When you are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness such as pulmonary fibrosis, it is inevitable that you will feel the need to ask some big questions. Dreaded questions like “Why me?” “Why did this have to happen?” “Am I going to die?” and “How long do I…
I started noticing a change in my vision about a year ago. I’ve had the same prescription for glasses and contact lenses for 20 years. I was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis almost three years ago, and didn’t notice any changes in my vision for…
Throughout this yearlong journey with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), to which I am an unwilling participant, I have often spoken with others about the benefits of having something positive to look forward to. Knowing something good is on the horizon helps in coping with this disease — whether…
I had a frightening incident happen the other day that has left me a lot more protective of my oxygen tank, where I leave it and how often I keep an eye on it when interacting with others. Despite living with rapidly progressing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), I…
Editor’s Note: This guest column, by former New York Yankees centerfielder Bernie Williams, is in honor of his father, Bernabé Williams, Sr., who died of complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2001. Williams is a five-time MLB All-Star who played a central role in the Yankees’ winning four World Series Championships. Following his 16-year…
After being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, I resisted seeing myself as disabled. My disease progressed quickly, and within two months I needed to use supplemental oxygen whenever I moved around. I used a portable oxygen concentrator in my work as a marriage and family counselor, even though it…
April 7 has arrived just like any other day (as I expected it would), but it holds so much more significance and meaning for me now. After 13 months of testing and various appointments, it was confirmed that I had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) on April 7, 2016, which…
Last week, I shared my thoughts about different oxygen options to use at home. This week, I’d like to pass on what I’ve learned about different types of portable oxygen possibilities to use away from home. The suggestions I’m sharing are based on my own experience, and I…
In most of my conversations with people who also have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a painful loss they have experienced as a result of their disease is no longer being able to work. Some people have to stop working altogether, while others have to reduce their hours from full-time…
