Charlene is a fiercely independent 30-something year-old who can’t sit still. She loves coffee, wine tasting, playing with her dog, and spending time on the beach with her family. She’s a lover of all things travel, and never passes up an opportunity for a dip in the ocean! A proud Canadian, Charlene was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2016 after 13 months of investigation into sudden shortness of breath, a chronic cough, and unusual fatigue. IPF has forced her to slow down, but she’s slowly learning the value of quality versus quantity in everything she does.As a typical Canadian winter commenced with vengeance this weekend, bringing blistery cold winds, snow and ice, I find myself both fearful and anxious about how my lungs will fare throughout these upcoming months. While I have never been someone who has loved winter, I do appreciate the…
This is a plea for your help and guidance. I would love to understand the experiences of others as I try to navigate your thoughts and emotions when someone asks “What is “wrong with you.” It would be particularly helpful to hear from a young adult (up to…
I read an article yesterday in Pulmonary Fibrosis News that told about a woman who was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in June. Her disease is progressing so fast that she needs a double lung transplant now – like now. She is on the transplant list, but doctors say that…
Inspired by an article written by a wonderful writer, and talented individual who I’m lucky enough to call a friend, I have decided use this post and take a look back at what my life was like a year ago, before IPF. This feels significant in a few different ways,…
Welcome to my column! As indicated by its title, “Younger than 30: Living with IPF,” I am a 28-year-old female recently diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and trying to adjust to life with a fatal and debilitating disease as a young adult with much on the go. One of the biggest,…
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