What I Need from Others as a Patient with Pulmonary Fibrosis

Charlene Marshall avatar

by Charlene Marshall |

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As news of a life-threatening illness diagnosis makes rounds in a community, it is common for people to ask the diagnosed patient, “What do you need?” This question can spark anxiety in patients, especially in the first few weeks following their diagnosis as they adjust to a new reality.

After my 2016 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnosis, I didn’t know how to respond to that question. In those first few weeks, I didn’t know what I needed, aside from space to process life changes. Over the past two years, I’ve learned to live with my disease and I am coping much better than I thought possible. IPF has even created opportunities that I’d never otherwise have. I am grateful.

I am now aware of what helps me. Following are some of my needs:

  • An authentic interest in how I am doing: Please genuinely care when you ask how I am doing. Sometimes I feel as though people ask this by social habit rather than an actual interest in how I am coping. In October 2017, I wrote a column about how this question sometimes emotionally triggers me as I ponder its answer. Sometimes it is easier to fib my answer and say that I am doing well instead of actually disclosing how hard IPF life is. I feel as though “well” is what people want to hear anyway.
  • For people to frequently check in: Everyone is busy, but it is so nice to receive a sporadic text or phone call to check on how I am doing. Luckily, I haven’t dealt with an anxiety disorder, but nervousness is creeping into my life more frequently. My anxiety tells me that the people I love and care most about might leave as I get sicker. When loved ones check in on me, that fear is temporarily alleviated.
  • Don’t compare diseases: I know people want to relate to one another based on difficult experiences, and so people often compare illnesses to try and understand. Please don’t do that. My lung disease is not the same as your fibromyalgia and vice versa. We can support one another while accepting that our diseases are entirely different.
  • Encouragement: Some days with IPF are really difficult, and so I am often emotional. Your verbal encouragement, distractions, or listening ear for my venting is extremely appreciated. Encouragement costs nothing, and it is something we can all do for one another.
  • Compassion and understanding: When I cancel social plans, which is really hard to do but necessary when my body and lungs don’t cooperate, please be understanding. I just cannot do it all.
  • Think of ways to help me: Put yourself in my shoes and ask what you’d want from a friend or family member if you had a life-threatening illness. What would make your day a little easier? What might make you smile?

What are some of the things you need from others since being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis? Share your experience in our PF forums here!

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Note: Pulmonary Fibrosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Pulmonary Fibrosis News or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pulmonary fibrosis.

Comments

Jean morris avatar

Jean morris

H! AS A IPf PATIENT I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT NASTY COMMENTS SAYING I HAVE NOTHING WRONG WITH ME AS I DONT LOOK POORLY XX

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Charlene Marshall avatar

Charlene Marshall

Hi Jean,

Thank you for reading my columns but I am so sorry to hear of your experience with people questioning your illness. That is so hard to cope with, especially when we already feel so vulnerable and unwell while living with IPF. Hang in there, and know that others who question your illness must have other things going on as no one would fake this cruel illness. Feel free to write anytime, we're here to support you!

Warm regards,
Charlene.

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Mary Ann Canter avatar

Mary Ann Canter

Hi, I have HPS which is a rare disease that is characterized by albinism, a mild bleeding problem and pf sometimes starting by age 30. One of the women in the picture looks like she has very fair skin, which is typical of HPS. The HPS Network is always trying to find persons with this genetic disorder. It is currently being studied by NIH and we are having good luck getting lung transplants. Is it possible to speak to her about her situation? HPS is so rare there are only 300 people in our database. You could contact me or have her look at the HPSNetwork.org.

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Charlene Marshall avatar

Charlene Marshall

Hi Mary Ann,

Thanks for getting in touch with us and for reading my column. I'm not sure which person or picture you're referring to (the one with the person with fair skin)? The photos we use on our columns are stock images, meaning they are available for free use on the internet and aren't anyone we know. I will keep the HPS Network in mind though in future, especially if it comes up in discussion among our PF community. Thanks for passing on this resource.

Warm regards,
Charlene.

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Suzanne avatar

Suzanne

One additional thing: encourage all your friends and family to get their annual flu shots! If they don't we IPFers need to gently let them know that they really can't hang around with us with that. It's just too dangerous!

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Charlene Marshall avatar

Charlene Marshall

Hi Suzanne,

Thanks so much for getting in touch with this regarding this very important topic - I couldn't agree more with you! Unfortunately many people have this common misconception that getting the flu shot will give them the flu, which is not true at all. It's frustrating when they give this push back, especially because those of us with IPF could pay the ultimate price if we get sick. Thanks again for this reminder to all!

Regards,
Charlene.

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