I’m Eagerly Anticipating PFF Summit 2019

I am passionate about professional development and ongoing learning opportunities. While I have always thought about these in the context of my education or career, I am looking forward to the learning that will emerge from the PFF Summit 2019 in San Antonio.

I will be attending thanks to a few generous individuals and my own savings. I am eager to learn more about idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and share that information with my PF community. I plan to recap my experience through blog posts, columns, and forum posts. I believe that knowledge is power. The more we know, the better advocates we can be for ourselves and others.

My decision to attend was last minute. After my request for time off from work was approved, I was asked what I was most looking forward to learning at the summit. I was embarrassed to admit that I hadn’t thoroughly looked at the program schedule. So I said, “Everything.”

I have since reviewed what will be offered. And while my answer of “everything” is still true, I am most interested in these sessions:

• Preparing for the future: This session on advance directives and estate planning will be facilitated by hospice and/or palliative care nurses. It might be the most difficult session to attend. I’d like to think that with advances in research and transplantation, I won’t need to include estate planning in my near future. But I think this is a good place to discuss future uncertainties with those who are not my family members.

• Grief writing: As a trained therapist with an interest in grief, this workshop is naturally appealing to me. I think it will be beneficial to stretch my thinking about my own life in ways I’ve not considered. I enjoy journaling, and I expect it to be therapeutic, especially in the context of others who understand the complexity of emotions that accompany this cruel disease.

• Health and wellness with pulmonary fibrosis: It’s no secret that healthy eating habits are important for anyone with a chronic illness. While it isn’t always easy to eat healthy or regularly due to medication side effects, it is even harder to exercise because of breathlessness and fatigue. I hope this session provides tips on exercise and general wellness, as well as information on improving mental and emotional well-being.

• Pulmonary fibrosis and mental health: As a columnist for Pulmonary Fibrosis News and the IPF Foundation, I am privileged to connect with patients on a regular basis. One of the repeated concerns I hear from others is about their mental health while coping with a life-threatening lung disease. I am sometimes at a loss about what to tell them, because I also struggle with my mental health. I look forward to sharing what I learn with the people who connect with me regarding this topic.

These are just a few of the sessions I look forward to attending. I am also excited about networking and meeting other advocates in the PF community. If you’re going, I’ll see you there!

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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.