Struggling Back into My Exercise Routine
Over a month ago, I returned from a three-week vacation to Europe. My wife and I were active every day of the trip. Most of our physical activity consisted of walking, but we also went swimming when we…
Gonna Live My Life — Mark Koziol
Mark is a survivor of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and had a single-lung transplant at Cleveland Clinic. He is a former educator and now shares his transplant journey with the readers of Pulmonary Fibrosis News. Mark resides in Cleveland, Ohio, and is an avid sports fan supporting the professional teams in Cleveland. Mark has not let his diagnosis curb his enthusiasm for life.
Moments in Time: Revisiting Old Friendships and Creating New Memories
As a condition of being placed on a lung transplant list, I had to show that I had social support. My wife was my main caregiver, but she would need a break now and then. Fortunately, several…
I’m Focusing on What I Can Do While Complying with Transplant Conditions
During the evaluation process for a lung transplant, the patient’s attention is drawn to a number of conditions. Most of these refer to the things you cannot do; you don’t hear much about what you can do. Being…
Mentoring Kids Is a Win-Win Situation
Even before I was officially diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), I could feel my health declining and my enthusiasm to complete yardwork diminishing. I always took great pride in my meticulously landscaped yard. When I moved into…
Dealing with the Challenges of a Vacation Following My Lung Transplant
I recently returned from a three-week vacation in Europe. On the trip, my wife, Rebecca, and I visited Poland, Italy, Greece, and Austria. I was anxious before the holiday and worried about transporting my medications across borders. I thought,…
Navigating the Grieving Process: Death Can Trigger Unexpected Emotions
In the past week, two people have passed with whom I am familiar. One of them is well-known in the pulmonary fibrosis community; the other is a close family friend. Pulmonary Fibrosis News columnist Kim Fredrickson was a wonderful…
Finding Employment that Fits Me
After being diagnosed with a devastating disease like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), life tends to come to a momentary halt. I was OK mentally after the initial diagnosis, but I then contracted respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)…
A Spore in the Grass: Protect Your Lungs from Aspergillosis
As an ex-college football player, I get goosebumps over the sweet smell of freshly cut grass in the fall — a sign that football season is upon us. It’s too bad that it puts me at risk for a…
Post-transplant Life Includes the Constant Monitoring of Lab Tests
An integral part of my recovery from single-lung transplant surgery is the close monitoring of lab results. My case is even more interesting because I have autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). Simply explained, my red and white blood…
Bittersweet Memories of My Mom on Mother’s Day
Another Mother’s Day is upon us. As each year comes round, it seems that I think about my mother more and more. My mom passed away on June 27, 2007. She suffered a fractured pelvis from which she didn’t…
Preparing for Vacation: Put in Hard Work Now, Then Relax
In preparation for my trip to Europe, I have intensified my fitness routine. My routine is already fairly grueling for a lung transplant patient. But in anticipation of extended walking periods, including hills and steps, I feel I have…
Following My Diagnosis, Negative Thoughts Consumed Me
Even before I received my official diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the thought of death consumed me. I had trouble sleeping. I would lie awake at night for several hours tossing and turning before finally falling asleep.
