Focusing on Happiness and Quality Moments
While it sounds cliché to talk about the importance of focusing on quality moments in our lives rather than quantity, doing so is how I choose to live and cope with my life-threatening lung disease. I have…
Living With IPF — Charlene Marshall
Charlene Marshall 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.
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My ENT doctor provided helpful insight into my shortness of breath
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease, which means it worsens over time. Because there’s no cure, the goal is to try and preserve lung function for as long as possible. This may involve regular monitoring…
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The Breaking, Bonding, and Forming of My Social Support Team
Upon being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2016, I predicted that many of my relationships would change. What I didn’t know, which might have been the scariest of all the “unknowns,” was how those relationships…
I Made the Agonizing Decision to Cancel a Specialist Appointment
Many of us living with chronic illness know the importance of keeping specialist appointments because of the length of time it can take to reschedule them. The decision to cancel a consultation due to unforeseen circumstances can…
Have You Joined the Pulmonary Fibrosis News Forums Yet?
The Pulmonary Fibrosis News Forums is celebrating its first birthday this month. As a forums moderator, I wrote information-focused columns ahead of the launch in early 2018 to give people an idea of what we hoped…
Practicing Self-care Doesn’t Mean You’re Being Selfish
Since my diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) nearly three years ago, I have changed in many fundamental ways. While my values and views and the activities I enjoy have stayed the same, my approach to…
Self-Care Tips to Help Me Cope When Others Go Through Tough Times
Any patient living with a chronic illness is familiar with the topic of self-care. It’s something that many of our medical team members, especially the allied healthcare professionals, talk to us about. But practicing self-care is not…
Options for Care When IPF Makes Me Feel Unwell
It’s cold and flu season, and unfortunately, people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and compromised immune systems are bound to get sick. Despite our best efforts, it is likely that we’ll end up with the flu, a…
Reflecting on a Great First Month of 2019
Last year, I wrote a gratitude miniseries reflecting on the positive things that took place each month. While I am not continuing that miniseries this year, I did reflect on why this month was so great for…
It’s Hard Being the ‘Sick’ Employee
Shortly after my idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnosis, my doctor and I had a discussion about employment. While he supported my desire to work at the time, he was very open with his concerns about my…
My Many Concerns When Considering Lung Transplantation
Talking about lung transplantation is frightening. It was scary when it was initially introduced following my diagnosis nearly three years ago, and it continues to be difficult to talk about. This is despite all that I’ve been…
How Planning a Trip Helps Me Cope with PF
It’s no secret that I love to travel. Upon receiving my idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnosis in 2016, my biggest fear was that this cruel lung disease would take away my physical ability to explore the world.
The Daily Impact Pulmonary Fibrosis Has on Patients
There is no question that living with pulmonary fibrosis is exhausting for patients and caregivers alike. Those who may not have any experience with PF might assume that it is only a physically limiting disease. I would have…
