With the holiday season upon us, the social gatherings have begun. An unofficial start to the holidays for me is attending my family Christmas dinner, which occurs on the last Saturday of November. Our extended family is too large to bring everyone together in December, so we…
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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Exercise is important for people with chronic illness. But as someone living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a disease characterized by progressive scarring of the lungs and difficulty breathing, I know working out is easier said than done. I’ve also found some strategies that make it easier for me.
With November coming to a close, I look forward to sharing with you the things I am grateful for as part of my continuing miniseries on gratitude. As I turn over my calendar to December, I can’t help but smile as I reflect on all the great things…
When I was growing up, friends, family members, and teachers would tease me about my “fear of missing out” on opportunities. This was because I rarely turned down the chance to try something new. As I got a little older, I often committed to more than I could…
Before my idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnosis in early 2016, I was oblivious to the importance of caring for my respiratory health. While it is easy to conclude that the respiratory system is required for human survival, I think many people take healthy lungs and the ability to…
It’s no secret that chronic illness complicates the lives of patients, regardless of the disease. While illnesses have many recognized symptoms, only patients are aware of the lesser-known complexities of each one. Since my idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnosis, I have been consistently learning and adjusting to what…
Lately, I have been taking what feels like an excessive number of sick days, both from work and from day-to-day activities. In the past couple of years, it’s taken time to accept that I must prioritize my body’s needs and slow down or rest when needed has…
Since I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in April 2016, I have enjoyed connecting with other patients living with this life-threatening lung disease. For the most part, hearing others’ stories has given me comfort, hope, and encouragement. I believe that the benefits of connecting with my…
As I reflect on this past month, I am happy to share that October has been filled with many good times and memories for my loved ones and me. As we’re only a couple of months away from wrapping up 2018, I look forward to reflecting on this…
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…
One of my all-time favorite quotes about kindness is: “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be Kind. Always.” I liked this quote, which can be traced to Scottish author Ian Maclaren, before my 2016 diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Kindness should…
I have noticed a difference in myself over the past few months. I believe this new attitude is beneficial for my physical, mental, and emotional health. I have been prioritizing my needs and not feeling guilty about doing so. I encourage everyone to live and work this way,…
Living with any life-threatening illness is difficult and brings many changes, both to the patient and her family. Following my diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in early 2016, my doctor talked about the physical changes I should expect. What the doctor didn’t mention were the other —…
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