Forming Meaningful Friendships with a Chronic Illness
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved meeting new people. My siblings and I each have unique talents. One of my brothers is exceptionally talented at music. He can…
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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Strategies that make exercise with pulmonary fibrosis easier for me
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…
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A Gratitude Miniseries: September 2018
Ed. note: A continuation of the monthly “Gratitude Miniseries.” As September drew to a close, I was preparing this column by intending to say the month was full of all good…
As a PF Patient, I’m Begging You to Please Be Considerate of Where You Smoke
I am writing this column from my hospital room, and I’m feeling pretty frustrated. As I was rushing into the grocery store this evening with my oxygen tank strapped to my back…
Addressing Stares from Others
I understand that it is uncommon to see a young adult wearing supplemental oxygen and using a wheelchair due to fatigue. It might spark a passerby’s curiosity about what has made…
Why I Love Traveling Despite IPF Complications
I hope I never take my ability to travel for granted. The world is a beautiful place, and despite my diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), I intend to see as much…
A Tribute to Claire Wineland, Who Inspired an Entire Community
Since my idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnosis in early 2016, I have been committed to advocating for myself and others who suffer from this fatal lung disease. So far, my advocacy efforts…
Bonding Over Battles: Building Empathetic Friendships
There is nothing quite like having someone truly understand what you are going through. Living with a life-threatening illness like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) can feel excruciatingly isolating. While this is true…
A Gratitude Miniseries: August 2018
Editor’s note: A continuation of the monthly “Gratitude Miniseries.” I am happy to report that things are on a slow but gradual upswing. As I wrote in my previous miniseries…
2 Unusual Coping Strategies for Those Living with Pulmonary Fibrosis
Following a life-threatening illness diagnosis, most patients learn to cope with their new reality in unique ways. Some patients seek professional help, such as counseling, for chronic illness coping strategies. Many patients…
Tips for Helping to Settle Your Mind with Pulmonary Fibrosis
Following the diagnosis of a life-threatening lung disease like pulmonary fibrosis (PF), patients and their families often go through days, weeks, and sometimes months feeling confused, angry, and fearful. This diagnosis…
Surviving IPF Is More than Enduring Its Physical Impact
When you think of surviving idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), do you think only about the physical impact of this disease? I did, at least before my diagnosis in early 2016, when I…
My Greatest Fears as a Pulmonary Fibrosis Patient
As a young person living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), I am scared of many things. However, I don’t get into the habit of voicing my fears of what this disease is…
