Living With IPF — Charlene Marshall

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 pick up any instrument, learn to play it by ear, and join in any jam session.

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 things. That was before I learned that a close friend and colleague had died of complications…

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 and a million things on my mind, I unfortunately didn’t notice the person smoking right outside…

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 this young person’s lungs so sick that they can’t breathe efficiently. I understand curiosity, but as…

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 of it as possible while I still can. Recently, I spent time on the east coast…

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 have been on a small scale. They include a few speaking engagements, awareness posts through social…

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 for anyone living with IPF, it feels extra lonely when you are a young adult dealing…

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 column, July was not one of my favorite months of 2018. However, August was a bit…

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 lean on family and friends, while other patients learn to cope on their own through trial…

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 is emotionally shattering, and it is also mentally exhausting. It can feel like your mind is…

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 learned the hard way that surviving a chronic illness is so much more than just the…

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 ultimately going to cost me, but sometimes, I must talk about them. There is a lot…