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 of it as possible while…
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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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 have been on a small…
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 for anyone living with IPF,…
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 column, July was not one…
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 lean on family and friends,…
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 is emotionally shattering, and it…
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 learned the hard way that…
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 ultimately going to cost me,…
Letting Go of Guilt as a Patient with Pulmonary Fibrosis
Any chronic illness diagnosis is scary and confusing. It is a time filled with an abundance of emotions that are difficult to navigate. Unfortunately, these emotions don’t exist only for the first few months after a diagnosis,…
The Unpredictability of Living with Failing Lungs
I’ll be transparent: Living with a chronic illness sucks, regardless of the disease you deal with. It’s not easy learning to navigate life while sick, and unfortunately, there is no rulebook to study. I can only speak…
A Gratitude Miniseries: July 2018
Editor’s note: A continuation of Charlene Marshall’s monthly “Gratitude Miniseries.” Similar to my “Gratitude Miniseries” column for April, July was not one of my favorite months this year. While some good things happened, which I will…
Ideas for Finding Happiness and Gratitude Despite Pulmonary Fibrosis
Following a diagnosis of a life-threatening illness like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), days filled with happiness and gratitude can rare. After my own IPF diagnosis in early 2016, I had many days of confusion, anger, and…
