Note of Thanks to My Readers, Who Give Me Strength
Have you ever been so grateful to be part of a community, either in person or online, while at the same time desperately wishing that community didn’t have to exist? That is…
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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To People with Healthy Lungs: What I Wish You Knew
With the exception of being on antibiotics again for a bacterial infection that tried to start in my ears, nose, and throat, I am feeling pretty well these days. I am tired,…
Sleep and IPF: What’s the Problem?
After reading other columns on this site, I’ve come to realize I’m not the only person with a lung disease dealing with sleep issues. After being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)…
Finding Joy When the Weather Keeps You Stuck Inside
If anyone reading this column resides in southwestern Ontario, you can attest to the abnormally hot temperatures that landed on us toward the end of September. For those of you who can…
My Time-sensitive Bucket List
When talking to others about things they would like to do someday, it is common to hear people respond with, “That’s on my bucket list.” Whether it’s traveling around the world, seeking…
Illness, Caregiving and Feeling Vulnerable
As my idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) progresses, I have been having multiple discussions with my personal and professional networks about how they can best support me. Most of the time, I admit,…
Adjusting to Pain: The Reality of Living with IPF
As I sit down to write this column, I am consciously aware of, and thinking specifically about, where I feel pain in my body. Right now, both of my calves are sore.
I’m Sorry For Canceling Plans, Again
Lately, it feels as if I spend most of my time apologizing to friends and family for canceling plans. Before being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), I rarely canceled plans.
My Emotional Trigger When Asked ‘How Are You Doing?’
“How are you doing?” is the infamous quintessential question I am confident all patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are asked on a regular basis. Lately, this question has been a bit…
Test Results and Being Happy with Stable
For those of you familiar with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), or any interstitial lung disease (ILD), actually, you will likely know what a pulmonary function test is. If you are a patient…
Since Diagnosis, IPF-related Anxiety Has Increased
Before my diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) nearly 18 months ago, I would have never considered myself to be an anxious person. The older I get and the more people…
PF Awareness Month Feels Less Important than Others
September is Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, and as I sit down to write this column, I have to admit that the topic is coming from a point of frustration ……
