Throughout my childhood, adolescent years and most recently young adulthood, I have been my toughest critic. I openly admit to that, and have had a strong desire to always want to do things to the best of my ability. I will repeat an activity or task until I have…
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.
Since being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), it has been interesting to observe how certain movie quotes seem to have much more meaning than they did prior to my diagnosis. I tend to watch movies these days seeking out characters who can relate to what it…
When you are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness such as pulmonary fibrosis, it is inevitable that you will feel the need to ask some big questions. Dreaded questions like “Why me?” “Why did this have to happen?” “Am I going to die?” and “How long do I…
Throughout this yearlong journey with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), to which I am an unwilling participant, I have often spoken with others about the benefits of having something positive to look forward to. Knowing something good is on the horizon helps in coping with this disease — whether…
I had a frightening incident happen the other day that has left me a lot more protective of my oxygen tank, where I leave it and how often I keep an eye on it when interacting with others. Despite living with rapidly progressing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), I…
April 7 has arrived just like any other day (as I expected it would), but it holds so much more significance and meaning for me now. After 13 months of testing and various appointments, it was confirmed that I had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) on April 7, 2016, which…
In most of my conversations with people who also have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a painful loss they have experienced as a result of their disease is no longer being able to work. Some people have to stop working altogether, while others have to reduce their hours from full-time…
Obligations and what you “should” do as a patient living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) can be all-consuming. I have learned a lot about myself this week after talking to friends and colleagues. One of the things I must let go of throughout this journey is this idea…
I had an experience last night in the emergency room that has left me thinking a lot. So I decided to turn my thoughts into a column — and I am curious to hear how those of you also living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) feel about patient…
For the friends and colleagues who see me regularly, many of you know this week was particularly challenging for me. In addition to recovering physically from my latest medication dose and being sick, I also was dealing with the emotional swings of the steroid injections. My puppy…
I have always been active and independent growing up. I like to meet new people and explore the outdoors. I enjoy learning and am committed to professional development. And I get excited and enthusiastic about new initiatives in my personal life, in my education and in my career.
This column comes from a place of physical and emotional exhaustion, so please bear with me. I know I’ll regain the physical strength in a couple of days, and I know the emotional toll will decrease as well, and I’ll see things a little more clearly soon enough. As Annie…
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