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Ann is a sociologist who previously used her degree as a college professor. Her life changed when she was diagnosed in December 2019 with a rare lung disease known as lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia, which causes pulmonary fibrosis. Ann uses oxygen 24/7 to help her breathe.
Ann is from a small town in Texas and lives on a small farm. She is now ready to move forward by reaching out to others who are just beginning their journey with this disease. She wants her column to show those reading that they are not alone in this struggle, that they have a voice and must courageously advocate for their health. Her motto: “Stay strong and don’t hide your illness.”
It’s been one year since I joined BioNews, the publisher of Pulmonary Fibrosis News, as a columnist. At that point, I was trying to find my way in life with lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP) amid the COVID-19…
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Coping with a rare disease can be lonely. After I was diagnosed with lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP) in 2019, my world crumbled and shock set in. I started searching for answers on the internet, looking for any…
“Wow, that is a rare lung disease. I have heard of lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia [LIP], but I have never known or treated anyone with this disease. Your case will be interesting.” That’s what my cardiologist said when I went…
Laughter brings people together. It can lead to positive emotional changes, especially when you’re having a rough day. It can also boost the immune system, which enables our body to fight infections. Laughter can help us feel relaxed…
This is not easy to talk about. I don’t even want to discuss it with my husband. I already feel awkward being intimate while wearing a nasal cannula and don’t want to add another unsexy health issue. My husband…
What a rough three weeks my family has been having. I’ve had to put a hold on writing my column because of events outside of my control. Once again, I am angry with this rare illness of…
Teaching has been a passion of mine since I earned my masters degree in sociology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) in 2013. Becoming a college professor gave me a sense of self-worth. I was proud of…
My plan for the holidays was to binge-watch all the Rocky movies. I love this character as played by Sylvester Stallone, and I can relate to how much he struggles to find his way through…
Most of us crave intimacy. Not only on a physical level, but more importantly on an emotional, intellectual, experiential, and spiritual level. I am a very emotional person; it’s easy to see in my writing. I wear my…
Being my own advocate means having to be resilient, a trait I have come to acquire. The past two weeks have really tested me, and sparked a fierce determination on my part to obtain financial assistance to help…
Today’s inspiration comes from a brainstorming session I had with fellow columnists. Speaking with other people who live with rare diseases made me think about what I wanted to express in my column. I realized I feel a…
“But if these years have taught me anything it is this: you can never run away. Not ever. The only way out is in.” — Junot Díaz I have always been a social person. I need human contact…
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