It’s My Turn to Take On the Role of Caregiver
I never thought I’d take for granted the caregiving I receive from my daughter, at least not on purpose. But that’s exactly what I was doing. I knew I could count on her on the days I needed someone…
Modern Day Mutant
— Ann Reynoso
Ann Reynoso lives in Alvin, Texas, working and volunteering as a patient advocate for those with disabilities and communities that struggle with inequalities in health and social care. She was diagnosed at age 53 on December 2019 with lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis. Her wonderful support team includes her husband and daughter. She writes both to regain a sense of achievement, post-diagnosis, and to make sure no one feels alone in their journey of navigating rare illness.
Featured Post
The climate of Texas is no ally in life with pulmonary fibrosis
Living in Texas means facing an unpredictable climate. One minute, the skies are blue and it’s sunny, and the next, thunderstorms and tornadoes are rolling in without warning. I’ve lived in Texas all my life and still can’t keep…
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Celebrating 1 Year of Finding My Path Through Writing
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…
Despite Our Differences, the Rare Disease Community Is in This Together
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…
Early AFib Diagnosis Is Key to Proper Care
“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…
A Day in the Life: When Laughter Is the Best Medicine
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…
Menopause and Pulmonary Fibrosis Mark a New Chapter in My Life
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…
I Have to Hold Back So Much Because of My Illness
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…
Returning to Work After My Diagnosis
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…
Bouncing Back From a Recent Hospitalization Due to Heart Problems
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…
My Nasal Cannula Won’t Keep Me From Canoodling With My Love
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…
Facing Outrageously Expensive Copays, I Turned to Foundations for Help
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…
I’m Learning to Manage Unnecessary Feelings of Guilt
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…
