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.
Living with a rare lung disease such as pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a daily battle that requires strength and perseverance. Many individuals, me included, face this journey with courage, often in the shadows…
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It’s been awhile since I’ve really felt defeated, but life has a way of reminding us sometimes of how truly vulnerable we are. Dealing with a rare illness like pulmonary fibrosis can complicate…
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…
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…
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…
“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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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