Breaking the Chains and Taking Back Control
“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…
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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Knowledge Is Power: A Recipe for Healthier Days
I am finally on the road to a better understanding of my disease, lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP), and the course it’s taken throughout my life. In my previous column, I mentioned that I would soon have my second…
Seeking a Better Understanding of My Rare Disease
I am an advocate for my rare disease, but I still can’t describe it. Several weeks ago, I went to the dentist with my husband. It was a hot and humid day, as it always is here in Texas.
Researching My Illness: Learning to Let Go and Trust My Physician
As a research sociologist, my goal is to research anything and everything I need answers to. I often become so preoccupied with this search that it becomes an obsession. Many people turn to online research for answers…
After All These Years, I Have Learned to Love My Imperfections
How do you learn to love your body while struggling with a rare illness? I used to ask myself this almost daily. I love to eat, and comfort food provides just that — comfort. Vegetables and fruits sound…
Planning for Retirement Despite My Anxieties
My husband is retiring in a couple weeks. I’m not of retirement age, but sometimes life happens and decisions are forced upon us. (Photo by Ann Reynoso) My husband and I have quite an age gap. He is…
How Writing Helped Me Maneuver Detours and Work With My Limitations
I had an epiphany last week: It’s hard to find a job! My first thought was that it must be my age. My experience doesn’t matter because I don’t fit into the work culture. (I’d never heard of…
The Journey to Discovering My Human Superpowers
I just finished watching the episode of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” in which Capt. Jean-Luc Picard was taken by the Borg. In one scene, the Borg turned him into a machine, or in Trekkie terms, a “cyborg.”…
Remembering My Mother, a Pillar on My Support Team
One of the most important blessings in life is having a strong support group. A support team may consist of family members, friends, or a community of people. My support team included three of the greatest people…
‘Stay Strong and Never Hide Your Illness’
I will celebrate my two-year diagnosis anniversary on Dec. 11. On this day, which changed my life forever, I was finally diagnosed with lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia. My head was spinning when I heard these words. What is this…
