7 Things People With Invisible Illnesses Think You Should Know

Struggling to Find the Empathy I Once Had

This is difficult for me to write. Since being diagnosed with IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis), I sometimes struggle to find empathy when others are sick with common ailments such as a cold, sore throat, headache, etc. I really dislike this about myself. In fact, writing about this…

Is Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatable?

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic lung condition where scarred tissue makes the lungs unable to deliver oxygen to the blood stream effectively. The more scarred the lung tissue is, the more severe the condition will be. Find out about six pulmonary fibrosis diagnostic tools. The scarring of lung tissue…

#TBT: Caring for a Lung Transplant Patient

What’s it like taking care of someone who’s had a lung transplant? In this video from Gifted Life, 26-year-old Lauren and her mom explain what it’s like looking after someone who has a chronic lung condition and the differences between pre- and post-transplant caregiving. Learn more…

Responding to the Comment ‘You Are So Strong’

I have a love-hate relationship with the need to be strong on this journey with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It is important to be strong, but I think it is equally important not to show, or attempt to show, strength, especially when you don’t feel very strong. People sometimes…

Pulmonary Fibrosis Stories: Stephanie Packer

This video from Adam Karm titled “The Best Mom in the World” is all about the Packer family. Thirty-three-year-old Stephanie Packer was diagnosed with diffuse scleroderma in 2012 and now, as a result, suffers from pulmonary fibrosis.  Wondering how you can better manage you pulmonary fibrosis?…