Columnist Explores the Downside of Social Support for IPF

If you have a chronic illness such as pulmonary fibrosis you can draw tremendous strength from others who are going through the same experiences as you are. Befriending others who suffer from the same illness provides you with a community you can rely on, who understand your situation better than your friends and family. It also gives you the opportunity to offer support and guidance.

Pulmonary fibrosis patient Dyane talks about what she most fears about the disease.

However, as our resident columnist Charlene Marshall explains, there is a potential downside to getting close to others with chronic diseases. Charlene talks about a friend she became close with who also suffered from pulmonary fibrosis, and sadly her friend passed away a few weeks ago following an infection.

Having to say goodbye to a dear friend is tough but there is also the added complication that her friend died from the same disease she has, a fate she may share making it doubly hard to reconcile. Read Charlene’s article here.

Find out how pulmonary fibrosis affects patients and their loved ones. 

Pulmonary Fibrosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.