30 Days of PH: Living Independently

View this post on Instagram

Day 21 of 30 Days of PH⁣ Topic: Living Independently ⁣ This is Kellie’s story @ms_magiwine ⁣ ⁣ You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. Those words never rang more true, until the day I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Primary Arterial Hypertension. I was admitted to the hospital and started on IV therapy because my numbers were flying high. It was the best option to hopefully help with my symptoms and improve or keep my PH stable. That moment, the life that I knew, was changed forever. ⁣ ⁣ Because I am on IV medications for PH, living alone can be challenging. Because of not having family close by or a significant other to help, I was left to figure out how to manage everyday life on my own. What I quickly learned, was to stay organized and plan way ahead. Keep in mind that nothing will ever go perfect, and that's okay. You learn to have your phone close by at all times. I had to learn how to rest when your body tells you, not when your mind says it. It's okay if you are tired, you have no help, so, have a seat. When there's a will, there's a way. ⁣ ⁣ Living with PH is tough for anyone. Living independently with PH comes with its own complications. Learning to do things at a snail's pace has been the hardest part. However, having to get up everyday, to take care of everyday things for myself. It gives me the drive. Even more, it shows the world that PH doesn't define me. But, in fact, just maybe I define PH.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #30daysofPH #Independentliving #pumplife #PeriwinkleForPH2019

A post shared by Pulmonary Hypertension News (@pulmonaryhypertensionnews) on Nov 21, 2019 at 7:51am PST

Author Details

Jen Cueva

Jen is a columnist and forum moderator for PH News Today. Jen worked in nursing before the script changed upon her diagnosis of PH in 2005. Advocating and meeting those with PH has always been an essential part of her life. Her passion is to instill hope and remind others in the PH community that they are not alone. In her weekly column, she delves into the roller coaster of emotions that come along with PH. Jen lives on the Texas Gulf Coast with her husband and mini-schnauzer. Together we PHight stronger.

Print This Page

2 comments

Jo Ann White says:

November 25, 2019 at 11:32 AM

I am living independently with pah also. Yes it is hard but not impossible. The most difficult thing for someone who has always lived life at a dead run is allowing a lot more time to do things. I do have someone who comes in once a week to do what I cannot, and lovely neighbors who take out my trash and bring my mail and newspaper to the door. My dogs, fortunately, are small and trained to use a pen in the house so I do not have to walk them. I am also able to get out for now on d tanks with a bonsai regulator that last me 3-4 hours at 5-6 liters. I am even able to continue to go out to dinner and the theater for now.

- Jen Cueva says:
  
  November 26, 2019 at 10:11 AM
  
  Hi JoAnn, thank you for reading and keeping up with our 30 Days of PH posts. If you are on Instagram, you can find us there also. We also have a PH Forum that you can join and talk with others with PH if you choose. The forum link is on the website where you read these stories.
  
  Living alone with PH, I am sure it can be a challenge most days. I am happy that you have help and also good neighbors to keep an eye on you. I am sure that your oxygen helps as you mention you can go out to dinner and the theater. Doing some of the things that we enjoy helps us mentally and physically.

2 comments

Leave a Comment Cancel reply