“How often do you experience heart palpitations or chest pains?” This question is one of the first I hear every time I have an appointment with my pulmonary hypertension (PH) specialist or other members of my healthcare team. Palpitations, chest pain and tightness, shortness of breath, and…
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH), this column is for you. I’ve been there, and I know what you’re going through. It might feel like everything is a blur as you grapple with the whirlwind of emotions that come with such a devastating…
Do you ever feel like a fraud because of your rare disease? For the past two decades while managing pulmonary hypertension (PH), I’ve battled self-doubt, shame, and feelings of inadequacy. I know I’m not alone. We all face these emotions at different points in life, and through conversations with…
I have pulmonary hypertension (PH), which is difficult to manage, but it doesn’t affect only me. It also affects the people closest to me, including my husband, Manny, who is my rock. Unfortunately, living with a rare disease can strain a marriage at times. When that happens,…
When health issues strike, they can be devastating, turning your world upside down in an instant. You can’t just wish away a rare disease like pulmonary hypertension (PH); its future impact is a daunting unknown. Last week, I had an “aha!” moment with my young adult daughter, Kayla,…
Living with a rare disease like pulmonary hypertension (PH) presents unique challenges. Balancing work, your personal life, and your health can feel overwhelming for both patients and their caregivers. If you find yourself struggling to balance work and life with a rare disease, please know that you’re…
“Never get a chronic illness; it’s really inconvenient for other people.” I stumbled upon a meme with this quote while scrolling through social media last week, and, wow, did it hit home! Can you relate? As someone managing pulmonary hypertension (PH) and other health conditions, I found this…
As I opened my email inbox, a headline instantly caught my eye: “Massive heat wave heading for USA next week.” This got me thinking about how heat affects those of us with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Here in sunny San Diego, many in our PH community are bracing…
With warmer months on the horizon, many of us eagerly await the fresh fruits and vegetables they bring. I’m one of those people who can’t wait for the fresh produce season. It benefits the pulmonary hypertension (PH) community, too, as we’re often advised to follow a heart-healthy…
In previous columns, I’ve shared about my ongoing struggle to balance managing pulmonary hypertension (PH) with other health issues like chronic pain. Both conditions require constant attention to ensure optimal health and quality of life. One crucial aspect of living with chronic pain is describing it, which,…
Are you or your partner managing pulmonary hypertension (PH)? Does it make going out on traditional dates difficult? If so, don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. Date nights are essential to any relationship, but they can be challenging with PH and limited energy. That doesn’t mean we have…
I’m often in awe of my body’s resilience. Imagine this: The windows are wide open, a gentle breeze dances through the room, and warm Southern California sunshine filters through the blinds, casting patterns on the floor. On such days, amid the freshness of the air wafting inside, I find…
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