Since my pulmonary hypertension (PH) diagnosis, I have been labeled a high-risk patient. Because it’s a rare disease, PH can be challenging to diagnose, treat, and manage. And with several other conditions, including chronic kidney disease, I face unique issues that can leave medical professionals…
I settled on the couch, the warmth of my cozy, heated vest wrapped around my aching body. But in that moment, even prescription pain medicine failed to bring relief. The clock on my MacBook taunted me. It was already past 3 a.m., and I found myself wide-eyed, lost in the…
Fall has always been my favorite season. Unfortunately, San Diego doesn’t quite have the enchanting fall foliage that other places do. Instead of a vibrant cascade of leaves, it’s more like a few scattered ones and a whimsical dance of pollen floating through the air. That mix mingles here with…
Did you know? According to the National Institutes of Health, millions of Americans each year selflessly provide unpaid care for loved ones with chronic or severe health conditions like pulmonary hypertension (PH). These remarkable individuals dedicate countless hours to assisting others — and we can’t overlook the toll…
“How are your focus and concentration? Do you need help to stay engaged while reading, writing your columns, or watching movies?” These were the questions my psychiatrist posed to me during our recent telehealth session. Surprisingly, she linked my attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder to long-term COVID-19. But she reminded me…
What turns a house into a home? My therapist posed this question during a recent session. Initially caught off guard, I found myself pondering its depth. Eventually, I realized it was an exploration worth undertaking. So here I am, eager to dive into the exercise and share my thoughts. You…
When the late afternoon rolls around and I’m ready to wind down, my body often has other plans. These moments seem to bring out the worst of my pain, and I find myself curled up in a fetal position on the couch. Yet, I’m hesitant to take pain medication…
To the lady who glared at me and muttered under her breath as I pulled into a disabled parking spot: Why not approach me and ask me why I parked there? I’d gladly explain that I have pulmonary hypertension (PH), a rare and progressive disease that affects my heart…
Have you ever wondered why some people openly share their health struggles while others keep them to themselves? Before jumping to conclusions and assuming it’s all about seeking attention, let’s take a moment to reflect. Speaking up about my chronic illness journey with pulmonary hypertension (PH) has given…
It’s 7 p.m. on a Thursday, and my husband, Manny, and I are cooking dinner. Suddenly, my phone rings. Manny looks concerned and says, “It’s the nephrologist.” I already have a gut feeling it won’t be good news. My bloodwork has been all over the place the past few…
Over the past few months, I’ve asked myself several times if I’ve become a better or worse friend, but I didn’t know the answer. When pulmonary hypertension (PH) makes me feel my worst, I worry I’m a bad friend. I can’t spend as much time with people as I’d…
Picture yourself sitting in a waiting room at the doctor’s office, playing the waiting game. You’ve all been there, of course. How do you determine how long is too long to wait? Your answers, unsurprisingly, may vary. In an informal survey, I asked 15 people with pulmonary hypertension (PH)…
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