Columns

Finding strength in acceptance when living with chronic pain

“Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation; it means understanding that something is what it is and that there’s got to be a way through it.” — Michael J. Fox  For over 10 years, I’ve been navigating life with chronic pain, a silent battle I’ve fought while managing pulmonary hypertension (PH) and…

Sticky bras are good for the heart

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) can feel like a hand is squeezing my lungs, and my arteries are tentacles of fire. Sometimes I feel like a large iron block is sitting atop my heart, squashing it and causing heart failure. The pressure can get intense. This disabled heart of mine is…

Some plans that helped me go back to school can still apply

Whether you’re 5 or 15, back-to-school season can involve all sorts of overwhelming factors when living with pulmonary hypertension (PH) or another complex illness. Along with shopping for school supplies and planning an outfit for school pictures, PH warriors also have to worry about medication management, energy allowance, and…

Here’s what happens when I underestimate the summer heat

A recent e-bike ride I took with my husband, Manny, was quite the learning experience. What began as a pleasant afternoon quickly reminded us of the importance of heat safety, especially for those of us managing pulmonary hypertension (PH). We had enjoyed a light lunch and a couple of…

Welcoming my son as the newest PH News Forums moderator

There are two sides to every story. For six years, as both a forums moderator and columnist for Pulmonary Hypertension News, I have shared my son’s pulmonary hypertension (PH) and transplant story from my perspective as a caregiver. I’m excited to announce that you can now read…

What’s next? Searching for where to cast my ambitions

While talking with some friends recently, we ended up discussing our college majors. My mom had encouraged me to study literature, writing, or something similar, but after a lifetime of being closely tied to the healthcare system with my pulmonary hypertension, I was determined to pursue a career in…