Columns

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…

Do you have trouble relaxing? That might seem like a silly question given that summer vacations are in full swing. But I’m asking because of my own ongoing quest to better relax as part of my treatment plan for pulmonary hypertension (PH). Long before my PH diagnosis…

One of the first things my parents were told when I received a pulmonary hypertension (PH) diagnosis at the age of 4 was that I wouldn’t be able to have children. My mom thought this was an absurd topic to bring up, given that the same doctors didn’t…

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…

“Every one of us gets through the tough times because somebody is there, standing in the gap to close it for us.” — Oprah Winfrey It has often struck me how fortunate my husband, Tim, and I have been that the same physician has cared for him for over 20 years.

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…

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again (and again): Elected leaders in the United States need to hear from their constituents, which include many of us in the pulmonary hypertension (PH) community. The doldrums of August is the perfect time to connect with your members…

When I was in elementary school, my mom had two hopes for my growth trajectory. She wanted me to be able to fit into a size 6 shoe, and she hoped I would reach 5 feet tall. I’m happy to report I surpassed both goals once my growth spurt hit…

Tim, my husband with pulmonary hypertension (PH), says on occasion, “It’d be nice to be normal sometimes.” He said that earlier this month, when we took a boat out for the July Fourth weekend. In North Carolina, where we live, July means one temperature: scorching. Relief comes in a…

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…

I can see the marks on my face most mornings when I look in the mirror. In my mind, the reddish lines and indentations look like well-worn train tracks. Lately, two small circular markings have made themselves known on each side of my nostrils. Those marks are from the straps…

When I was in the fourth grade, our entire town lost power for two or three days. This event coincided with both the last day of school and my birthday. It was so much fun, I thought at the time. The ultimate adventure. My best friend slept over two nights…