Trigger warning: This column discusses sexual assault and rape. If you need assistance, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. I left a procedure last week feeling shaky, unwell, anxious, and upset. The procedure, draining an ovarian cyst, unfortunately was unsuccessful. I found out shortly after waking…
Three years ago when I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension at age 22, I never would have predicted I’d one day want to live alone. At the time, I was terrified and became reliant on my family for support and comfort. A lot has changed since…
The song “In My Daughter’s Eyes” by Martina McBride hits me heavy every time I hear it. I always dedicate this song to my daughter, Kayla. If only I could see myself in my daughter’s eyes. As a mom, I have always loved my daughter beyond measure, and…
When looking through pictures on social media, I see so many body-positive influencers making powerful statements about the “ideal body.” I see women and men on Instagram trying to show others that beauty standards aren’t realistic. Skin folds, bends, and changes shape for countless reasons. The message is that society’s…
When going to the hospital for tests, one always hopes and prays for the best-case scenario. Last week, I had a number of tests and was lucky enough to get pretty good news across the board. My walk test was good and has definitely improved…
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, nearly 40 million people in the United States experience an anxiety disorder in any given year. If you have pulmonary hypertension (PH) and anxiety, you already know this struggle. Anxiety affects us in more ways than we ever thought possible.
On Aug. 7, my son Cullen celebrated his six-year anniversary of having a heart and double-lung transplant. In last year’s anniversary column, I shared the joys and struggles that come with this miraculous gift. Taking care of new organs is an enormous responsibility. The reality that Cullen would…
My dog, Bernie, turned 1 last week. In the nine months that I’ve had him, he has taught me more about unconditional love than I could ever teach myself. I wake up to puppy snuggles and feel his tiny paws resting somewhere on my…
“When thunder rolls through my life, Will you be able to weather the storm? There’s so much I would give ya, baby.” While these lyrics to Pink’s “Love Song” aren’t about chronic illness, they remind me of the roller coasters we encounter in our lives. I am…
When driving to doctors’ appointments for my son Cullen, we often listen to “The Danny Bonaduce & Sarah Morning Show.” They make us laugh, and we enjoy the topics. Last week, we were headed to an appointment when the show asked listeners to “call in and share which profession…
Living with congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension has taught me to let my physical health “be what it is.” This past year, giving myself permission to “be” helped me accept my bad days as they happened. I had to learn how to rest, listen to my body, pay…
As I write this, I’m due for a hospital visit tomorrow for a day of tests. And I have some pretty major pre-appointment anxiety. I haven’t had a face-to-face appointment to monitor my pulmonary hypertension in almost six months. While…
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