‘Let It Go’: Dealing With Inconsiderate Comments
“You look so good.” “What’s wrong with you now?” “But you’re too young to be on oxygen.” “Wow, you don’t look sick at all.” “But you went out last night.” If I had to guess, I’d bet that…
Columns
Chronic Illness Helped Me Justify Keeping Trauma a Secret
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…
Living Alone With a Chronic Illness
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…
Celebrating My Daughter’s Birthday With a Special Song
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…
Body Acceptance Looks Different for Me, and That’s OK
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…
Why I Felt Down After Receiving Positive Test Results
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…
Some Days, Anxiety Feels Like Riding the Crazy Train
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.
Experiencing the Other Side of Organ Donation
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…
The Joy of Walking My Dog, Bernie
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…
Here’s How I Show My Husband and Caregiver My Appreciation
“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…
Life as a Caregiver Is Worthy of a Reality TV Show
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…
Learning to Give Myself Permission to Feel Well
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…
