In 2008, my 8-year-old son was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Being told that Cullen had an incurable, life-threatening illness was traumatic. It was impossible to imagine that there would be happy days following that news. That year, two wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation visited Cullen at home.
Columns
A few weeks ago, I wrote about planning happy moments amid the storms. I shared my excitement about a planned trip to San Diego with my husband. The city, my “little piece of heaven,” is one of my favorite places to be. Maybe the place is special to me…
Almost every time I am at the hospital, someone asks about my wrist tattoo. It is in a spot that not everyone can see, but is noticeable when I turn my wrist so nurses or doctors can insert an IV. I am often asked what it…
When a person is diagnosed with a serious condition like pulmonary hypertension (PH), they must alter their lifestyle. One of my biggest challenges has been learning to take it easy. I like to keep busy, and I tend to get a bit glum if I lie in bed all day…
My inner child awakens every fall. As the foliage starts to change into its glorious colors, I go to work decorating my home. And while sipping pumpkin spice latte, I think about what costume I will wear to this year’s party. On Halloween, you will find me on my porch,…
Traveling by plane can be stressful for anyone. Flying with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and other disabilities adds another dimension of stress and anxiety. My husband and I recently flew from Houston to San Diego. I was stoked about this trip and had been looking forward to it for months. My…
“Just go take a nap.” That’s the response I often receive when I tell someone I’m feeling really tired. Many people don’t realize that the degree of exhaustion I experience goes beyond what a nap can resolve. I wish I could crawl into my…
Holding down a job when you have a chronic illness can be really tricky. First, there’s the time you’ll need off for appointments. Secondly, there’s the fact that you’ll need more sick days than the average Joe. This can make going after your dream job seem impossible. I was…
Change is inevitable when you or a loved one is diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH). There will be physical, emotional, and social adjustments. And one day you will notice that your home has been unexpectedly redecorated. Boxes of medical supplies will take over tables, drawers, and cabinets. Trash cans…
“Is there any chance you are pregnant?” Unfortunately, I have had to answer this question more times than I would like to count. Usually, I can think of some witty reply in the moment, along the lines of, “You would need to get the news team…
Managing pulmonary hypertension (PH) can be exhausting. Adding coexisting conditions makes it even more challenging. Like me, many people struggle to manage multiple illnesses. In addition to PH, I deal with chronic kidney disease (CKD), iron deficiency anemia, and a few others. It can be overwhelming. Some say…
After I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH), I was so scared of doing any further damage to my heart that I stopped exercising altogether. I even gave up cycling, which was my main way of getting around. I spent a lot of time in bed and led a…
