Columns

When I was growing up, I noticed that my parents were very specific when identifying my illness. I didn’t just have pulmonary hypertension, I had pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). More specifically, I had idiopathic PAH, meaning that the cause was unknown. For a long time, these…

Inadequate. Weak. Useless. When we’re battling chronic illnesses like pulmonary hypertension (PH) and are forced to endure chronic pain, emotions like these can easily overwhelm us. It’s no wonder we feel useless or “less than” in such circumstances. We often define ourselves by what we do, and when…

A close friend and I recently discussed how our rare diseases affect our spouses. I have pulmonary hypertension (PH) and she has multiple sclerosis. Our partners provide unwavering love and support as we manage our chronic conditions. Afterward, I reflected on the conversation and on my incredible husband and…

While most people who home in on their health at the start of a new year think about gyms, diets, and a “Dry January,” I’m focused on my oxygen levels, doctor appointments, and exams. These are needed to manage my pulmonary hypertension (PH), something I’ll be committed…

Recently, the mother of a young transplant recipient reached out to me about my experience with hair loss. She said it was a side effect of the transplant medications and had caught them by surprise. I was quick to pass along my hair journey, which was, and continues…

Welcome to 2024! I enjoy the start of a new year because it allows me to reminisce about the past and brainstorm about how to approach the coming months. Instead of making resolutions, though, I’m all about focusing on personal growth. Which aspects of my life can I either bid…

Living with a chronic illness feels like being caught in a revolving door of doctor appointments and surprise trips to the emergency room. Trust me, I’ve been caught there more times than I can count, all thanks to pulmonary hypertension (PH). But amid the challenges, I’ve gained invaluable…

Over the years, the holidays have held many different meanings for me. While I’ve felt an abundance of joy and tradition associated with these celebrations, my lifelong battle with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and other conditions has added some complicated layers to the equation. Growing up, I had many years…

When we face setbacks from illness, it’s easy to feel like the world is crumbling around us, as if we’ve failed and there’s no point trying anymore. But here’s the thing: We can’t let those thoughts consume us. It’s easier said than done, right? Trust me, I’ve been through…

H.O.P.E.: Hold on, pain ends. This acronym came across my phone screen as I was scrolling through social media last month. Despite my physical pain and emotional discomfort, I laughed and thought to myself, “Whoever came up with this acronym has clearly never dealt with chronic pain. Pain doesn’t…

When I was growing up, my parents never let my pulmonary hypertension (PH) keep our family from living a full life. I sometimes wonder if this determination had something to do with me being the youngest child. By the time I was diagnosed with PH at age 4,…

“To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.”― J.K. Rowling, in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone“ Working as a hospice nurse before my diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH), I was at the bedside of many people in their final days and hours. It…