Columns

Sometimes (okay, probably more often than not) you meet people who don’t understand your illness. They take breathing for granted. They don’t even notice their lungs most of the time. They don’t understand how you struggle some days, gasping, dealing with chest pain, unable to do much. And they certainly…

When people hear engineering, many immediately jump to visions of grandiose buildings, beautiful bridges, or complicated machines. The stereotypical vision of engineers has since changed, as many of us have ventured into the field of science and medical research. Why is this important? As a biomedical engineer, my classes and…

In continuation of my previous column leading to my diagnosis, I had just been told by my physician’s nurse to research pulmonary hypertension. To this day, I still claim that looking up pulmonary hypertension online was one of the worst mistakes I’ve ever made. There was article after article saying how the…

Whether you’re studying pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or another disease, there’s always a sense of joy that comes from seeing potential new therapies finding success in the lab. As someone with a rare disease myself, I comb the literature to see what the next life-changing medication may be. While the…

In late March 2015, I caught a nasty case of bronchitis. It was a doozy, and just seemed to linger. In fact, I seemed to be getting only worse even after three rounds of antibiotics, days spent drinking hot water and honey, and sleeping constantly. My lungs felt as if they…

Let’s talk about fear and feeling scared. That deep fear. The fear that’s in your marrow, bubbling under the surface. It’s always there. It’s been there ever since (insert the worst thing that’s ever happened to you). A death. Losing your job. A chronic illness diagnosis. The moment that happens…

Hello, everyone! My name is Rebecca Lidenberg. I’m a 30-year-old wife, mother to one fur baby, and the newest addition to Pulmonary Hypertension News. I was diagnosed with Idiopathic pulmonary hypertension in June 2015. Before my diagnosis, I never had heard of it, and have spent the past…

As you may have gathered from the title, this column will probably be my last one — although never say never. I’ve really enjoyed my time with Pulmonary Hypertension News, and am sad to leave such a wonderful team. This opportunity helped me discover how much I enjoy…

In continuation from last week’s column, here are my remaining tips to help prepare for the holidays while living with pulmonary hypertension. 4. Watch what you eat The holidays make it difficult to stick to the meal plan you find best for your health and lifestyle. Dietary…

Sammy is ready for the holidays- are you? It is December and that means holidays are on their way. This time of the year can be exciting, but unfortunately, they also can be stressful. A lot of extra work and energy is needed, which can…

  Sleep is one of our body’s most vital functions. Living with pulmonary hypertension makes sleep that much more important, and sometimes more difficult. I always have struggled with insomnia, and it only became worse after being diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. I’ve had many nights tossing, turning and…

Have you ever heard any quotes that helped shift your perspective for the rest of the day? Those type of quotes can help fuel our soul and spirit to get through the most challenging of days. Living with pulmonary hypertension can often feel like a roller coaster, full…