Jen is a columnist and forum moderator for Pulmonary Hypertension News Today. Jen worked in nursing before the script changed upon her diagnosis of PH in 2005. Advocating and meeting those with PH has always been an essential part of her life. Her passion is to instill hope and remind others in the PH community that they are not alone.
In her weekly column, she delves into the roller coaster of emotions that come along with PH. Having this opportunity to play a role in helping others become more informed and educated so they are more empowered in their journey is meaningful and powerful for her. Jen lives in Southern California with her husband. Together, we PHight stronger.
When we think about natural disasters here on Texas’ Gulf Coast, we usually think about hurricanes. But as 2021 took off, we found ourselves dealing with an arctic winter blast instead. Because I am now on continuous oxygen, the weather is making things a bit more difficult…
Sixteen years ago, I was lying in a hospital bed, unsure just how much my life and my family’s lives were about to be turned upside down. As a nurse, I thought I could be “fixed” and sent home. That was far from my…
It’s no secret that the world is tough. When juggling its chaos, we often feel pressured to do more, and we quickly lose sight of what is most important. With a rare disease like pulmonary hypertension (PH), we also battle symptoms…
After several weeks in the hospital due to complications from COVID-19, I couldn’t wait to go home. On the day of my discharge, I thought the healing process from that and other complications from coexisting illnesses wouldn’t take too long. I gauged this from previous hospitalizations. But what…
Online support groups for rare diseases like pulmonary hypertension (PH) are essential spaces that offer people comfort. Patient forums and social media groups also can be places of support. I am involved with the PH News Forums as a…
Christmas has come and gone. Didn’t it seem a bit surreal? For me, and I’m sure for many of you, too, last year was unique in more ways than one could imagine. But we made it through, despite the challenges and disappointments that 2020 brought…
Sometimes life refuses to go according to plan. Having pulmonary hypertension (PH) and coexisting illnesses only adds to this. Not that we needed to throw our lives off-balance any more, but it happened. I now have COVID-19. I’ve had symptoms for over a week. The challenge for me, and likely…
“Without you, there would be no me. I am everything reflected in your eyes. I am everything approved by your smile. I am everything born of your guidance. I am me only because of you.” – Richelle E. Goodrich, “Making Wishes: Quotes, Thoughts, & a…
Growing up, Moma would bring Halloween-themed treats to my class on my birthday. Pumpkin-themed goodies and plastic spider rings were among the items she included in each bag. Hyperactive kids bounced around, filling up on all of those sugary gifts. Watching others being happy has always filled my heart. Happy…
After dealing with a pandemic for more than eight months, many in my area are growing restless. I can’t say I haven’t felt the same way at times. But what I find most disturbing is when people pretend that nothing has happened. Hello! We’re still in a pandemic, y’all. On…
I’m lying on a frigid and tiny table that appears to have shrunk since last time. The technician tells me the MRI will take about half an hour. Thankfully, she locates me a nice, warm blanket. I am already freezing and shivering. Finally, my body moves slowly but surely…
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” — Albert Einstein After I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH), I wanted to live my best life. But because of waxing and waning symptoms, I haven’t pushed my boundaries as much. I have…
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