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.Let’s celebrate! Come on, y’all, join me. Now, are you curious what we’re celebrating? This week, I celebrate two years of writing my column, “Worth the PHight.” I’ve mentioned before that I started this column to offer hope to the pulmonary hypertension (PH) community. This is still true. And…
Do you find yourself scrolling through emails or multitasking when you sit down to rest? If you can’t seem to stop working or focusing on tasks, you are not alone. Our society has a troubling dilemma with overworking. Recently, I experienced an epiphany of sorts, and…
As humans, forming quality relationships is essential to our well-being. If you are like me, the pandemic has tossed a wrench in our relationships, including the romantic ones. Do you remember your last date? If not, don’t worry. Most of us have been stagnant in our…
Living with pulmonary hypertension (PH) is no easy feat. Unfortunately, frequent hospitalizations are a part of life. No one wants to be hospitalized, especially if previous visits were traumatic. I dreaded making the call to my PH team after days of uncontrollable nausea, vomiting,…
Grief and loss have been common throughout this pandemic. According to a research article published last July in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, approximately nine close family members are bereaved every time a person dies from COVID-19. Although I…
The last five months have been bumpy for my family. Back in November, my husband, Manny, and I both got COVID-19. I was hospitalized for several weeks and not expected to come home. My recovery continues, but I am grateful for…
As I sit down to write my column for Bionews, the parent company of this website, I think about you, my readers. While I strive to write about various topics, I hope to touch on ones that people within the pulmonary hypertension (PH) community will find relatable. …
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…
Get regular updates to your inbox.