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.
If I asked you which three words you find most difficult, how would you answer? Some may say, “I love you.“ Others may say, “there’s no cure.” But “I need help” are the three most difficult words for me to say, maybe because I’ve never been one to ask…
As a child, I enjoyed writing. My Moma always reminds me of the “I’m sorry” letters I wrote when I did something wrong. Writing cards and notes and mailing them is something I have always enjoyed. Once my parents divorced, we moved around often. This made it difficult for me.
I attempt to take a deep breath, but tightness squeezes my chest. Pain follows, as if someone is crushing not only my lungs but my ribs, too. I woke up the Friday before Memorial Day to this overwhelming yet familiar scenario. Because of pulmonary hypertension (PH), I also battle…
Have you ever walked in the door and immediately been greeted by your fur baby? If so, you know how good it feels to have been missed — even if you’re greeted with sloppy kisses and a hyperactive bouncy dog. Mine often gets twisted up in my oxygen tubing as…
In life, we often try to control things by trying to predict the future. But no matter how hard we try, we are not in control. There is only one person in charge: God. Living with a rare disease like pulmonary hypertension (PH), I relinquish that control more often…
If you have found yourself standing in a warm shower as tears stream down your face, you are not alone. It is no secret that living with a rare disease like pulmonary hypertension affects one’s mental health. Although I have touched on this topic before, I want to devote this…
When you hear May 5, do you smell warm chips and salsa? Or taste a tangy margarita? Most of us probably think about Cinco de Mayo. No judgment. I, too, typically enjoy Cinco de Mayo by celebrating at a favorite Mexican restaurant. But on May 5, the pulmonary hypertension community…
“I have watched fear change us. I have watched fear ride roughshod over our families, organizations, and communities.” – Brené Brown, “Braving The Wilderness.” In the above quote, lecturer Brené Brown was speaking about fear after 9/11. Lately, we are again learning to live in fear. We are…
I often hear that I’ve changed since my pulmonary hypertension diagnosis. I constantly speculate about whether this might be true, and then repeatedly realize it’s pretty accurate. Surviving every day with a rare and life-threatening disease like PH takes a toll not only on my body, but also my…
Have y’all had times during this self-quarantine when you’ve lost it? If so, you’re not alone. Last week, my husband was home from work all week. He was feeling achy and had chills for several days, which was far from normal. Thankfully, he did not have a high fever. But…
If you listen to music, you may already know that it affects our mood. I listen to music almost daily. Playing music on Spotify is simple, and I appreciate that I can choose a genre or mood. For example, I like to listen to upbeat music when I am cleaning…
“If I could tell the world just one thing, it would be that we’re all OK.” –Jewel Through the years, I have noticed that within the pulmonary hypertension (PH) community, not everyone shows kindness. I am unsure of why this happens. My guess is that we are human, meaning…
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