Chronically Uncool

Ellie is a cat lover who lives and works in Cambridge, UK. She was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in 2017 at age 22, having just graduated university with an English literature degree. Now she works in higher education and dedicates her spare time to raising awareness about PH, reading books, singing and going for walks in the countryside (when not too breathless!). She also, in stereotypically English fashion, drinks a lot of tea — preferably with a slice of cake!

Navigating Summer Fun With a Chronic Illness

Summer is in full swing here in the U.K. Many are jetting off on holiday, and thousands flocked to the recent Glastonbury Festival. I’ve always loved summer, music festivals, heat, and travel. But now that I live…

September 16, 2019 Columns by Eleanor Bird

Exercise and PH: Becoming Active Again After Diagnosis

After I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH), I was so scared of doing any further damage to my heart that I stopped exercising altogether. I even gave up cycling, which was my main way of getting around.

September 9, 2019 Columns by Eleanor Bird

I’m Breathing Easier After Receiving My PH Diagnosis

Welcome to Ellie Bird’s “Chronically Uncool,” a new Pulmonary Hypertension News column. When I was at university, I had a boyfriend who was obsessed with fitness. I had always been a very active person — I particularly liked to swim…