Taking for granted the everyday things before health takes a turn
Learning to slow down after a PH diagnosis was humbling
Before I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH), my life moved at full speed. I worked full time as a hospice care nurse, a job that was both emotionally demanding and deeply fulfilling. I was an active wife and mom, constantly on the go.
Many of my mornings started before sunrise, when I’d meet a friend at the neighborhood track for a jog before heading home to shower, pack lunches, and start another long day of caring for others.
Back then, I didn’t think twice about the energy it took to do those things. Washing my hair, getting dressed, even walking briskly from my car to the hospital were just a part of my daily rhythm. I took those moments of movement and freedom for granted.
But as my body began sending subtle warnings, things shifted. Climbing the stairs to my bedroom at night became slow and painful. My daughter remembers watching me crawl up those steps, and being confused and scared by what she saw happening to her mom. That image has stayed with me as a reminder of how quickly life can change.
Learning to accept help isn’t easy
Even grocery shopping required a strategy. I’d circle the parking lot, hoping for a spot close to the entrance. A simple act, such as pushing a cart or standing in the checkout line, might leave me lightheaded and gasping for air. I finally gave in and started using motorized carts.
Social events that once brought me immense joy — such as dancing until dawn or wandering through vibrant festivals — felt impossible. My body was aching, and my energy levels had dwindled to nothing. Even preparing for a night out became a disheartening ordeal, as I searched my wardrobe for clothes that might camouflage the unwelcome changes in my body.
For someone used to caring for others, learning to slow down and accept help was humbling. I had to grieve the life I’d known, which had been filled with motion, independence, and spontaneity. Now, I had to learn to embrace a new rhythm guided by my body’s limits.
Nevertheless, living with PH has taught me to appreciate the smallest victories, such as walking from my car to the front door without stopping, showering without needing to sit down, or waking up with enough energy to enjoy the day ahead. These moments may seem ordinary to others, but they’re gifts I no longer take for granted.
November is the month of Thanksgiving and a season for gratitude. But for those of us living with a chronic illness, gratitude isn’t confined to a single holiday; it’s a daily practice to find light, even on the hardest days.
For me, this type of gratitude is a mindset that helps me through the struggle. It’s about acknowledging my village: the family, friends, healthcare professionals, researchers, and pharmaceutical teams who have supported me on this journey. My appreciation for them is immeasurable.
This month and every month, I encourage you to pause and notice the small things that make life beautiful: the breath you take without effort, the steps you climb without fear, the laughter that fills your home. Don’t wait for a diagnosis or a holiday to remind you how precious those everyday moments truly are.
Gratitude isn’t just for November; it’s a daily practice, one mindful breath at a time.
Note: Pulmonary Hypertension News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Pulmonary Hypertension News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pulmonary hypertension.
About the Author
Bill
Great article! None of us realize how good we have it until it disappears or fades away My daughter has had PH for over 10 years and is on oxygen however. all of us, including her , are grateful that she continues to remain positive, she is very involved with her support group and continues to exercise She has more good days then bad days and she is even engaged to be married.! Unlike many other people we do not take the little things for granted and even though depression can creep in , gratitude can be more powerful if you practice it
Jen Cueva
Hi Bill, Thank you for taking the time to read my column. I’m so glad to hear that your daughter is experiencing more good days than bad—it’s wonderful news! Congratulations to her and your family on her recent engagement; what an exciting milestone!
If you haven’t already, we would love for you to join the PH News forums. Your daughter might also find it helpful, especially given her involvement with her local support group. You can find the link here: https://pulmonaryhypertensionnews.com/forums/
I truly admire your commitment to practicing gratitude—it’s such an inspiring mindset. Thank you for sharing your experience and for connecting; it means so much to me. Wishing you and your family a joyful and peaceful holiday season!
Candida Figueroa
I read those comments and about myself I can said that I leave with chronic illness like renal disease after being on dialysis for about 8 years the told I have PH I am being treated for about 3 yrs. I hope that when I have my kidney transplant my PH go away. I feel Ok I do my grocery alone, cleaning my apartment driving cooking preaching because I was a pastor before I got sick well no matter what I'm still preaching the word of God. That's why you see all the things a do are not my strength is God that give me the strength of his power.
Jen Cueva
Hi Candida,
Thank you for sharing your powerful story. I was deeply saddened to hear about your recent PH diagnosis, particularly after your courageous eight-year journey with dialysis.
Your commitment to self-care and your dedication to sharing your experience are remarkable. I wholeheartedly agree that inner strength and faith are essential for overcoming life's most significant challenges.
I sincerely hope your upcoming kidney transplant brings substantial improvements to your PH.
If you haven't already, I invite you to join the PH News forums. It's a wonderful community for connecting with others, and signing up is quick and easy. You can find the link below.
PH News forum</a
Thank you again for your valuable feedback and for sharing your story. I wish you the very best on your health journey.
sylvia hudson cloyd
Thank you for your article. Everything you wrote pertains to me. I've learned to ask for help from my BFF. Things that I did when I was truly helpful is a struggle now , but I don't give up. I LEARN TO ASK FOR HELP. My doctors are great and I'm thankful for that. I have much gratitude for everything and sometimes my heart gets heavy and I cry and wonder why I can't walk or do things like other people, but then I thank the one above for allowing me to see another day. YOUR ARTICLE WAS SPOT ON.
Aunt Lizzie
Ah Jen! Your description of how things changed for you brought tears to my eyes, but I thank you for reminding me to be grateful for small things. Yesterday I walked up the short hill from my train station to the lights where I cross the road heading home. When I stood waiting for the lights to change I remembered back to just before my diagnosis of "serious PH and heart failure" 12 years ago, would you believe. At that time I could not walk up this short hill without stopping 4 or 5 times to catch my breath, and today I had done it without thinking. That's thanks to the medication I am now on and becoming more aware of how slight changes in my diet and exercise have helped me. I had been to every Specialist imaginable and left being told there was nothing wrong with me, but of course I knew there was. My primary carer was wonderful, she researched and researched until we finally found a cardiologist who approached the problem from a different direction and found my problem. I would give you a hug if I could, but Oz is just too far away.
Sarah Jones
Beautiful article. I resonate with all of it. Thank you for sharing and reminding us to appreciate the small wins!