Jen Cueva lives in San Diego, California, with her husband and mini schnauzer, Zoé. Jen worked in nursing before the script changed upon her diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH), group 1, in 2005. Advocacy has been essential to her life. Her passion is to instill hope and remind others in the PH community that they are not alone. To do this, she serves as a forum moderator for Pulmonary Hypertension News and in her weekly column she delves into the roller coaster of emotions that accompany PH. It is powerful and meaningful to her to have this opportunity to play a role in helping others become more informed and educated so they are more empowered in their journey. Together, we PHight stronger!
I recently joined a rare disease advocacy meeting on Zoom, where the subject of the rising cost of living and the difficulty of affording groceries and prescriptions and medical care sparked a lively discussion. During the call, eight people…
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Life is hectic, wouldn’t you agree? Some days I find myself overwhelmed from living with pulmonary hypertension and other coexisting medical issues. More days than not, I am inundated with emotions. But anyone living in today’s busy world…
This month, BioNews Services, the parent company of Pulmonary Hypertension News, is focusing on promoting Rare Disease Day with increased advocacy efforts. Several activities are planned worldwide, and I challenge you to locate an event near you.
Recently, it seems that all we hear about is the coronavirus. Between that and the cold or flu that many are dealing with, I must take preventive measures. But how many measures can I take while still living…
Today is Valentine’s Day, y’all. I know that some of you are eating fancy chocolates and sipping wine, all the while blowing kisses to your love. But for me, Valentine’s Day brings an outpouring of mixed emotions. Fifteen years…
If you saw me you would probably notice my bright blue eyes (thanks, Pawpaw) or my huge smile. You might not realize that behind the smile, I am hiding something. I have been hiding the chronic pain that has…
We don’t always have a choice about what life throws our way. But our response to challenges is something we can control. Living with pulmonary hypertension (PH), I don’t always have control over my body. With that lack of…
Since my pulmonary hypertension (PH) diagnosis, others have told me repeatedly how strong I am. But on some days, I don’t feel as strong as they think I am. Even the strong grow weak and weary. But that doesn’t…
Life is tough. Living with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and other illnesses impacts not only my life but my family’s lives, too. I have touched on this topic briefly in previous columns, but I don’t think I have shared…
If you are like me, trying to balance life with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and coexisting illnesses is a full-time job. Add in the busy holiday season, and despite careful planning, I am left with a general feeling of…
Happy New Year, y’all. Do you remember the old saying, “As we get older, the years fly by”? For some reason, 2019 did exactly that. A new year creates the opportunity to reflect on the past and prepare for…
Maintaining a healthy diet while living with pulmonary hypertension (PH) can be complicated. When you’re already dealing with exhaustion, cooking is the last thing you want to think about. If you are living with other coexisting diseases, it becomes…
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be stressful for anyone. When living with pulmonary hypertension (PH) or another chronic illness, the holidays can be overwhelming and exhausting. This year was the first time I did not…
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