Amid COVID-19 Anxieties, Remember That Fear and Courage Can Coexist
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…
Worth the PHight — Jen Cueva
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!
Featured Post
Here’s what happens when I underestimate the summer heat
A recent e-bike ride I took with my husband, Manny, was quite the learning experience. What began as a pleasant afternoon quickly reminded us of the importance of heat safety, especially for those of…
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How ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Helped Me Through Texas’ Recent Disaster
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.
My Husband Reflects on Life, 16 Years After My PH Diagnosis
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…
My Next Step in Recovery Is Taking a ‘Less Is More’ Approach
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.
Sharing My Struggles as I ‘PHight’ Through Recovery From COVID-19
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…
Each PH Journey Is Unique, and It’s Not a Competition
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 Lived a Christmas Miracle in the Middle of a Pandemic
Christmas has come and gone. Didn’t it seem a bit surreal? For me, and I’m sure for many of you, too, last year was unique in more ways than…
How Our Family’s COVID-19 Illnesses Have Been Going
Sometimes life refuses to go according to plan. Having pulmonary hypertension (PH) and coexisting illnesses only adds to this. Not that we needed to throw our lives off-balance any more, but it happened. I…
Moma and Me: We’re in This PHight Together
“Without you, there would be no me. I am everything reflected in your eyes. I am everything approved by your smile. I am everything born of your guidance. I am…
How a Traumatizing Birthday 3 Years Ago Inspires Joy for Today
Growing up, Moma would bring Halloween-themed treats to my class on my birthday. Pumpkin-themed goodies and plastic spider rings were among the items she included in each bag. Hyperactive kids bounced around, filling up…
As the Holidays Approach, It’s OK to Say No
After dealing with a pandemic for more than eight months, many in my area are growing restless. I can’t say I haven’t felt the same way at times. But what I find most disturbing…
Feeling Frustrated With Myself During a Simple MRI
I’m lying on a frigid and tiny table that appears to have shrunk since last time. The technician tells me the MRI will take about half an hour. Thankfully, she locates me a…
