Finding Joy in a Walk to the Ocean While Visiting My Favorite City
A few weeks ago, I wrote about planning happy moments amid the storms. I shared my excitement about a planned trip to San Diego with my husband. The city, my “little piece of…
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
Why it’s important to focus on self-care during the holidays
Here we are, just a week before Christmas and somehow my brain is still stuck in November. How did that happen? This year has been a whirlwind of activity in terms of managing my…
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Educating TSA Agents About PH and Disability Issues
Traveling by plane can be stressful for anyone. Flying with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and other disabilities adds another dimension of stress and anxiety. My husband and I recently flew from Houston to San Diego.
Coexisting Conditions Make Managing PH Even More Challenging
Managing pulmonary hypertension (PH) can be exhausting. Adding coexisting conditions makes it even more challenging. Like me, many people struggle to manage multiple illnesses. In addition to PH, I deal with chronic kidney…
Natural Disaster Preparedness Tips for PH Patients
The number of devastating natural disasters has increased significantly in the past several years. These billion-dollar disasters strike some states repeatedly. Therefore, residents in those areas realize the importance of preparedness. I stay…
I’m Struggling with the Misconceptions of PH
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complicated disease. I am the first to admit that. I live in the mountains and the valleys of PH life daily, and often I am thrown curveballs. While it…
Planning Happy Moments Amid the PH Storms
Surviving day in and day out with a life-threatening illness like pulmonary hypertension (PH), well, simply sucks. My struggles with numerous symptoms and medication side effects weigh me down and rapidly deplete me.
This ‘Advocacy August,’ Let’s Educate Our Elected Officials About PH
“Advocacy August” is here. Because pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare disease and has no cure, it is necessary that we promote awareness among those who can make a difference in our lives.
Looking Back at My PH Journey and Finding Hope in the Hard Places
My schedule was hectic this week. I had several days of bloodwork and doctors’ appointments scheduled. The heat here in Texas with its suffocating humidity is not ideal weather for someone with pulmonary…
Why I Am a ‘Million Dollar Baby’
“Good morning, Mrs. Cueva,” said the young lady on the phone. During our call, she informed me of a change in my medication coverage that would take effect in the following weeks. “Your copay…
Accessibility Issues Didn’t Spoil My Canoe Trip Adventure
Since my previous column was heart-wrenching and vulnerable, I decided to make this one fun. At the end of April, my husband smashed his first MS 150 ride. He started in Houston,…
Survivor’s Guilt Is Inevitable in Life with PH
Survivor’s guilt is something that I’ve struggled with over the past 14 years. Living with the rare and life-threatening disease that is PH, I continuously lose people I care for. Lately, it seems that…
Here Are My Tips for Managing Your Summer Road Trip
Summer is here, and perhaps a road trip is in your plans for the season. I’ve always looked forward to this time of year. However, living with pulmonary hypertension (PH), summer can take…
