My plan for conquering mornings while dealing with chronic pain
My alarm screams at 7 a.m., and in a sleepy rebellion, I hit snooze, chuck my phone aside, and dive back under my covers. I’m gearing up for the day like a warrior preparing…
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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Managing anxiety and other mental health concerns with PH
Most people focus on the physical challenges of living with a rare disease like pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, conversations about mental and emotional health don’t get enough airtime, in my opinion. If…
Spring brings the power of renewal, which helps when living with PH
Nestled in my cozy swing chair on the patio, I’m soaking up the brisk wind that playfully tosses my hair. I’m listening to the sweet melody of my wind chimes, a thoughtful gift from…
Approval of new treatments for PH prompts hope, but also concerns
The pulmonary hypertension (PH) community is buzzing with excitement! It’s not every week that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves two new treatments for a rare disease like PH. This…
How my family and I navigate the storm of hospitalizations
Battling pulmonary hypertension (PH) is like navigating a storm that never seems to end, casting unparalleled ripples through our family life. Throw a hospitalization into the mix, and stress and worry…
New symptoms lead to more tests and a POTS diagnosis
“Just one more” sounds like a line from a country song, doesn’t it? Flash back a few years, and you’d catch me saying that at the local karaoke bar. It was my little plea…
In juggling life with PH, I try to make the most of my usable hours
If you’ve been following my journey, you’re probably aware that I navigate pulmonary hypertension (PH) alongside a mix of other intricate coexisting conditions. The physical and mental strain my body endures…
We need better access to healthcare in the US
Over the past 19 years, amid the challenges of managing a rare disease called pulmonary hypertension (PH), I’ve had countless encounters with doctors. As I’ve navigated the intricate landscape of chronic…
I wish others better understood my invisible battle with chronic illness
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has its challenges, but they’re not always visible to others. Some days, for example, it feels like a plastic bag is suffocating me. That’s how I described my breathing…
Are you feeling inadequate due to PH? Fear not, you’re not alone
Inadequate. Weak. Useless. When we’re battling chronic illnesses like pulmonary hypertension (PH) and are forced to endure chronic pain, emotions like these can easily overwhelm us. It’s no wonder we feel useless…
Unwavering support: A love letter to my husband
A close friend and I recently discussed how our rare diseases affect our spouses. I have pulmonary hypertension (PH) and she has multiple sclerosis. Our partners provide unwavering love and support as…
Wondering how to prioritize self-care in 2024? Here’s my plan
Welcome to 2024! I enjoy the start of a new year because it allows me to reminisce about the past and brainstorm about how to approach the coming months. Instead of making resolutions, though,…
