Why symptom tracking is important for managing PH
“How often do you experience heart palpitations or chest pains?” This question is one of the first I hear every time I have an appointment with my pulmonary hypertension (PH) specialist or…
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!
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Pilates and a new PH treatment gave me the boost I needed
Have you ever held back from sharing good news about your health, fearing it might diminish other people’s struggles or come across as bragging? This sentiment may resonate for many of us with…
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So you’ve just received a pulmonary hypertension diagnosis. What now?
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH), this column is for you. I’ve been there, and I know what you’re going through. It might feel like everything is a…
How to combat impostor syndrome while managing PH
Do you ever feel like a fraud because of your rare disease? For the past two decades while managing pulmonary hypertension (PH), I’ve battled self-doubt, shame, and feelings of inadequacy. I know I’m…
Marriage looks a little different when living with a rare disease
I have pulmonary hypertension (PH), which is difficult to manage, but it doesn’t affect only me. It also affects the people closest to me, including my husband, Manny, who is my rock.
Letting go of control is challenging in life with a rare disease
When health issues strike, they can be devastating, turning your world upside down in an instant. You can’t just wish away a rare disease like pulmonary hypertension (PH); its future impact is…
Finding balance between work and other aspects of life with PH
Living with a rare disease like pulmonary hypertension (PH) presents unique challenges. Balancing work, your personal life, and your health can feel overwhelming for both patients and their caregivers. If you find…
What we can do when others find our health challenges ‘inconvenient’
“Never get a chronic illness; it’s really inconvenient for other people.” I stumbled upon a meme with this quote while scrolling through social media last week, and, wow, did it hit home! Can you…
Summer heat means those of us with PH must remain vigilant
As I opened my email inbox, a headline instantly caught my eye: “Massive heat wave heading for USA next week.” This got me thinking about how heat affects those of us with pulmonary…
Summer’s fresh fruits and vegetables are perfect for a PH diet
With warmer months on the horizon, many of us eagerly await the fresh fruits and vegetables they bring. I’m one of those people who can’t wait for the fresh produce season. It benefits the…
Describing pain is key to treatment, but it’s not always easy to do
In previous columns, I’ve shared about my ongoing struggle to balance managing pulmonary hypertension (PH) with other health issues like chronic pain. Both conditions require constant attention to ensure optimal health…
Fun but simple date-night ideas for those of us with PH
Are you or your partner managing pulmonary hypertension (PH)? Does it make going out on traditional dates difficult? If so, don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. Date nights are essential to any…
What it means to be resilient with PH and other health challenges
I’m often in awe of my body’s resilience. Imagine this: The windows are wide open, a gentle breeze dances through the room, and warm Southern California sunshine filters through the blinds, casting patterns…
