By Sharing Our PH Stories, We Can Offer Hope and Connection
“The courage it takes to share your story might be the very thing someone else needs to open their heart to hope.” — Unknown My hands were clammy and my heart was racing…
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
Now, more than ever, we must unite for our future
Recent news headlines have sparked significant concern among those of us in the pulmonary hypertension (PH) and other rare disease communities. The massive budget and staff cuts across multiple federal agencies are particularly…
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10 Lessons PH Has Taught Me in the Past 17 Years
I’ll never forget the day I knew something was wrong with my body. It was sending me warnings. The symptoms included increased shortness of breath from minor activities like talking, presyncope, which is…
Building and Maintaining Relationships Are Challenging With PH
When I walk my dog around my new neighborhood carrying my oxygen, my neighbors seem to look at me like I’m an alien. Many stare and gawk, as if they’re speculating about…
My 2021 Reflections: It’s Been a Wild Ride
As another year comes to an end, I reflect on memories from 2021. Since my pulmonary hypertension (PH) diagnosis, I desire reflection more each year. Those of us with rare diseases often get caught…
To Celebrate the Holiday Season, I’m Viewing It Through a Child’s Eyes
“Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.” ― Chris Van Allsburg, “The Polar Express” When I was young, my parents worked diligently…
Allowing My Faith to Help Me Manage PH
Last week, one of my morning devotionals left me in deep thought for most of the day. It was about apologizing for everything that makes you the one-of-a-kind person you are. With both hands…
We Followed Our Dreams and Moved to California
“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” — John D. Rockefeller Recently, my husband, Manny, and I made a big life decision by selling our home in…
Self-advocacy Is an Important Part of Patient Treatment
Living with pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a constant challenge. If I’m not educating myself, I’m educating my family and friends, and at times, even my medical team. Yes, the members of my medical…
Learning to Love My Body Despite the Effects of PH
Some days, as I catch a glimpse of the woman in the mirror, I find the reflection unrecognizable. The dark, weary circles around the eyes, the protruding cheek and collarbones, the pale, bluish skin…
8 Months Later, My Post-COVID-19 Symptoms Linger
What happens when one still suffers from COVID-19-related symptoms long after infection? Unfortunately, I am one of those people. My medical team is comprised of multiple specialists, along with my primary care doctor.
Reminding Myself That I Am So Much More Than PH
Hey, y’all, I’m Jen. I love people. I enjoy talking, writing, and cooking. Coffee shops and food are my jam. I admire my family and friends. Listening to live music or being near the…
Why Setting Boundaries Is Essential When Dealing With PH
Do you struggle to create boundaries to protect your health? Do others say that you are using your chronic illness as an excuse? If so, you are not alone. Learning to say no and…
