Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

August 2, 2022August 2, 2022

How I’ve Prepared Myself for the End of Life

COVID-19 Columns, Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

The day you’re diagnosed with a chronic illness is generally a day you won’t forget. The words from my doctor, Steven Nathan, made sense in the moment. They also became ... Read more

July 28, 2022July 28, 2022

What I Want My New Pulmonologist to Know About Me

Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

A strong relationship with a medical specialist can make a world of difference. As a young adult living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a debilitating and life-threatening lung disease, I ... Read more

July 26, 2022July 26, 2022

The Importance of Offering Ourselves Grace Along the IPF Journey

COVID-19 Columns, Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

Indulge me for one minute and think of some of the firsts you’ve experienced. What comes to mind? Is it the first time you tied your shoes? The first time ... Read more

July 19, 2022July 19, 2022

We Can All Play an Important Role in Rare Disease Advocacy

Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

Did you ever play Pac-Man? The bright yellow Pac-Man would wander through the maze, happily munching down the blinking dots. That’s how I feel about my energy levels as a ... Read more

July 19, 2022July 19, 2022

When Feeling Defeated Due to PF, Look for Opening Doors of Opportunity

Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

It’s been awhile since I’ve really felt defeated, but life has a way of reminding us sometimes of how truly vulnerable we are. Dealing with a rare illness like pulmonary ... Read more

July 15, 2022July 15, 2022

Honoring My First Year With My New Lungs

COVID-19 Columns, Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

Following my diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in January 2017, I knew the disease would diminish my quality of life. For about three years, my IPF progression stair-stepped — ... Read more

July 12, 2022July 12, 2022

Symptoms of COVID-19 May Include Canceled Plans, Hurt Feelings

COVID-19 Columns, Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

It took 26 months, but I finally got COVID-19. In that time, I’ve felt many strong emotions about the pandemic and its effects. Every part of life has been touched ... Read more

July 7, 2022July 7, 2022

You Just Can’t Have It All With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

COVID-19 Columns, Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a cruel and greedy chronic illness. I’ve had to accept this, albeit begrudgingly, since being diagnosed with this life-threatening and debilitating lung disease in 2016. ... Read more

July 5, 2022July 5, 2022

Supplemental Oxygen for PF Doesn’t Have to Be a Barrier to Travel

Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

Summer is here in the Northern Hemisphere. Where I live, in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States, there are three key indicators that summer has arrived: heat, humidity, and ... Read more

June 30, 2022June 30, 2022

Do These Symptoms Mean My Disease Is Worsening?

COVID-19 Columns, Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

Living with a chronic illness is not for the faint of heart. In addition to the physical and emotional aspects of having a life-threatening lung disease like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ... Read more

June 28, 2022June 28, 2022

Home Alone Overnight, for the First Time Post-transplant

COVID-19 Columns, Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

Do you recall the first time you were allowed to stay home alone? Perhaps your parents had a date night. Maybe they had to work late. Whatever the reason, it ... Read more

June 23, 2022June 23, 2022

Are Healthy Young Adults as Tired as I Am?

COVID-19 Columns, Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

“I’m so busy” feels like it’s now a common response to the question, “How are you?” It’s like being busy is glorified or worn as a badge of honor among ... Read more

June 21, 2022June 21, 2022

After Lung Transplant, It’s Important I Monitor Daily Air Quality

Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

Prior to my diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in 2017, my day started the same way almost every morning. I’d pick up my smartphone and see how the markets performed ... Read more

June 14, 2022June 14, 2022

My Post-transplant Life Is Well Worth the Cost

COVID-19 Columns, Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

Almost 30 hours after my bilateral lung transplant, it was time for me to be extubated and take my first solo breath with my new lungs. My wife, Susan, was ... Read more

June 7, 2022June 7, 2022

Appreciating Other Perspectives on the IPF Journey

Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

This time a year ago was very different for my wife, Susan, and me. My idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) was no longer stable, but progressing. Susan was confident I wouldn’t ... Read more