Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

November 20, 2020November 20, 2020

In the ICU With OCD: Caregiving With a Mental Illness

Five years ago, every change in my health status or that of a loved one had the potential to become a catastrophe in my mind. Learning that a loved one ... Read more

November 19, 2020November 19, 2020

How Palliative Care Can Help IPF Patients and Their Loved Ones

Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

The words “palliative care” often frighten those of us living with a life-threatening illness. This is because the term historically has been associated with end-of-life care due to its link ... Read more

November 13, 2020November 13, 2020

Make the Most of a Socially Distant Holiday Season

COVID-19 Columns, Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

Even in normal times, holidays can be a huge vector for illness. Viruses that thrive during the colder months, such as influenza, can cause serious problems for those with compromised ... Read more

November 12, 2020November 12, 2020

Nasal Cannulas and Supplemental Oxygen Can Cause Irritations

Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

Learning to use supplemental oxygen as a young adult was arguably the hardest part of my idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnosis. My life changed once I required the help of ... Read more

November 5, 2020November 5, 2020

How to Talk to Kids About Chronic Illness

Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

I have never met a cohort of people more resilient than children. I am reminded of this every day in my career, as I am privileged to walk alongside families ... Read more

October 30, 2020October 30, 2020

Start Journaling, Write Away!

Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

Earlier this month, I wrote a column about mental health and therapy options available during the pandemic. Hopefully, I made a strong case for giving therapy a try if you ... Read more

October 29, 2020October 29, 2020

How Cold Temperatures Cause Difficulties for PF Patients

Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

Many people around the world complain about the cold, dark winter months. This is even true for Canadians who “should” be used to the frigid temperatures our country experiences every ... Read more

October 16, 2020October 16, 2020

Mental Healthcare Is Important When Chronically Ill or Caregiving

Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

Oct. 10 was World Mental Health Day. I am a bit late to the party, but with a twice-monthly publishing schedule, this is my first opportunity to share a column ... Read more

October 15, 2020October 15, 2020

Avoid Toxic Positivity to Help PF Patients

COVID-19 Columns, Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

I began hearing the term “toxic positivity” this year, and the pandemic has illuminated the term’s meaning for me. According to The Psychology Group in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, toxic positivity ... Read more

October 8, 2020October 8, 2020

The Importance of Peer Support for Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients

Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

Last week was the first of an eight-week Pulmonary Wellness Foundation (PWF) peer support group. I have been collaborating with the PWF since January to build this unique peer support ... Read more

October 1, 2020October 1, 2020

I Was a Different Person Before and After My IPF Diagnosis

Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

People who endure a traumatic experience often divide their lives into before and after the trauma. I’ve heard this is true of those who survive a transplant in the lung ... Read more

September 25, 2020September 25, 2020

Keep the Whole System Running by Maintaining the Parts

Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

The medical facility at the military base where my husband is stationed is enormous. Almost every specialty you can imagine is under one roof. The first time I had an ... Read more

September 24, 2020September 24, 2020

Making Exercise Easier: Tips From a Pulmonary Fibrosis Patient

COVID-19 Columns, Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

Exercising with a chronic lung disease is not for the faint of heart. Recall your most strenuous workout or physical activity: Your heart beats rapidly, you struggle to catch your ... Read more

September 11, 2020September 11, 2020

Prednisone and Self-image: Transplant Side Effects We Don’t Talk About

Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where my mom, Holly, received her double-lung transplant, has gone to great lengths to provide information at every turn on the transplant journey. ... Read more

September 10, 2020September 10, 2020

Pulmonary Fibrosis Is Like a Storm Cloud Over My Future

Pulmonary Fibrosis News Columns

It’s common for young adults in their early 30s to plan for their future. For some, this might include planning for a beautiful wedding or having a family. For others, ... Read more