Pulmonary Hypertension News Columns

March 8, 2021March 8, 2021

PH Made My Son Wise Beyond His Fears

Pulmonary Hypertension News Columns

My son Cullen was 8 when he was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH). He spent much of his childhood in the hospital, talking to doctors, answering endless questions, and experiencing ... Read more

March 3, 2021March 3, 2021

How ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Helped Me Through Texas’ Recent Disaster

COVID-19 Columns, Pulmonary Hypertension News Columns

When we think about natural disasters here on Texas’ Gulf Coast, we usually think about hurricanes. But as 2021 took off, we found ourselves dealing with an arctic winter blast ... Read more

March 1, 2021March 1, 2021

Why Can’t I Just ‘Get Over’ My Son’s PH Past?

Pulmonary Hypertension News Columns

“Why can’t she just get over it?” It would not surprise me if there were people asking themselves this question about me. Since receiving a heart and double-lung transplant six ... Read more

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

‘Phantom PH’ Haunts My Son Long After His Transplant

Pulmonary Hypertension News Columns

The Mayo Clinic describes phantom pain as pain that feels like it’s coming from a body part that’s no longer there. Experts believe these sensations can be real and originate ... Read more

February 17, 2021February 17, 2021

My Husband Reflects on Life, 16 Years After My PH Diagnosis

COVID-19 Columns, Pulmonary Hypertension News Columns

Sixteen years ago, I was lying in a hospital bed, unsure just how much my life and my family’s lives were about to be turned upside down. As a nurse, ... Read more

February 15, 2021February 15, 2021

Let’s Learn Something New for Rare Disease Day 2021

Pulmonary Hypertension News Columns

According to NASA, the number of exoplanets, or planets beyond our solar system, is in the thousands and rising. Rare diseases are kind of like exoplanets. There are many, but ... Read more

February 10, 2021February 10, 2021

My Next Step in Recovery Is Taking a ‘Less Is More’ Approach

COVID-19 Columns, Pulmonary Hypertension News Columns

It’s no secret that the world is tough. When juggling its chaos, we often feel pressured to do more, and we quickly lose sight of what is most important. With ... Read more

February 9, 2021February 9, 2021

Let’s Talk About Sex and Chronic Illness, Baby

Pulmonary Hypertension News Columns

Save the Date: Feb. 11, 2021, at 7 p.m. ET. Join @pulmonaryhypertensionnews on Instagram Live for a live Q&A about sex with chronic illness and PH. The event is called ... Read more

February 8, 2021February 8, 2021

How PH Changed My Relationship With My Body

Pulmonary Hypertension News Columns

Having a chronic illness can affect a person’s relationship with their body. It can feel like their body has let them down because it’s not working exactly how it should. ... Read more

February 8, 2021February 8, 2021

A Positive Perspective on Gaming and Your Health

Pulmonary Hypertension News Columns

I have read articles claiming that playing video games excessively can increase the risk of health problems. Instead, they encourage children to go outside and play, and adults to hit ... Read more

February 5, 2021February 5, 2021

Learning to Let Go of the Negativity in My Life

Pulmonary Hypertension News Columns

As I was watching the timeless movie “Pretty Woman,” I was struck by something Julia Robert’s character, Vivian, said: “People put you down enough you start to believe it. … ... Read more

February 1, 2021February 1, 2021

I’m Slowing Down and Learning to Enjoy the Quiet

Pulmonary Hypertension News Columns

I love to keep busy. Ever since I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH) in 2017, I have been keen to fill my days and avoid the listless feeling that ... Read more

February 1, 2021February 1, 2021

Like the Weather, My Son’s PH Journey Brought Storm Clouds and Sunshine

Pulmonary Hypertension News Columns

A popular phrase people like to say when discussing the climate is, “If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute and it’ll change.” Living with a serious illness often ... Read more

January 27, 2021January 27, 2021

Sharing My Struggles as I ‘PHight’ Through Recovery From COVID-19

COVID-19 Columns, Pulmonary Hypertension News Columns

After several weeks in the hospital due to complications from COVID-19, I couldn’t wait to go home. On the day of my discharge, I thought the healing process from that ... Read more

January 25, 2021January 25, 2021

Stepping Back From Work Does Not Mean I’m Letting My Illness ‘Win’

COVID-19 Columns, Pulmonary Hypertension News Columns

Ever since I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH) in 2017, I have been determined to live as normal a life as possible. As soon as I was able, I ... Read more