Living

Living with a long-term health condition requires us to stay on top of everything: doctor’s appointments, new symptoms, insurance, and, of course, managing treatment – all while taking care of...

You've survived a heart attack, one that was most likely unexpected. Now what? You've spent days with a lot of medication attention, being constantly watched, tethered to wires connected to machines...

When it comes to dealing with heart failure, your doctor plays a key role in your long-term health and well-being. Having a doctor who listens and shows concern can have...

Unfortunately, a diagnosis of heart failure is often accompanied by a change in diet. Usually, people talk about the necessity of limiting one's sodium intake. In my experience, doctors can...

Editor's note: This is part 2 in a series. Be sure to read part 1! I wrote about surviving a fall down the stairs and a subsequent ER visit with...

Heart failure is really REALLY hard. So, as a disclaimer, I am not writing this in hopes of communicating some idea that we fake gratitude then we can magically somehow...

I was afraid to talk about it out loud because I didn't want to accept it. Do you ever notice when you find out you're diagnosed with something the symptoms...

Editor's note: This is part 1 of a series. Be sure to read part 2! Months ago, as I headed downstairs to my kitchen, I slipped on the last two...

As a congestive heart failure patient, I am aware of the many benefits of engaging in regular physical activity. However I was surprised when I learned about some of the...

Whether you know it or not, problems with your heart affect your sex life. Think about it! Every part of your body requires blood flow – even the parts down below...

While heart failure affects each person differently, there is no doubt that it is a challenging condition for everyone who lives with it. You likely manage your condition with medicines...

When I was first diagnosed with Brugada Syndrome, I have to admit I felt a little scared. I had seen my dad deal with the symptoms and get his ICD...

Life is what you make it. Well, at least that's what I was told. I'm not sure I ever understood what that meant for many years. What I do know...

A diagnosis of heart failure can be tough. It may be hard for someone on the outside to truly understand the realities of living with this condition. To help paint...

For me, one of the challenges with my heart failure diagnosis has been how to dress this new body. I have experienced weight gain and swelling in my abdomen and...

My title is a little deceptive because I no longer run. But I ran for a long time, from high school into my mid-sixties. All three of my sons, now...

Dear Santa. My kids already made their Christmas lists. I hope you received them well. Consider this post my personal Christmas list. Last year you gave me a nice surround...

You have probably heard the song lyrics, “I wish that I knew what I know now when I was younger.” Many who live with a chronic health disease wish to...

There is no doubt that living with heart failure takes courage. This diagnosis comes with a great deal of uncertainty, which can lead to a variety of fears and stresses...

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and I must say what an experience! It was so filled with laughter, love and great food. Personally, I was looking forward to feeling all...