Living

My path to congestive heart failure was not a gradual one. I had a massive SCAD induced heart attack that damaged my heart. In addition to that, I have many...

Living in the digital age, many resources exist at the end of a search for support with a chronic illness. We wondered what makes this community stand out for you...

Anyone who has been diagnosed with heart failure has had anger at some point. Anger at these symptoms, which carry a high degree of burden. Anger at the fatigue, anger...

Our careers are part of what defines us as individuals. When meeting someone new, one of the ways we identify ourselves is through our jobs. Chronic illness can derail careers...

Editor's note: This is part 2 of a series. Be sure to read Part 1. After coffee and breakfast the next morning, we set out over Burro Pass for the...

A great cardiologist is more than just the doctor who is the most knowledgeable or the one who has the office that is most convenient to get to. Rather, a...

Intimacy is about creating a genuine connection. It can be intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Managing intimate relationships is a common problem for heart failure patients. This is especially true...

As I look back over the 26 years I have cared for my child, first in heart failure and then through her heart transplant, I never saw a situation like...

If someone receives group health insurance through an employer, FMLA is the framework in which an employee's job (and their health insurance) is protected if they need to take time...

As the holidays are coming upon, it’s a good time to talk about sodium and fluid retention. Salt is a challenge for anyone with heart failure because it causes the...

I recently heard the phrase 'unexpected loss'. This resonated with me and is a good way of explaining why a widowmaker heart attack and sudden heart failure diagnosis at 35...

I was asked a great question by a community member recently. He said, “Does working too much increase my risk for developing heart disease?” This inspired me to do some...

Prescriptions, scent-free laundry detergent, over-the-counter products, special cleaning products - all these items can add up and can make living with or caring for someone with heart failure expensive. There...

As an HR professional, I find that many people do not understand FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act). FMLA is important for people who are in the workforce and use employer-sponsored...

Editor's note: This is part 1 of a series. Read Part 2. When you’re walking around with two stents and one heart attack on record, and when you take baby...

A chronic condition puts an immense burden on both the patient and their family, physically and mentally. There is the actual caregiving in addition to the mental load of monitoring...

Editor's note: This is part 2 of a series. Be sure to check out part 1! For her job, my mom kept many records to analyze the public health status...

Overcoming a chronic illness or "sickness" can consist of a number of variables. While many are seen or expected, others are hidden in plain sight as environmental determinants. One such determinant is...

As a CHF patient and someone who previously loved outdoor activity, it has been an adjustment to spend more time inside, especially lately during hot and humid summer days. I...

Managing your fluid restrictions is tough! I have come across a few tricks and tips. However, please realize that this is hard and there is no way to totally take...