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...

As a female, 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...

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...