11 Tips to Prevent Respiratory InfectionsIf you are worried about getting sick from respiratory infections like cold, flu, or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), it is important to take precautions. People who have a weak immune...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Living with Advanced Heart Failure Part OneAdvanced heart failure is when your heart stops responding to medical treatments and therapy. After suffering a second stroke and being diagnosed with advanced heart failure, I thought it was...Reactions0reactionsComments25 comments
Using Meditation for Stress ReliefMeditation is an ancient practice that began thousands of years ago. It originally was used as part of a person’s spiritual practice. But it has gained popularity in recent years...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Impact of COVID-19 on the HeartThe world continues to grapple with the dwindling COVID-19 pandemic. And researchers continue to work hard to understand the long-term effects of the virus and vaccines – especially their impact...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
When Medical Device Recalls Fail to Protect PatientsWe see them in the news about everything from peanut butter to heart pumps – RECALLS! Recalls protect us from bad or outdated products. In the United States, most people...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
Finding a Support Person for Doctor AppointmentsPeople with chronic health conditions like heart failure often face complex treatment plans and multiple doctor visits. Brain fog, fatigue, and problems concentrating are frequent side effects too. That is...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Childless Heart Failure Patients?The topic of having children as a heart failure patient is near and dear to my heart. I was diagnosed with heart failure at 35 before I had gotten a...Reactions0reactionsComments5 comments
PLC: My Neverending ChroniclesA recent stop by law enforcement triggered my afib, a rapid heart rate; incited anxiety, and brought about a new onset of PTSD. Prior to this incident, I have had...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Dilated CardiomyopathyDilated cardiomyopathy is a heart disease that happens when the left ventricle is no longer pumping blood efficiently enough to the body. When I first got diagnosed in 2014, at...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
How to Get Our Steps InNow that colder weather is upon us, something that those of us with heart failure might be thinking about is: how do we get our steps in when walking outside...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Heart Failure Dos and Don’tsAs with any chronic disease, it often takes time to learn the dos and don’ts of living with heart failure. Here are a few to keep in mind. Do seek help...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Need Extra Income?I have found some additional money-making opportunities lately, and I wanted to share them in case anyone needed to make a few extra bucks! There are several options out there...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Antibody Desensitization TreatmentSometimes, people with heart failure face the decision of being listed for a transplant. However, not everyone qualifies for a heart transplant. Having high antibody levels (also called highly sensitized)...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
PLC: Living My LVAD Best LifeLiving My Best Life AND Heart Failure? Is it really possible to use those two statements in the same sentence? Many of us understand that being a patient is a...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Advocacy 101: Each One Teach OneAdvocacy was not the first thing that came to my mind following my diagnosis of end-stage heart failure. In fact, it was probably the furthest thing from it. However, advocacy...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Why Are You Short of Breath? What a Respiratory Therapist Needs to KnowI work in a hospital as a respiratory therapist. I take care of anyone who is short of breath. If you come to the hospital experiencing severe shortness of breath...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Managing Parenting and Fatigue When You Have Heart FailureBeing a parent is a tiring job. And life with heart failure often comes with fatigue. Together, fatigue and heart failure can leave you feeling completely exhausted, even defeated. Fatigue...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Energy ConservationAs fall is here and we start having to think about bending over and putting shoes on (sandals no longer count), putting heavy coats on, etc., it has made me...Reactions0reactionsComments1 comments
Life Expectancy Studies: Changes Over TimeI am a respiratory therapist. I started this job in 1997. Back then, we were told by our teachers that the median life expectancy of heart failure patients was 2...Reactions0reactionsComments13 comments
How to Talk to Children About Your Heart Failure DiagnosisTalking with your children about your heart failure can cause major anxiety. You do not know how your child will react. You might worry that they will get upset or...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments