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Choosing the Right Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Supplier
By Cheryl Switzer
If you are discussing the possibility of adding supplemental oxygen to your treatment regiment or have been on o2 for awhile and are not happy with your current supplier, you'll want to consider your options. There are a lot of choices out there so you'll want to shop around.
My Nightmare and PH
By Merle Reeseman
If you think the healthcare system in the U.S. is broken, Merle's story will reinforce your view. Merle found herself underinsured after her husband's early retirement. It changed her life in ways you cannot imagine.
Myriam's Story
By Myriam Calles
PAH treatment in Mexico is hard to come by. The "big gun" drugs most Americans have come to rely on in the U.S. — Remodulin, Flolan, Tracleer — are simply not available to our PAH friends to the south. Read how Myriam beat the odds with the help of a loving family and friends.
Do I Have To Ask?
By Jenni Messel
Jenni M, our newest staff member and feature editor here at PHC,
reminds us that it's okay to ask for help when you need it.
Mutterings and Musings on
Being a Patient
By Cheryl Switzer
LIFE WITH FLO: The Series
Life With Flo first ran as a series in our
private message board. When Myrtle Schmertz (pseudonym) began Flolan therapy,
she wrote to the PHFriends message board about her progress, and
that post soon became first in a series of humorous observations,
thoughts and adjustments to life on Flolan.
A Life of Lessons
Rebecca Swartley, a nursing student happily looking forward to
graduation next year, is a young woman in the prime of her life,
or is she?
When Rebecca was seven years old, the doctors told her parents
she had pulmonary hypertension. They were also told their daughter
would probably not live to celebrate her sixteenth birthday.
Rebecca was most certainly not privy to their assessment of her
future. All she knew for certain was that she wanted to be just
like everyone else. And that’s more or less just what she’s
done. For a little glimpse into the life of a fiercely independent
spirit, read A Life of Lessons.
The Lighter Side of PH
Laughter is Good Medicine. PH may not be a laughing matter,
but sometimes things happen that bring a smile to our faces and
give us a chuckle. There’s no harm in sharing them.
In
the Wee Hours
A mother's letter to herself
By Annette Whittaker
The
Emotional Side of PH
One woman’s thoughts on learning to cope with Pulmonary Hypertension
- By cheryl Switzer
A Life on
the Move
Ruth Latimer does not know how to sit still. She’s moved her
family household countless times over the years and she’s not
one to sit and stew other things. So, when she learned she had mild
PH, she moved into action.. She’s done the reading, she’s
determined to stay as fit as she can, and she’s starting a
new career that gives her the flexibility she needs for up and down
PH days. You’ve got to love the spirit of this woman. Ruth
is definitely on the move again.
Memory Loss and Pulmonary
Hypertension
Earlier this year, someone on PHfriends posted a little message
about losing her mind. She complained of getting goofy and forgetful.
Many people chimed in. Some said they were forgetting appointments,
dates, lots of small and not-so-small details on a daily basis.
They were finding it irksome and worrisome. Armond Aserinsky, the
president of PHCentral, responded with a thoughtful and comprehensive
explanation.
The Canadian Medicare System
- An Overview
Bob Wilson, a
Canadian living in Ontario, a senior citizen and a retired health
physicist, has some strong convictions when it comes to healthcare
issues. He firmly believes that excellent medical care should be
available to everyone regardless of their personal financial circumstances.
He further believes that it is the responsibility of public officials
at every level of government to ensure this availability. Although
Bob admits there are stresses and strains on the Canadian Medicare
system, most would agree that Canadian programs offer excellent
medical care to every qualifying citizen. As many of you know,
there
has been much controversy and dialogue in the United States over
the years about adopting a similar program. If you've wondered
how
they manage so well in Canada, Bob's overview of the Province of
Ontario will surely be of interest to you.
Pumpless in Colorado
Earl Selvage, one of our PHfriends and an active volunteer on this
web site, shared his wonderful news with us recently in the form
of a friendly email. After many years on the intravenous drug,
Flolan,
his pulmonary artery pressures are nearly normal, he’s feeling
rather well and he’s been transitioned to one of the new oral
medication. His pump is history. This, as many of you know, is every
PH’ers dream come true. In this feature, Earl and our feature
editor, Cheryl Switzer had a little chat and it is presented to
you here in interview form. Earl is a pearl of a guy and we think
his tale is worthy of two thumbs up!
Living Life While
You’ve
Got It
This month we’re
featuring a pair of letters, one written by a woman in deep despair
- our PH friend, Loris Wilson - and the other offered in response.
Loris’s original message was posted on the phfriends list
here at PHC earlier this year, and although many friends offered
support,
one response was particularly poignant. Armond Aserinsky, who lost
his wife, Carol to PH in November of 2001, reminded Loris - as
well
as the rest of us - the importance of living in the now. We all
need to remember this from time to time.
SINGLE
PARENTING WITH PH - By Bailey Rains
Bailey Rains, a mother of two children and a PH patient herself,
tells us how it feels to be a “Mama Bear”. She is a recently
divorced single parent with a lot to deal with. This is a short
yet heartfelt piece from one of our star diarists. If you like
this
one, be sure to check out her journal in the Patient
Diary section.
Sarah
of the Moment
By Sarah Ing
PHC diarist, actress, writer and television host, Sarah Ing tells her
personal story including the great benefits she has realized after a year
on the recently approved oral medication, Tracleer, with both energy and
style. We think you'll enjoy it.
My
best friend, Jean By Bill March
My wife, Jean March died from PH earlier this year. After her death,
I found something she had written and I would like to share it with you
all. It is a little talk she had given at a PH support group meeting
on
the plight of all caregivers. I offer it to you unedited, in her own
words. But before you read Jean’s words, I’d like to tell you
a little bit about my wonderful wife Jean and our life together.
Backpacking Through
Life By Cheryl
Switzer is about Cheryl's own struggle to accept supplemental oxygen
therapy. When they told her she would need full-time oxygen, she could
not imagine a life tethered to a device. When she realized how fundamental
a need this was and experienced the benefits first-hand, she made peace
with it. Today, after nearly two-years of continuous oxygen use, Cheryl
carries her little canister as easily as she carries her purse. If you’re
facing a similar challenge or are just curious, read on.
A Walking and Talking Miracle
is the story of one woman's efforts to qualify for lung transplant
surgery. Shirley Jewett describes her seven-year battle with primary
pulmonary
hypertension, her incredible determination to beat the odds, the sacrifices
she was forced to make along the way and life after transplant surgery.
This is a good read for all and a must read for anyone considering a
transplant
option.
by Shirley Jewett - Contributor
When the Insurance Company Says “NO”
This is an article about “advocacy”: advocacy for yourself. It’s
an article about committing yourself to staying alive, and getting insurance
companies and
the government to work with you to that end.
by Armond Aserinsky, President and Science Editor
The
Courage to Change the Things I Can
by Graeme Warner, Scotland - Contributor
My Story
Paul Percival shares his journey from his home and life in Australia to the USA where he
is being treated with Flolan.
by Paul Percival A Father's Letter to
the PHFriends Listserv
by Rich Bottini Israeli
PH Association Conference
On June 21st, they held their first national conference. Read
on for more about the conference, contact information, and some
pictures.
Navigating the Benefits
Maze
Rick Perry, of A.C.C.E.S.S., Discusses "Navigating The Benefits
Maze" with DelVal Support Group
by Kathryn Buck - PHCentral Editor A Flower For PH
by Sheila Williams - Contributor Living Wills: One Patient's
Experience
by Sherry Okonski - Contributor Loose
Lips Sink Studies
by Armond Aserinsky, President and Science Editor
and PHCentral Medical Consultants: Lewis J. Rubin, MD, Harold Palevsky,
MD, and Ronald J. Oudiz, MD. The Way It Was, The Way
It Is
by Graeme Warner, Scotland - Contributor Mr. Spock Speaks
by Armond Aserinsky, President and Science Editor Living With PH and Studying
Cranes
by Armond Aserinsky, President and Science Editor Welcome
by Armond Aserinsky, President and Science Editor
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