Being diagnosed with PH is very daunting. I remember in beginning researching on the disease and being shocked about each new fact that I learnt about it. There is so much to absorb you cant help but feel completely and utterly depressed. Its like you’ve reached your crossroad and have no idea where to go.
Life with Pulmonary Hypertension is an ongoing lesson in flexibility. You may need to let go of some of the daily details that seemed to be important to you before you were diagnosed to make room for some of the new responsibilities that come with PH. Simple tasks like getting out of bed can be the most exhausting task you will do the entire day. This is why we need to find ways to make ourselves feel good about what we can and cant do.
Here are some tools to help:
Priorotize your Activites
Make a list of what is important and what isnt.
Set Goals
Make a list of how long it takes you to do a specific task and work around it accordingly.
Pace yourself- you’ll get there.
Turn to Family and Friends for Help
As someone who is quite independent, this one was difficult for me but I had to do it. I always felt that I was a burden but I was constantly reminded that it wasn’t an issue to ask for help if I needed it. A great support system is key to the well- being a PH sufferer, so don’t be scared to ask for help.
Stay Active
It is important to pursue activities that are unrelated to your illness. Having things to plan for and look forward to makes life meaningful and fun. Aside from medical appointments, make some time for you and what you love to do.
It takes time to find your feet but you will. Stay positive- It will only get better and remember that, you may have the disease, but the disease doesn’t have you.
#PHenominalhope #PHaware PHfighter