Fatiguing but Succeeding - a Column by Erin Fortin

Reflecting on the odds of winning my very specific lottery

What do you think of when you hear the words “one in a million”? Do you think of the chances of winning the lottery and how those odds seem almost impossible, making you sigh with disappointment and think winning could never happen for you? Yet do you still buy a…

Despite my hopes, here’s my farewell letter to Ultomiris

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with Ultomiris (ravulizumab-cwvz). Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. Excited, relieved, and hopeful: These were emotions I felt when I switched my paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) medication a few…

Embracing opportunities when my PNH symptoms hold me back

When I drive, the car is like a sold-out concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City. I love singing with a deep-rooted passion along with songs that either have meaningful lyrics or just a sound that somehow resonates with me. I have a wide range of musical tastes…

Establishing a routine eased my worries about Ultomiris infusions

When I was diagnosed with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), I was intimidated by the idea of being treated with an intravenous medication and having to strictly follow an infusion schedule. I feared the unknown and wasn’t sure what to expect. Over time, though, I grew more comfortable…

An adequate healthcare strategy starts with listening to my body

As a patient with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), I experience a variety of symptoms every day. In a previous column, I discussed my most common symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, and shortness of breath, but the list is much bigger. Sometimes it’s hard for me to figure…

I’m immunocompromised and still learning how to avoid getting sick

The first months of the year are typically filled with New Year’s resolutions, early winter sunsets — and the sounds of coughing, sneezing, and nasal congestion. Every year, it seems like I or someone around me gets sick. Protecting ourselves in public isn’t easy, but we can take precautions like…

How to best support a friend with chronic illness

Comforting people when they’re going through difficult times or looking for support is hard to navigate. I’ve been on both sides of this situation, especially since I was diagnosed with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). It’s tricky to know the right thing to say or do. I recently connected…

What I would do if I didn’t have PNH

One of my favorite hobbies is watching competitive reality television shows. “Survivor” and “The Amazing Race,” both on CBS, are two of my guilty pleasures to pass the time. I’ve been a fan of them for many years and dreamed of one day being a contestant. However, after…

Someone gets me in the song that’s become my PNH anthem

Have you ever listened to a song and connected with the lyrics instantly? When you want to keep the song on repeat, or Google the words and sit staring into space while interpreting them? Listening to music has always been my favorite way to escape reality; in fact, certain songs…