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Becoming a parent while living with PNH, Part 4

Last in a series. Read parts one, two, and three. The months following the delivery of my daughter, Joelle, were some of the most wonderful months of my life. But they were some of the hardest, too, especially when the symptoms of my paroxysmal nocturnal…

How my turbulent health journey helped me cultivate resilience

The other day, I was telling my story of being diagnosed with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and aplastic anemia to a woman over Zoom. Halfway through, she said, “Wow, you are so resilient.” After that, my mind began to wander. Many people have used this word to compliment…

What my pregnancy journey looked like with PNH, Part 2

Second in a series. Read part one. Being pregnant was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. The uncertainty of my health due to paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) made the journey even more empowering. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel much different while pregnant. I’d worried that my…

How my husband and I prepared for my pregnancy with PNH, Part 1

First in a series. Receiving a diagnosis of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) in 2019 left me confused, scared, and desperate for more information. As my mom checked me out at the medical office counter, I did a quick Google search and scanned the first article I found. Reading it…

Asking for help can lead to more gifts than you think

Truth moment: I’m stubborn. I’d rather figure out problems by myself than ask for help. But when I was faced with two chronic illnesses, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and aplastic anemia, I had to learn the importance of letting others help me. Once I was diagnosed, caregivers…

Why immunocompromised patients require special precautions

In everyday conversations with family and friends, I’ll sometimes hear someone comment that a person they know has either strep throat or the flu. This immediately puts me in a defensive mode. My brain is flooded with questions aimed at protecting my safety: Who is sick? Have you been around…