Pulmonary fibrosis: life is now more joyful thanks to a change in attitude

I have noticed a difference in me over the last few months. I believe that this new attitude is beneficial for my physical, mental and emotional health. I prioritize my needs and do not feel guilty about doing it. I encourage everyone to live and work in this way, although I understand that this is easier said than done.

Following my diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in early 2016, it took me some time to accept that my life was going to change. . My doctors did not know how my illness would progress and I thought I could maintain my physical abilities for months or even years. However, after six months, my illness had progressed and I had to learn how to use supplemental oxygen. I had to face my new reality.

Although my physical health deteriorated, I continued to prioritize the needs of others over mine. I would suggest helping others, volunteering for projects and staying late at work, often compromising my personal time. I have continued to do it until recently, when something has changed in me. I am now focusing on my needs as a patient living with IPF.

Before accepting an activity, I ask myself the following question: " Will this benefit me or those I love? Is it worth stress, dissatisfaction, unhappiness? Will this compromise my physical, emotional or mental health? "I evaluate the risk of the activity on my level of health and my energy. If I decide that it will not benefit me, I will say no. I do not look back.

This change did not happen overnight, and although I sometimes see myself prioritizing the needs of others, it happens much less often now.

Here's how I reframe my thoughts and actions. to answer my needs first:

• Letting go for things that do not affect me: Sometimes I worry about things that do not concern me. If something does not affect me, I leave him alone and try to let him out of my mind. I live by the following phrase: "It's not my circus, it's not my apes."
  

• Abandoning the need to repair now: We can not solve complex problems overnight. To worry about them steals the joy of the present. I want to experience the joy of every moment, so when I can not solve a problem for the moment, I try to forget it.
  

• Remembering friends who pbaded: This year has been tough. I've lost friends that I love in the chronic disease community. I often think of a close friend who has pbaded away recently and how she would not want us to be wrapped up in insignificant details, putting our happiness at life with things that really matter. To cherish every moment has become even more important to me because of these losses.
  

• I remember that work-life balance is healthy: I had the habit of putting my blood, my sweat and my tears into my work. Now, I realize that everyone is dispensable, no matter what their job, and that it's healthy to have a work-life balance. I do not work overtime anymore, I do not volunteer for events or I do not do more than that, but I always do my job well.
  

Have you experienced a similar change in prioritization since your diagnosis of FP? Continue this discussion on our PF forums.

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Note: The Pulmonary Fibrosis News Bulletin is strictly a news and information site concerning the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis nor treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care professional about any health problem. Never neglect a professional medical opinion or do not wait to search for it because of something you read on this site. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of on Pulmonary Fibrosis or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to stimulate debate on issues related to pulmonary fibrosis.