I was sick for more than a week recently. The slow recovery gave me a glimpse into a chronic disease patient’s point of view —…
Columns
There is a moment in rare disease caregiving when you realize something unsettling: The system doesn’t know more than you do. In fact, it often…
Illness casts a shadow over the lives of both the patient and the caregiver. In my family’s situation, my mom, Feng-Ying Wu, is the patient,…
ATTR-CM
ColumnsMental flexibility is key to coping with my role as a caregiver
When I first found myself in an intense caregiving role last year, I promised to stay strong for my mom, the patient, and my dad,…
On Mother’s Day last year, by chance or instinct, I was awake past midnight when I received the message that my mom, Feng-Ying Wu, had…
HATTR-PN
ColumnsATTR amyloidosis treatment exists, but for many, it’s not accessible
A transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) diagnosis is life-altering. This progressive disease causes abnormal protein deposits to slowly accumulate in structures such as the heart and nerves.
HATTR-PN
ColumnsNavigating amyloidosis treatment can be challenging for older adults
As an advocate for the New Zealand Amyloidosis Patients Association since 2019, I am acutely aware that when there is no center of excellence or coordinated…
HATTR-PN
ColumnsA look at the emotional and psychological effects of diagnosis
A diagnosis of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy (hATTR-PN) between the ages of 30 and 60 can be profoundly life-altering. The gravity of the…
HATTR-PN
ColumnsThe emotional burden of receiving negative genetic test results
Hereditary diseases not only affect the body, but they also ripple through families, shaping relationships, identities, and mental health. I know this reality all too…
HATTR-PN
ColumnsOur role as patient advocates is vital, but funding remains an issue
I recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of my work as a patient advocate for people diagnosed with amyloidosis in New Zealand. This journey began because…
Recent Posts
- Understanding the patient’s perspective in a fast-paced world
- Attruby may reduce outpatient heart failure worsening in ATTR-CM
- Being a caregiver means becoming an expert on your loved one’s disease
- Eye dryness, floaters common in hATTR-PN, but more research needed
- Approval of Beyonttra in Brazil brings new treatment options for ATTR-CM