My Lung Journey: Learning to Advocate for My Health

I was 23 when my left lung collapsed (a spontaneous pneumothorax)—twice. I landed in the hospital with a chest tube, recovered, and moved forward with life. Over the years, I would occasionally get the flu or pneumonia, but nothing that seemed too concerning.

Until just before my 40th birthday.

Around that time, I came down with the flu and simply couldn't shake it. For months, my pulmonologist treated me at the nurses' station—we worked at the same facility—but I wasn't getting better, so the testing began. It took nearly six months for me to fully recover.

Over the next 13 years, I experienced respiratory infections almost every year. Treatment usually consisted of antibiotics, steroids, and the occasional inhaler. My pulmonologist didn't seem overly concerned.

Then everything began to change.

In the summer of 2022, I contracted COVID just before a summer full of travel. I was working as a camp nurse in Massachusetts when I became very sick. After returning home, I began teaching high school, but I was dealing with persistent shortness of breath, an intense cough, and constant fatigue. I felt bad every single day.

One day at school, I became confused and ended up in the emergency department. I was taken off work, and more extensive testing began. After undergoing a bronchoscopy, I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis.

Little did I know how much my life would change over the next few years.

My respiratory infections became more frequent, lasted longer, and required increasing amounts of antibiotics and steroids. I knew something wasn't right. I also felt that my concerns weren't being taken seriously. Deep down, I knew there had to be more to the story.

Fast forward to March 2025.

I developed pneumonia and, once again, couldn't seem to recover. I continued working when I had the energy, but most days I simply couldn't make it.

One Sunday, I tried to meet my parents at church. On the way, I stopped at a store hoping to find something I could tolerate drinking because I had been nauseated for days. Suddenly, I became restless, confused, and began crying uncontrollably.

I went to the hospital and was admitted with pneumonia. I spent six days there and didn't even realize I had developed sepsis until I read my discharge papers.

About two weeks later, feeling somewhat better, I traveled to France with my now-husband. It was an amazing trip, but looking back, I realize I was still very sick. I experienced frequent episodes of confusion throughout the trip.

We had been home for nearly two weeks when I once again became confused at work. This time, I was taken to UT Southwestern Medical Center and admitted with sepsis for the second time.

That hospitalization changed everything.

I spent another week in the hospital receiving IV medications, breathing treatments, and comprehensive care. For the first time, I had access to providers who specialized in bronchiectasis. I learned the importance of daily airway clearance techniques and why minimizing steroid use whenever possible could make a difference.

Most importantly, I met my new pulmonologist.

My first appointment lasted an hour. He asked thoughtful questions, listened carefully, and took my concerns seriously. For the first time in a long time, I truly felt heard.

Recovering from sepsis took nearly a year. It is a serious illness, and its effects don't simply disappear once you're discharged from the hospital.

During that time, I continued to experience frequent infections. Eventually, I was also diagnosed with nocardiosis, an infection caused by Nocardia, a bacteria commonly found in soil. That diagnosis led me to another incredible physician—my infectious disease specialist.

Today, I am grateful to have an exceptional healthcare team. Dr. Cardenas specializes in bronchiectasis and the genetic conditions that I carry. Dr. Suthun is my infectious disease physician, and together they have changed the course of my care.

My lung journey isn't over.

But today, I move forward with knowledge, hope, an amazing medical team, and the unwavering support of my family.

If you're living with bronchiectasis or another chronic lung condition, know that you're not alone. Trust your instincts, advocate for yourself, and don't be afraid to seek another opinion when something doesn't feel right.

If you'd like to connect or learn more about bronchiectasis, chronic lung disease, or the importance of patient advocacy, I'd love to hear from you.