A burst appendix reminds me that I need to tune into my symptoms
I live with some level of pain and nausea on the regular. I’ve become numb to these symptoms because I’m used to them, but that’s sometimes a problem. A few weeks ago,…
Valiant Voice — Lara Govendo
Lara Govendo resides in Vermont as a wild, adventurous lady who also happens to be a licensed clinical professional counselor. She dives deep into controversial topics by talking about her own struggles to help others feel less alone, educate about all aspects of health, and encourage others that there’s always hope. Thanks to her double-lung transplant in 2017 due to cystic fibrosis, you can now find Lara ministering about Jesus, exploring the glorious outdoors with her husband, and belly laughing with people around the planet. She can be reached on her website at www.hungry4hopeconsulting.com.
Featured Post
The value of bodily autonomy for those of us living with cystic fibrosis
I learned about the notion of bodily autonomy from a dear friend who, like me, has cystic fibrosis (CF). Before, I’d been oblivious about the subject; it hadn’t occurred to me that it…
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This month, we honor those who provide palliative and hospice care
Prior to my double-lung transplant in 2017, I was scared of the words “palliative care.” I mistook it for hospice care and thought it meant preparing to die. I was hypersensitive…
How a health crisis caused me to rethink my sense of identity
I had an identity crisis when I turned 30. At the time, everything that had previously defined me — my health, my job, my financial independence — had been stripped from me. It felt…
Sometimes I need to give myself permission to be human
Since I had a double-lung transplant six years ago, my life has been a sea breeze compared with my life with lungs affected by cystic fibrosis (CF). Since everything seems easier now,…
How I cultivated joy and peace amid health challenges
“I don’t understand how you were laughing when all I wanted to do was cry,” my sister said, referring to the time before my double-lung transplant six years ago. In March 2017, I…
My tips for staying safe and healthy while traveling with chronic illness
Living with cystic fibrosis (CF) and transplanted organs has taught me a great deal about how to successfully travel by air with a chronic illness. While my medical needs look significantly…
My do’s and don’ts for supporting sick friends and family members
Throughout my journey with cystic fibrosis (CF) and double-lung transplant, I’ve learned what does and doesn’t work for me when it comes to receiving support from others. Following are a few guidelines…
How a double-lung transplant affected my body and self-image
After I had a double-lung transplant six years ago due to cystic fibrosis (CF), it was hard to look at myself in the mirror. I would stare at my stapled chest, and…
How to combat the ‘shoulds’ when you have a chronic illness
Today’s society comes with the expectation that we should all meet certain life benchmarks by particular ages. We’re inundated with the “shoulds.” You should go to college and be successful right out the gate.
8 tips for thriving during an inpatient hospital stay
Inpatient hospital stays are common for those of us with cystic fibrosis (CF). Before my double-lung transplant almost six years ago, I’d live at the hospital for several weeks at a time.
After my double-lung transplant, mundane activities are exciting
Last weekend, I finally got around to getting my yardwork done. I mulched around the walkway and the side of my condo and planted flowers in the garden. When a friend heard what I’d…
Healing from medical trauma takes work, but it’s possible
Throughout my journey with cystic fibrosis (CF) and a double-lung transplant, I’ve learned a thing or two about how medical trauma can affect mental and physical health. It’s been essential for me…
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