Relationships

In this special episode of the Journeys Through Pulmonary Fibrosis Podcast, host Sharon Lee, CEO of the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, is joined by respiratory specialists Professor Kerri Johansson and Professor Sanjay Chotirmall, to discuss why lungs can't wait. Together, they explore the challenges faced by people living with chronic lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and bronchiectasis, including delayed diagnosis, limited awareness, and barriers to accessing specialist care. Through clinical expertise and patient-centered insights, the conversation highlights the importance of recognizing symptoms early, improving access to multidisciplinary care, and empowering patients and families throughout the care journey.

In this episode of ‘Journeys Through Pulmonary Fibrosis’, host Ilaria Galetti is joined by Ruth Ajayi, who is living with systemic sclerosis, and a rheumatologist Dr Cosimo Bruni, to explore the impact of this rare autoimmune condition on lung health. Together, they discuss the often complex and emotional path to diagnosis, the challenge of navigating care across multiple medical specialties, and the realities of adapting to life with a chronic disease. Through both personal and clinical perspectives, the conversation highlights the importance of early detection in managing progressive lung scarring, and how a strong partnership between patients and healthcare professionals can help individuals navigate change and find a new sense of normal.

This episode of the ‘Journeys Through Pulmonary Fibrosis’ podcast was filmed at the 2024 American Thoracic Society (ATS) conference. Our inspiring guests have joined together to discuss the unmet needs within pulmonary fibrosis and highlight the importance of collaboration within healthcare, and at a community level. This insightful discussion focuses on how to improve care pathways and quality of life for those affected by interstitial lung diseases.

In this episode of the ‘Journeys Through Pulmonary Fibrosis’ podcast, our host Steve Jones sits down with two guests from the USA and Norway to discuss the importance of connecting with people who live with pulmonary fibrosis at different stages of their journey. They also discuss the many different ways in which patient organizations provide support, globally and locally. Hear more from our guests on how patient organizations will continue to fight for all those impacted by this condition.

In this episode of the ‘Journeys Through Pulmonary Fibrosis’ podcast, our guests share how family, friends and support groups are invaluable to their journey, often providing that much needed support and hope for those living with pulmonary fibrosis and their loved ones. Hear more about the ongoing efforts of individuals and organizations working to ultimately improve the outcomes for people living with pulmonary fibrosis.

In this special episode Liz tells us about her experience of living with RA-ILD, which is short for rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease. We explore the profound impact of this life-changing diagnosis on Liz and her loved ones as well as the need for increased awareness of the condition. Throughout Liz provides advice and strategies for maintaining a positive outlook despite the challenges RA-ILD presents.

In this episode, we explore how innovating today could have a positive impact on those diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. We are joined by extraordinary guests, including researchers, healthcare providers, innovators, and a patient impacted by this rare disease. Keeping patients’ lived experiences front and center can help lead to new ideas and progress, all while inspiring us to remain hopeful for the future.

In the fifth and final episode of season 3, we learn about the impact that pulmonary fibrosis can have on relationships with family and friends, and even on the more intimate aspects of partner relationships. Our contributors also take time to emphasize the value that they derive from healthy and supportive relationships when living with this challenging condition.

In our fourth episode, we examine the importance of shared decision making, which helps empower patients to make choices about their disease management in collaboration with their medical teams. We hear from people who are living with pulmonary fibrosis, a wife and care partner and from medical specialists, each underlining the value of shared decision making and providing some examples of this best practice in action.

In the third episode of Season 3 of our ‘Journeys Through Pulmonary Fibrosis’ podcast series, we explore the role multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) play in providing care for people living with pulmonary fibrosis. Our guests first help us to understand what an MDT is, who participates and how the team functions. We then examine the benefits and improvements in care that the approach can deliver for people with pulmonary fibrosis. We also hear about some of the challenges that an MDT approach can bring and discuss how their role may evolve in the future.