Naomi Matsushita of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, has interstitial pneumonia, one of the 200 types of pulmonary fibrosis (PF), as well as anti-synthetase syndrome, an auto-immune condition. This is her story.
After a bout of the flu nine years ago, Naomi was left with a lingering cough and was eventually diagnosed with PF. She was a very active person and loved the theatre, but became very fearful of infection, even pre-COVID.
The pandemic has exacerbated this. Before the pandemic, Naomi found help in the pulmonary rehabilitation program called “Singing to Breathe,” a choir for people with lung issues. Her husband has also been a great help taking on more and more caregiving tasks over time.
We celebrate Naomi for her courage and thank her for sharing her pulmonary fibrosis journey. If you or someone you love is experiencing breathing difficulties talk to your doctor.