Lala Juarez, 33, of Salt Lake City, Utah, was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension in 2015 after two years of misdiagnosis. Juarez, who leads the Northern Utah PHA Support Group, received a double lung transplant in 2021.
I’m blessed to still have my parents, my sisters, nephews and new niece. I enjoy doing anything to keep my peace, stay positive, live my best life, keep my stress low, be present and strive to become my best self.
My hobbies are baking, bedazzling liquor bottles, and makeup — both glam and gore (Halloween).
Before I was diagnosed, I was tested for asthma, whooping cough, allergies, acid reflux and sleep apnea. While trying to be properly diagnosed, I felt I was being gaslit. People seemed to think I was making up what was wrong with me because I presented like I was fine when I wasn’t exerting myself.
But it was difficult for me to do everyday tasks like walk fast, bend over, shower in hot water. If the weather or climate changed, like the day before it would rain, I could feel it in my lungs. Multiple flights of stairs were exhausting for me. For example, baking a double batch of chocolate chip cookies would have me recovering for two days.
Having severe PAH, I was quickly put on oxygen and a single oral medication, and eventually I was taking three. After a few years I received a port line for IV therapy.
I was evaluated for a double lung transplant and informed it was time. I did physical rehab three months before and three months after surgery. I received my life-saving bilateral lung transplant in June 2021. My life has already dramatically changed for the better since transplant.
PH was an emotional whiplash. It was difficult for me to accept that illness life because I had been so independent and work driven. But even though I’ve been “slapped around” in different ways with pulmonary hypertension, I’m happy it all happened.
New me
I’m a totally different person today, with a different outlook on life, a better person. No longer materialistic. I care about being present, trying my best to make sure people are heard and seen. I feel more deeply now, and I just want everyone to be loved and win, however that looks to them.
I started attending Northern Utah’s support group meetings about a year after I was diagnosed. About a year after I started attending the Northern Utah group, the leader needed help in coordinating the group. A fellow member and I stepped up to help. My co-leader unfortunately passed away during the pandemic after she fell and hit her head.
The most rewarding part of volunteering as a PHA support group leader is that I know exactly where my fellow PHighting PHriends come from. Leading the group is healing for me as well. We understand our community like no one else ever will. We need each other.
I am proud that our group was started by Shirley Lynch, a true PH pioneer from Davis County, Utah. The group is still going strong today and meets quarterly. We have about 10-15 attendees.
If you are considering starting a PHA support group, do it. You never know who you could be helping and inspiring, as well as how healing it can be for you, too.
