Out of Breath? Fainting? Tired? Shortness of breath with exertion? These are some of the symptoms of Pulmonary Hypertension. Click here to learn more about PH.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Mary's Story!

My name is Mary, and I am probably the oldest patient with Pulmonary Hypertension. But it doesn’t really matter, 8 months to 80 years, it is the same terrible disease. I began with the usual symptoms- fatigue, shortness of breath, unable to climb stairs, having to “take a break” several times while preparing a meal, doing laundry, etc. I have been to good doctors and bad. I was underdiagnosed, undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, etc. After six years I finally found a doctor who would listen to me—REALLY LISTEN—and also talk to me. After a right heart cath, he diagnosed me with mild pulmonary hypertension secondary to scleroderma. I have been on Tracleer for nearly three years and have been stable for the past year. I am still not able to do much, but at least I am here and watching my grandchildren grow up. My advice to new patients- advocate for yourself- no one else is going to do it for you. I also am a firm believer that we need better education for medical personnel, including doctors, so this disease can be recognized faster and patients sent to the proper specialists. I believe there must be many like me who are treated for asthma, copd, etc. who, if their doctors were only willing to take it a step further, would find they have pulmonary hypertension and obtain treatment. Pulmonary Hypertension is progressive, but it can be slowed and often stopped, and with research we will someday find a cure.

Mary

1 comment:

Annette said...

Mary, you are an amazing woman!! Thank you so much for sharing your story!
your phriend
annette