I can't believe it has been a year since my PH diagnosis. Life feels like it is at a stand still.
Last week I thought I had the flu, with a fever of 101.8, sickness every time I turned over. By Sunday evening I started to get extreme pain in my "heart" area. Went to my primary care clinic and they ran tests which sent me to the hospital for more tests. My regular Dr. called me and told me to go to the ER to have my heart checked out - she didn't like my test results.
At the ER - their tests showed I had a sinus infection as well as an inflamed heart muscle called 'Myocarditis". Not a good thing I am learning. I am on antibiotics for the infections will go back to my primary Dr on Monday. More tests will be done to see if I need more antibiotics.
On Thursday, Nov 6th I have to have an PFT, 6mw as well as seeing my PH doctor. Nov. 11th I will see a new Cardio Surgeon, to let me know if he can fix the hole in my heart or what else he can do.
That's it for now - I am still not doing well. I write when I can.
October 31, 2008
October 26, 2008
A good place to start
My name is Debbie, I am 52 years old. I have much wrong with me mainly pulmonary hypertension due to blood clots in both lungs, patent foraman ovule PFO (hole in my heart). Sept 10th, 07', as I was going for my normal daily walk around the Fox River I noticed I had a sharp pain in my jaw and shoulder didn't think anything of it. A week later the same thing happened this time I was having trouble breathing like I couldn't get enough air. Again I said I must have done too much.
My turning point of my life was on Oct 2nd, 07', I saw my primary Dr. she ordered a host of tests - ekg's, echo's, ct scans and blood work. On Oct 5th I got the call - I had to have a heart catherization - I had blood clots in both lungs, enlarged pulmonary artery, fluid on the heart and the list went on.
Was hospitalized Oct 15th, 07' for 6 days. Was put on blood thinners and 8 other medications to deal with all that was going on. My life became a stand still. March 08', I saw my first pulmonary hypertension Dr. and learned I also have a large hole in my heart - a birth defect. Went through more tests. It is now one year later and I still have the shortness of breath, chest pains, rapid heart rate and can not do the easist of tasks like going for long walks, cleaning my house, going up stairs, exercising, making my bed is a challenge so I don't do it, who cares (I live alone).
I have now learned that if I have the hole in my heart plugged or repaired my pulmonary hypertension could possibly resolve itself. I am not on meds for the PH yet- I see my PH Dr on Nov 6th at which time he will decide what route to go.
Prior to all this happening I worked 60 hrs a week, owned a floral business in my home, exercised on machines daily plus walking 3 miles a day. I no longer have my business - it's doors closed in Dec. I am praying a miracle comes our way - I am looking forward to the day I can go back to work and exercise again.
As we renew our strength in the Lord, we will soar on wings of eagles.
My turning point of my life was on Oct 2nd, 07', I saw my primary Dr. she ordered a host of tests - ekg's, echo's, ct scans and blood work. On Oct 5th I got the call - I had to have a heart catherization - I had blood clots in both lungs, enlarged pulmonary artery, fluid on the heart and the list went on.
Was hospitalized Oct 15th, 07' for 6 days. Was put on blood thinners and 8 other medications to deal with all that was going on. My life became a stand still. March 08', I saw my first pulmonary hypertension Dr. and learned I also have a large hole in my heart - a birth defect. Went through more tests. It is now one year later and I still have the shortness of breath, chest pains, rapid heart rate and can not do the easist of tasks like going for long walks, cleaning my house, going up stairs, exercising, making my bed is a challenge so I don't do it, who cares (I live alone).
I have now learned that if I have the hole in my heart plugged or repaired my pulmonary hypertension could possibly resolve itself. I am not on meds for the PH yet- I see my PH Dr on Nov 6th at which time he will decide what route to go.
Prior to all this happening I worked 60 hrs a week, owned a floral business in my home, exercised on machines daily plus walking 3 miles a day. I no longer have my business - it's doors closed in Dec. I am praying a miracle comes our way - I am looking forward to the day I can go back to work and exercise again.
As we renew our strength in the Lord, we will soar on wings of eagles.
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