Pulmonary Hypertension - I'm very anxious, any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

[puddy68]

Hi there. I've been diagnosed with mild to moderate pulmonary hypertension. I have no symptoms except for shortness of breath when climbing flights of stairs or if I have to walk uphill for some distance. I went to ED on Monday with chest pain [turns out it was a panic attack], but they did blood tests [heart related], chest xray and ct scan on my chest. Nothing showed up out of the ordinary in these results, except for fibrosis/scarring in my lungs from sarcoidosis, which I've known about for years. Doctors think this has caused the pulmonary hypertension, which was picked up 2 years ago when I was in ICU with the flu and pneumonia, but for some reason I did not follow through after receiving the diagnosis. I also have cirrhosis of the liver with portal hypertension which I've just googled can also cause Portal Hypertension.

I am now in a flat panic about this [I've got a referral to see a cardiologist next Tuesday]. I've been googling about pulmonary hypertension, and I'm convinced I've only got a couple of years left, according to many websites. The doctors at the hospital have said that there is no cure, but the condition can be managed with the right medication. I don't know who to believe and I can't stop crying and can't leave the house [I also have a severe anxiety disorder]. I don't want to die and leave my son and husband. Could someone please, please help me? Any information or help/advice would mean the world to me. Thank you so much.

Written by

[Biker88]

Stay off Dr Google unless you have a good knowledge of your conditions and treatment from doctors. There is too much doom and gloom on the internet, it’s a manageable condition with medication. I have accumulated several diseases which are not treatable but manageable and I’m still getting out and about and doing things all be it with a mobility scooter and oxygen bottle. I go to a weekly group of hospice patients and we all a vast selection of conditions and have been managing for several years. We are all keeping happy and cheerful and there is no discussion on prognosis.

[puddy68 in reply to Biker88]

Thank you so much, Biker88. Such good advice, Thanks again and God Bless.

[Alberta56]

I hope pulmonary hypertension is not a short cut to an early grave. Keep calm until you've seen the pulmonologist. I'm sure he will be able to reassure you that with the right medication and sensible living you will last for many years. God bless. xxx