It’s been less than a couple of months, now, since I learned I have pulmonary hypertension with tachycardia. I felt so helpless at first. The stress echocardiogram left me gasping for air for weeks with no real explanation of what was going on or how serious the condition might be. If you’re suffering with this you know how awful it feels, like someone has a pillow over your face and you can’t get them off of you! Standing was the only position I could find that allow free breathing. The shortness of breath is less acute, now, and less frequent. I still get terribly tired and am sleeping about 9 hours a day, which is so healing. I thank God every time I find myself taking a deep satisfying breath. But, I don’t know if that would be true if I weren’t able to research this condition, myself. I’m the type of person that can easily make lifestyle changes to improve or lengthen my life. nearly 30 years ago I gave up a promising musical career on stage because of asthma and I’ve never been sorry. My life is so utterly blessed. And I truly believe that you have NOTHING to lose and so much to gain by doing making the small changes to give you a better chance with this condition. It’s really a no-brainer!
I feel that I’ve done more for my improvement by incorporating the guidelines from Cleveland Clinic and Mayo than any doctor has suggested. Positive changes in your lifestyle and expectations will go a long way in dealing with this disease. You’ll have good days and bad ones. But, overall, I’m convinced that there will be more good days if you, YOURSELF, can do all the practical things you can to increase the chances that your quality of time and length of life be the greatest possible.
I have yet to find a doctor who actually visits with me about the actual condition. I’m not even convinced that an individual doctor who isn’t specializing in this can HAVE a comprehensive conversation about it. I saw the new pulmonologist yesterday that had ordered the CAT scans, blood tests and pulmonary function tests two weeks ago. He’s a likable fellow. But, as most, he’s on auto pilot and didn’t remember to tell me the results of all of my tests. I’ll have to call back to get those confirmed. Thankfully, the CT was clear and I do NOT have actual disease in my lungs. His focus on what’s going on with me was tempered by the fact that others were waiting for him. I even told him that I had a list of questions. He answered ONE of them and then stood up and walked to the door with his hand on the doorknob. I ended up distracted and didn’t insist that he answer the other questions. I won’t see him again for 4 months after they do another echocardiogram to see if things are progressing. I don’t know what I was expecting. But, it was more comprehensive and serious than what I got. The research shows that the type of exercising that I’m doing every day in the water was as effective as the medication for it over a 6 week period and this doctor didn’t suggest ANY type of self-care other than not eating spicy foods and NOT getting tired. There are very reasonable recommendations out there that are easy lifestyle changes. Don’t wait for some doctor to tell you what to do. Learn how to take care of yourself, NOW.
Thank God for my education and for the Internet. However, you have to be very cautious when reading words that you don’t understand and take care NOT to over react to what you read. I think that the statistics that are reflected in the research as stated on the Internet are based on diagnosis of people in very late stages of Pulmonary Hypertension and that most people go years before they find an answer to the subtle changes in their health. I also think that Pulmonary Hypertension that is passed down in a family is different and not as debilitating and probably doesn’t shorten lives like an acquired PH. Just because they have told you that you have this condition, does NOT mean that you have no control at all over this illusive condition. Read the literature, but not if it upsets you too much. Accept that there will be Educate yourself. Live healthy. Smile often.
I was given little as a comprehensive suggestion for living my life. Chances are, the same is true for you. Here is a clip from the Mayo Clinic’s suggestions:
- Get plenty of rest. Resting can reduce the fatigue that may come from having pulmonary hypertension.
- Stay as active as possible. Even the mildest forms of activity may be too exhausting for some people with pulmonary hypertension. For others, moderate exercise such as walking may be beneficial, and using oxygen during exercise may be especially helpful. But first, talk to your doctor about specific exercise restrictions. In most cases, it’s recommended that you not lift more than 50 pounds (22.7 kilograms). Your doctor can help you plan an appropriate exercise program.
- Don’t smoke. If you smoke, the most important thing you can do for your heart and lung health is to stop. If you can’t stop smoking by yourself, ask your doctor to prescribe a treatment plan to help you quit. Also, avoid secondhand smoke if possible.
- Avoid becoming pregnant or using birth control pills. If you’re a woman of childbearing age, avoid becoming pregnant. Pregnancy can be life-threatening for both you and your baby. Also avoid using birth control pills, which can increase your risk of blood clots. Talk to your doctor about alternative forms of birth control.
- Avoid traveling to or living at high altitudes. High altitudes can worsen the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. If you live at an altitude of 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) or higher, your doctor may recommend that you move to a lower elevation.
- Avoid situations that can excessively lower blood pressure.These include sitting in a hot tub or sauna or taking long hot baths or showers. These activities lower your blood pressure and cause fainting or even death. You should also avoid activities that cause prolonged straining, such as lifting heavy objects or weights.
- Find ways to reduce stress. These can range from yoga, meditation and biofeedback to warm baths, music or a good book. Try to allow at least 30 minutes a day for an activity you find relaxing. Many people with pulmonary hypertension find that simply reducing stress can greatly improve the quality of their lives.
- Follow a nutritious diet and stay at a healthy weight. It’s likely your doctor will recommend limiting the amount of salt in your diet to minimize swelling of your body’s tissues (edema). Most experts agree that you should eat no more than 1,500 to 2,400 milligrams of salt a day. Keep in mind that processed foods often are high in salt, so it’s important to check labels carefully.