Hi Dave,
Welcome to Connect. You've come to the right place to meet others who share similar health issues. Here in this discussion, you'll meet Teresa and JK. I'm hoping that @windwalker @tula @ziva @loisblo @cyndiblaw @joyful556 and others will also join this discussion group to share their experiences with pulmonary hypertension.

While we wait for others to jump into the conversation, Dave why don't you tell us a bit more about yourself. What other heart issues have you been dealing with? What led to the pulmonary hypertension diagnosis? What symptoms are you managing or lifestyle choices are you looking at? That's probably too many questions. I'll let you decide what you wish to share 😉

@dave2455 Hi Dave: Let me add my welcome. As Colleen mentioned we would like to get to know you better. I also have borderline pulmonary hypertension, the higher # show up on an Echo. I've also had heart issues since age 11 and have been having Echos on a regular basis. If you are comfortable sharing any symptoms, treatment, etc. we would appreciate it!

Hi Dave, welcome to the group. Such a great source of information. My borderline pulmonary hypertension was found doing an echo. I was told I also have sleep apnea and I must wear a mask at night to keep the PH from getting worse. The sleep study showed my heart had to work too hard when my oxygen went down.

Well as far as heart issues it started when in 1961 that my mitral valve was not working properly. In 1966 I had open heart surgery at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI (I was 11 years old) After that I was able to do just about anything for 41 years. Then things went the other way in 2007 I had a heart attack they put 5 stents in. Between then and 2015 I had 3-5 bouts of Atrial Fibrillation and then on May 25,2015 I had another heart attack which lead to by pass surgery in Sept. 2015. It was after that around Nov. 2015 I became shorter and shorter of breath. Well as we all with PH how long it takes to finally get diagnosed with PH it was Feb.17,2017 for me. I have had all the test you can think of from heart to lungs but it wasn't until I had the right heart cath that they found out I had PH. I also have sleep apnea on top of all that. I have oxygen hooked to my cpap machine and I also have portable oxygen. I hope this wasn't to long, I'm looking forward to hear from other folks. Thank You Dave

<br><br><br><br><br>Hi Dave, I too have mild mitral valve prolapse due to having Rheumatic <br>fever as a child, and suffered with SVT since age 20. COPD since age <br>30. (never smoked) I swear, I must be the poster-child for ALL things <br>cardio-pulmonary illness. I have had or do have just about everything that has <br>been mentioned on this blog. No, I am not kidding! Was put through <br>pre-qualifying tests for a double lung transplant last Dec. because my docs are <br>worried about my steadily declining lung function. Discovered I have the <br>beginning of PH, probably due to my MANY co-morbid diseases. I had been sick as <br>a dog for years and sure I wouldn't live to see 2017. I am doing great now, and <br>don't even feel unwell anymore. I owe this to my dr at Mayo putting me on <br>Tobramycin. It totally changed my world. I strictly follow my doctor's <br>orders, take all meds on a schedule. (and exercise) I think that all <br>accounts for my feeling so good these days. -Terri M.<br> <br><br>

@windwalker Congratulations on finding help for your health problems. I am glad to hear that you are doing so much better! Thanks for sharing your story with us at Mayo Connect. Teresa

@dave2455 Hi Dave, it sounds like you have really been through the ringer. I presume with the current therapies, CPAP, oxygen, that you are feeling somewhat better thankfully.

Why is is difficult to diagnose PH? I just had an ECHO for it and saw the doctor yesterday, are those measures not enough for an accurate diagnosis? My numbers were better than they were 11 months ago and most were within range so he was not concerned at all.

Your post really was not that long, by the way.
JK

@windwalker , Your story makes my heart sing. It's always so nice to hear of someone doing better under such difficult diagnoses. I am really glad that you are feeling so good, that's all most of us want, isn't it?
JK

<br><br><br><br><br>Yes! A lot of it is attitude too! Think well, be well!<br> <br><br>

Hello Windwalker,
Thank you for sharing your story. I hope you are continuing to feel good! I could not help but take interest in the fact that "Tobramycin changed your world." Can you tell me more about that? Was it determined that you were sick from a chronic underlying infection? Can you tell me more about your history, symptoms, tests, and treatments? I have been sick for years as well but still have no answers. Maybe your experience will give me a new path to pursue. Thank you.