I had high pulmonary pressures 13 years ago and still do. Had the catherization done and was told I did not have pulmonary hypertension. Well, in 2015 I experienced Afib and long story short I went to Mayo. They found I have heart failure. Also, I have pul hypertension. I was told that because I was given a sedative for the previous catherizaton that is what brought my pressures in the normal range. Not sure this could apply to you but just letting you know.
Went to the pulmonologist today. I told her that my breathing is getting worse. She said that they have tried everything possible that can help me to no avail. They don't know why it's getting worse or what is causing it. So, since the cardiologist and pulmonary doctor have no idea what is wrong, I sure don't. What's worse is when the doctor tells them that during my last pulmonary function test my O2 stats never dropped below 87%, the insurance company will take my oxygen from me. For the first time in my 64 years, I' am at a loss for what to do.
Thank you so much for the thoughts and kind words. I had the right heart cath done and it did not show PH. I believe there is more going on that I've been told. And I know this happens to people. I don't know why a doctor won't tell a patient everything. I was told for years I never had a heart attack. Then I've had doctors come in to my hospital room and ask me "when did you have your MI"? So I finally called my cardiologist and told them I was tire of sounding stupid when I would say, out of being told so many different things, that I didn't know if I had an MI or not. They researched all my records they have and called the next day and tell me "Oh yes, you had a heart attack back in 2009"! I'm At the point I don't think I believe anyone anymore.
I found out I had a heart attack also, one day before undergoing open heart surgery (aortic valve replacement, mitral valve repair and CABG x 3). One has to always be vigilant and have a strong, knowledgable advocate pushing for your best interests. Stuff is always missed in communication between doctors...and between doctors and lower staff...always. I am happy to have survived and respect my surgeons...but communucation between humans is always flawed.... I count at least 4 major miscommunications during my overall 2 month experiences...some with Mayo staff..some with doctors/staff/hospitals outside of Mayo. Lots of hands..ears...minds...distractions. Scary stuff. Be vigilant. I question all people and all conclusions..it makes me appear to be a malcontent and lots of excuses are made when errors are found. No medical person stands up and admits error of any consequence.
Hello, I'm wondering how you were able to get your doctor to do a right heart cath. I have had persistent episodes of shortness of breath and chest discomfort ever since I had a respiratory infection in 2006 that I believe affected my heart. I have never been able to build any exercise tolerance and my pulse ox went from 98% to 94%. I feel horrible the day after exercise, sometimes for weeks, I have also been unable to fly in a plane without terrible shortness of breath and chest pressure. I've had many tests over the years. I feel my symptoms may be due to pulmonary hypertension but doctors will not order a R heart cath because they don't see evidence of P.H. on my echo. Did you have evidence of PH on other tests? Is that why they did the R heart cath?
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Where are you located?
I'm located in NE Tennessee right near Virginia and North Carolina.
I had high pulmonary pressures 13 years ago and still do. Had the catherization done and was told I did not have pulmonary hypertension. Well, in 2015 I experienced Afib and long story short I went to Mayo. They found I have heart failure. Also, I have pul hypertension. I was told that because I was given a sedative for the previous catherizaton that is what brought my pressures in the normal range. Not sure this could apply to you but just letting you know.
Thank you so much for the information. This use to be frustrating. It is now angering me. (I know that is now good for me either)
Went to the pulmonologist today. I told her that my breathing is getting worse. She said that they have tried everything possible that can help me to no avail. They don't know why it's getting worse or what is causing it. So, since the cardiologist and pulmonary doctor have no idea what is wrong, I sure don't. What's worse is when the doctor tells them that during my last pulmonary function test my O2 stats never dropped below 87%, the insurance company will take my oxygen from me. For the first time in my 64 years, I' am at a loss for what to do.
Hello @racerjon
I have been thinking about you. I know that you have been frustrated and at a standstill in getting treatment for your ongoing shortness of breath.
How are you doing now? Have you made any progress in seeking a second opinion or getting any more assistance?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Teresa
Thank you so much for the thoughts and kind words. I had the right heart cath done and it did not show PH. I believe there is more going on that I've been told. And I know this happens to people. I don't know why a doctor won't tell a patient everything. I was told for years I never had a heart attack. Then I've had doctors come in to my hospital room and ask me "when did you have your MI"? So I finally called my cardiologist and told them I was tire of sounding stupid when I would say, out of being told so many different things, that I didn't know if I had an MI or not. They researched all my records they have and called the next day and tell me "Oh yes, you had a heart attack back in 2009"! I'm At the point I don't think I believe anyone anymore.
I found out I had a heart attack also, one day before undergoing open heart surgery (aortic valve replacement, mitral valve repair and CABG x 3). One has to always be vigilant and have a strong, knowledgable advocate pushing for your best interests. Stuff is always missed in communication between doctors...and between doctors and lower staff...always. I am happy to have survived and respect my surgeons...but communucation between humans is always flawed.... I count at least 4 major miscommunications during my overall 2 month experiences...some with Mayo staff..some with doctors/staff/hospitals outside of Mayo. Lots of hands..ears...minds...distractions. Scary stuff. Be vigilant. I question all people and all conclusions..it makes me appear to be a malcontent and lots of excuses are made when errors are found. No medical person stands up and admits error of any consequence.
Hello, I'm wondering how you were able to get your doctor to do a right heart cath. I have had persistent episodes of shortness of breath and chest discomfort ever since I had a respiratory infection in 2006 that I believe affected my heart. I have never been able to build any exercise tolerance and my pulse ox went from 98% to 94%. I feel horrible the day after exercise, sometimes for weeks, I have also been unable to fly in a plane without terrible shortness of breath and chest pressure. I've had many tests over the years. I feel my symptoms may be due to pulmonary hypertension but doctors will not order a R heart cath because they don't see evidence of P.H. on my echo. Did you have evidence of PH on other tests? Is that why they did the R heart cath?
Hello. How wash the chronic diastolic insufficiency diagnosed?