← Return to NJH Patients

Discussion

NJH Patients

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Nov 24, 2023 | Replies (108)

Comment receiving replies
@srsmith3802

I have MAI diagnosed since 8/22. I just had my second Pulmonary Function Test and it showed a significantly lower diffusing capacity. My pulmonologist mentioned either repeating the test or doing a right heart Cath to check for pulmonary HTN. Can you tell me more about your pulmonary HTN and how it was diagnosed and checked by NJH to determine yours was “still mild”. Thanks in advance

Jump to this post


Replies to "I have MAI diagnosed since 8/22. I just had my second Pulmonary Function Test and it..."

i had a CT scan and was told I had an enlarged heart. I then had an Echo Cardiagram and showed normal sized heart, both venticals normal, but a small leak in Pulmonary valve. Also measures your Pulmonry artery pressure, it was higher than normal, but mildly so. Second one, 3 yrs later, said moderate!
I went to NJH because I didn't like that it was not being checked each year. Also have MAC, and Bronchiestasis. I had an Echo Cardiagram while in Denver, but I went to Rose Medical. They specialize in Cardiac problems. I needed to go there straight from airport for another problem, so they did it there. My numbers, although lower than the one I had at home, still indicate mild PH, not moderate
The gold standard, they say, is to have a Cardiac Cath.. But the Cardiologist, and Pulmonologist in Denver thought mild, with no heart involement, was very good. I trust them much more than my old Pulmonologist that asked me; "who told you that you had Pulmonary Hypertention!" Thats when I made appoiuntment with NJH. I trust NJH. They helped me before, when doctors here didn't. Once a patient there, always a patient.
I know they do Echos at NJH, but I was just in Rose Medical so they called NJH and did some of my testing there.
I have no symptoms, and my right side of heart is normal. I hope I have helped you some.

I had a similar call from a Radiologist after a CT and had an Echocardiogram last spring.
Then 6 months later, NJH ordered a Echocardiogram with bubbles. The bubbles test for a hole between heart chambers. Both tests were negative.