Pulmonary Hypertension

[Guest guest]

I need some comments and advice on this. My 70 something neighbor told me yesterday that her doctor told

her that she did not have heart problems as she had previously been told, but that she had pulmonary hypertension.

She said that he told her they would have to insert a catheter into her lung and inject the medicine. Then one that floored me: she would have to take this medicine weekly and that it would cost $4,000.00 a month, which would not be covered.

After I picked up my lips from the floor, I said immediately, "Go see another doctor." I explained that to my knowledge that the more common treatment was viagra, which was much cheaper and had the added benefit

of sharing it with her husband. She had no idea what viagra was or what it was used for, so I told her it

helped to open up the blood vessels in lungs so that the blood could flow more freely, reducing the hypertension. I decided the other usage was beyond her comprehension.

This couple have a very small income and $4,000 a month for medicine has nearly paralyzed. She has no

oximeter, so I have told her that I will get her one and will teach her how to use it and record her sats so

her doctor can see her oxygen needs. She was on ogygen, but the doctor took her off. And this lady

lives in a two story house and can barely make it to the top.

I would like to hear from those of you who have HP that I can give to her.

Jack79/IPF - UIP/dx06/05 Maine