PF, Hypertension, and Echos...

[Guest guest]

I have had an interesting experience in this realm. Originally back in early

2006 I was told I had Interstitial Lung Disease of unknown origin. I was given

prednisone and released from pulmonologists care when I refused to let him do a

biopsy (he told me he knew I didn't have cancer so I did not know why he wanted

a biopsy other than exploratory). I continued my merry little life though I was

concerned that I still had shortness of breath and maybe I had an underlying

heart condition. I went to a heart specialist who promptly did an echo and told

me I had a very healthy heart (was I a former athlete, he asked). I then

thought maybe I needed pulmonary rehab to help with my breathing but was denied

because I needed a pulmonologist to recommend me. I couldn't get the

pulmonologist I wanted because he maintained I didn't have pulmonary

hypertension, which was his specialty. Then I hooked up with this group and

went to Denver. I learned so much. Every one's physiology is different. My

brother and I both have healthy hearts and relatively low pulse rates (my

husband says I may not be alive, lol). Every time the look at my heart, it

passes with flying colors, but the Denver doctors says there is ALWAYS an

underlying hypertension... maybe just not obvious in the beginning. It is

indeed something to be watchful of. I think Bruce's suggestion to discuss it

with your doctor(s) and have a routine check is a smart idea. It certainly

can't hurt to be aware of all the possibilities.

Stefani 61 year old Utahn

ILD 2/2006, NSIP (fibrotic) 10/2009, Diabetes II 2/2006, Sleep Apnea 4/2009