Lorraine Smith Robbins’ PH Story
I live in Warrington, PA
I first heard the words Pulmonary Hypertension on November 13th, 2012.
To say our lives have been challenged is an understatement
I had been complaining to my doctor of fatigue and shortness of breath for almost three years. Initially I was told I was just a tired mom of two young girls. Take better care of yourself – put yourself first!
Many appointments, weight loss attempts, an exercise trainer, and several misdiagnoses later, I was sent for a CT scan of my lungs.
My primary care called me at 7:30 am on November 13th and said she’d scheduled me for the scan at 9am. I had been to see her the night before with more complaints, and she sent me home with a new inhaler to try.
Dr. said she thought about me all night, and was concerned I might have blood clots in my lungs causing my shortness of breath. I really had her stumped.
Well, shortly after completing the scan she pulled me into an office and told me I had PH. I was to go see one of the top cardiologists at our local hospital.
I thought ‘Great! Finally a name for it! Give me the pill, the surgery! Whatever! Let’s fix this!’
My 4 plus years’ journey so far has been full of ups and downs. I count three medications, 24/7 supplemental oxygen, a fantastic support system, and staying positive as my lifesavers and best medicine.
I have Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension – it is not secondary to any other illness. There is no known reason for why I have it, nor is there a cure.
A year after my diagnosis, my husband was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. To say our lives have been challenged is an understatement. But I try to keep our blessings in perspective count them everyday!
I could go on, but I’m trying to keep my introduction brief. Thank you, Team PHenomenal Hope for all you do to raise awareness for Pulmonary Hypertension.
