Pulmonary Hypertension

[southernbeegirl, BSN, RN]

after my physical 2 weeks ago, my doc calls me last week and says my CXR shows pulmonary hypertension. she says it's probably related to a PE i had 3 yrs ago. at that time my CXR showed pulm. HTN as well but the doc at the time also felt it was related to my sleep apnea and told me he thought it would resolve after a few years on my bipap. i'm also an addict in recovery and used lots of cocaine, meth and amphetamine pills (including a short bout of phen/fen).i've been sober almost 6 yrs.

so here i am 3yrs later since that first CXR and the PE, use my Bipap every time i am asleep and now my CXR is also showing mild cardiomegaly.

i'm not looking for medical advice. what i need is NURSING advice.

i'm fat and i smoked. i am on my 4th day not smoking today . i know i have to get back on my weight watcher's plan and get this weight off.

i have an echo scheduled for thursday morning.

i've decided i'll be damned if i'm going to die from this crap.

i kind of panic every time i read about PH. but i keep reading that with lifestyle changes and meds it is no longer a "death sentence" and people can live 20-30 yrs. what i cant find is specifically what lifestyle changes i need to make.

stop smoking/lose weight i'm sure of but is there more i can do NOW as lifestyle changes to give me a better outcome later?

what nursing advice do we give people like me?

[nursej22, MSN, RN]

((((southernbeegirl))))

It sounds like you have taken some huge steps toward better health. Yay for you!

I would suggest getting some support to help you along your way, such as a support group for quitting smoking, weight loss or professional therapy. You've already been through some heavy stuff with the other addictions so maybe you already have that support. If so, use them!

Lay off reading the PH stuff for now, and make sure you have the best doc possible. There are lots of forms of PH and it sounds like they are still making a definitive diagnosis.

Physical activity (and work doesn't count) can raise your endorphins as well as burn a few calories. Find something fun and or a partner or you won't stick with it.

:kiss:kiss

[ellakate]

nursej22, I was posting the same thing you did. (great minds!)

Nursing orders:

1. Do not read any more about PH. You know the story.

2. Drink more water, but make sure that it does not worsen your pulmonary situation.

3. Begin gentle exercise. Take three laps around the living room or one. Start some where.

4. Congratulations on stopping smoking. Ask your physician if you can use nicotine replacement (gum, patch) to

help prevent relapse.

5. A quick Google search showed support groups for PH, including one online. You don't have to do it alone!

Right now, set some attainable goals. Then you can build. If you have a mental health counselor, make an appointment and get some support.

BTW, there is at least one really good weight loss thread on this very website!

You can do it.

Centex

[southernbeegirl, BSN, RN]

thanks guys.

i got Wii Active for christmas and i love Zumba. i was doing very good on WW until i decided to eat my way thru the holidays, lol.

i am using the patch and also the nicotene inhaler for when the craving is really bad and i'm doing kinda ok on both. and my husband took my car keys AND my car with him to work today so i cant sneak out for cigarettes, lol.

i have a great support system around me for my recovery. i hadnt thought about a support group for PH tho, thanks!

did i say i have an echo scheduled thursday morning? i guess then i'll have a more definitive dx huh.

thanks again. any and all advice is very welcome!

[RedCell]

Look into dilated cardiomyopathy with diastolic dysfunction related to long term cocaine/amphetamine abuse. It always makes for a great conversation starter and even connects back to the PH dx. Really interesting topic.

[Da_Milk_of_Amnesia, MSN]

If you are looking for a way to quit smoking...I suggest looking for an electronic cig ( or an e-cig as some call it) I got on myself and I went from smoking 1/2-1 PPD to having like 1 pack in almost a month (bumming other peoples cigs obviously) I think it really helped alot..depending on what you get they can get pricey...I paid like 100..but then again i also paid 25 bucks for overnight shipping (so it was more like 75).....It really does help tho...I swear by it..check it out...

[nerdtonurse?, BSN, RN]

For a good book on exercise, I recommend a book called "The Courage to Start" -- lots of help and good, practical advice for folks who need to exercise, but feel discouraged when they hear "30 minutes - 60 minutes of exercise daily." It helps ease you into a lifestyle change, it doesn't tell you "Join a gym and work 7 hours of exercise a week into your schedule." It really is doable.

[southernbeegirl, BSN, RN]

thanks for all the advice guys! i am now 7 days nonsmoking!! i'm using a patch and a nicotrol inhaler and cant believe how well i'm doing. and i smell sooo pretty :)