Pulmonary Hypertension News Forums Forums Our Community Upcoming Procedures What Is On Your Medical Calendar For November?

  • jen-cueva

    Member
    November 1, 2021 at 3:01 pm

    I know, I agree, @colleensteele. Although my last few months were chaotic as we prepared for the move, the time has flown by.

    I think in October, I tried to squeeze most of my appointments in before leaving Texas. I don’t think I have many this month except labs. I will be grateful to slow down a bit with appointments.

    What about you? Any upcoming appointments for yourself or Cullen?

    • Colleen

      Member
      November 2, 2021 at 1:33 pm

      @jenc Cullen was supposed to have an ECHO stress test last week but then he got sick. He still has minor symptoms and they said we can’t reschedule until he has gone 4 days symptom free. Hopefully it will get done sometime this month.

      Have you scheduled any first appointments yet with your new team?

      • jen-cueva

        Member
        November 2, 2021 at 1:54 pm

        Hi @colleensteele, I hope and pray that Cullen is symptom-free soon and can get this stress ECHO done. I know this was one that you were concerned about.

        I also hope that you, too, are feeling better and finally will be over the hump.

        I only have labs thus far because I had a busy last month trying to fit all of my socialists in before leaving. I will plan to hold off as our insurance will change in January, several if possible. But my Texas docs have sent records to several specialists here already if needed before then. I am hoping and praying not, hehe.

        Please keep us posted on Cullen’s stress ECHO and your health, too.

  • Debbie Moore

    Member
    November 1, 2021 at 4:27 pm

    I start my first dose of Orenitram tomorrow.  I hope the side effects stay away and the drug helps me breathe!

     

    • Colleen

      Member
      November 2, 2021 at 12:19 pm

      @debbie thinking of you today as you start your Orenitram treatment. Update us when you can on how you are doing. If you experience any side-effects hopefully they will be minimal and not last long. Most of all, I do hope it helps your breathing!

    • jen-cueva

      Member
      November 2, 2021 at 2:00 pm

      Hi @debbie, thinking of you today as you start your Orenitram. For me, when I started, it helped to take each dose with. a little food.

      I am no longer on it but remember to report any side effects to your PH team and also that it may take several weeks before you notice any difference. Our bodies are different, so it takes time for our bodies to adjust to the dosages/titration of each treatment.

      Please know we are here to support you as you begin this new treatment journey. Please keep us posted on how you feel and ask any questions for those who have experience with Orenitram.

  • Debbie Moore

    Member
    November 3, 2021 at 10:46 pm

    I’m two days into the Orenitram and NO side effects!  I have all the side effects with my other medicines, so this is a relief.  I’m not noticing any difference in my breathing yet, but that could take a while.  But I have hope.  I so hope the oxygen machine can go away.  I know that it may not, but I can hope.

    • jen-cueva

      Member
      November 4, 2021 at 2:09 pm

      Hi @debbie, I am so happy to hear that Day 2 of Orenitram and NO side effects. I hope and pray that this continues for you.

      As I mentioned, it may take some time before you notice any improvements. I love that you have a goal and the optimism that you may have a chance to lower or cut out some of the oxygen needed. Do you have a pulse ox at home to check your stats?

      I am also on that mission. I was on oxygen 24/7 when diagnosed. Then it decreased some until COVID last year. Now back on it 24/7, but since I am in CA, I see improvements in my breathing. My goal to it to get to my pre-COVID oxygen usage before the first f the year.

      Thanks for the update. Would you mind keeping us posted as you continue your Orenitram?

    • Colleen

      Member
      November 5, 2021 at 5:21 pm

      @debbie yay to no side-effects so far!! Every medication is different but I can tell you that whenever my son started a new treatment sometimes it could take a week or two before he would feel an improvement. So keep your positive attitude and I pray that soon you will update us that the new treatment is helping.

  • Debbie Moore

    Member
    November 5, 2021 at 11:19 am

    Just got a call from Pulmonary Rehab.  I’ve been on the waiting list since July, and they now have an opening.  Initial assessment is next Wednesday, then Tuesdays and Thursdays for 36 meetings.  My November calendar is filling up fast!

     

    • jen-cueva

      Member
      November 5, 2021 at 11:50 am

      Wow, @debbie, it sounds like things are starting to fall in place for you this month. Yes, a busy month, but I am hopeful that this all will help you gain some strength and enjoy some of the things you did before PH.

      You got this! What are you looking forward to gaining strength and doing? Please do keep us posted.

      • Debbie Moore

        Member
        November 5, 2021 at 12:03 pm

        My first goal is to do stairs.  I own a store in a small downtown.  I can park in the back, but I have to take a flight of stairs.  I would like to park in the back instead of of the main street where my customers would prefer to park.

      • Colleen

        Member
        November 5, 2021 at 5:25 pm

        @debbie forgive me for sounding like a mother hen for a moment. The stairs sounds like a good goal, as long as someone knows you are taking them when you do, at least until you know you can handle them without issue. I would hate to hear about you having an event while climbing them and no one knowing you were there.

      • Debbie Moore

        Member
        November 6, 2021 at 9:50 am

        Thanks for the care, but no worries.  I’ll make sure I’m able and have someone with me.  I think it will be awhile, but I am looking forward to it!

      • jen-cueva

        Member
        November 8, 2021 at 5:34 pm

        @debbie, I agree with Colleen. Taking the stairs is a great goal, but please be careful. I think we often want to push our bodies; that’s normal, but listening to our bodies is crucial, too.

        This is after you have completed some of your pulmonary rehab, correct? I have also been trying to do a bit more since I can breathe better here in San Diego. But, I also notice that my body crashes early o those days.

      • Debbie Moore

        Member
        November 10, 2021 at 1:32 pm

        I wasn’t planning on the stairs until pulmonary rehab was showing great improvement.  I went for my assessment today and could only walk 1 1/2 min before my oxygen started to plummet.  They have a lot of work to do to get me moving and ready for stairs!  I start Tuesday.  I’m very excited.

      • Colleen

        Member
        November 10, 2021 at 6:28 pm

        @debbie I am excited for you and I can’t wait for the day when you tell us you did those stairs!

      • jen-cueva

        Member
        November 11, 2021 at 4:56 pm

        That sounds like a plan, @debbie. Slow and steady, my PHriend. I am excited for you and look forward to hearing more about your experience with pulmonary rehab.

        You got this!!

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