Jewell’s Story
I would have to say my situation started back in the ’90s. I was experiencing a shortness of breath and would be sick with bronchitis a lot. I decided to go see an allergist and he put me on shots, I took them for about 10 years. It did help me but I still had the shortness of breath. My internal medicine doctor back then decided to do a chest x-ray and when she saw the results she decided to send me to a Pulmonary Specialist.
They diagnosed me with mild asthma and also did a lung biopsy. They said I had scar tissue on my lungs but never really told me how bad it really was. I was treated by this doctor for a number of years with steroids, antibiotics and breathing treatments. As the years went on I became sicker more and more often. I would have periods in which when I would cough I would black out for a few seconds, however the doctor didn’t make a big deal about it.
Fast forward to 2010, I started to have a lot of weakness and fatigue. One day while driving home I began to choke on some water and I blacked out while driving. When I came to I was making my way over to the next lane on the interstate. I know that the Lord was with me that day because otherwise I would not be talking to you today. I didn’t go to the doctor until about a week or so later when I began having severe headaches and weakness. I thought it maybe was a toothache so I made an appointment with the Dentist.
On the day of the appointment, I had to climb a flight of stairs and by the time I got up those stairs I was gasping for breath. My dentist told me he would treat me for my toothache but he said I needed to see a doctor becayse he believe I had something very serious going on, pointing out that my hands were blue!
I called my Internal Medicine doctor and she ordered tests on my heart and blood tests. They would not let me go home because of the severity of my condition. They also conducted a CT scan of my lungs. The doctors came in and told me I had Pulmonary Hypertension.
They immediately started me on medicine (this was in July of 2010) and then in October of that same year I started to see a pulmonologist who put me on medicines related specifically to Pulmonary Hypertension. I am now also on oxygen pretty much all the time and I am doing Pulmonary Rehabilitation to help build up strength and endurance for my body.
It has been very encouraging and inspiring to do. I would like to say it has affected my life in many ways. It has affected my physical relationship with my husband who does not always understand and who is also dealing with his own health issues. It has affected my daughter and grandchildren as they were very worried about me. But, I am a fighter and refuse to give up because I know my Lord Jesus Christ is my healer, my rock and my shield and He will heal me.
I would like to say to all who are battling this disease or anyone who has a loved one who is battling it, to always support them, love them and pray for them and know that the Lord is with you and with them. I hope that I have been able to help or encourage someone today.
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6 Responses to Jewell’s Story
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I too believe in Jesus Christ. My prayer has always been to do what the drs. tell me and just keep praying. It does take a lot of living to the fullest but I am thankful for the support and help I get. Love and prayers go out to you
jewell your story was amazing and uplifting to me as well, because i have pulmonary arterial hypertension. i have had it for over 10 years, and with the grace of our LORD, i am able to get up every morning and thank our LORD for another day. good luck with your continued positive attitude.
“IF YOU BELIEVE, YOU WILL RECEIVE WHATEVER YOU ASK FOR IN PRAYER.” MATTHEW 21:22
I was just recently diagnosed wit PAh. Thanks to Caring Voive Coahalation Iam able to receive the medicine for it. Any advice about the disease would ne apprediated.
Thanks for sharing. It is very important to raise awareness for pulmonary hypertension!
Your story was very interesting. I, too, spent many years being “sick and tired of being sick and tired”!! It is the Lord Jesus Christ that has carried me through this long journey. It is great to hear you acknowledge this disease and trust in the Lord. Best wishes to you.
An allergist/immunologist can provide expert medical advice and treatment in the evaluation and management of people with allergic diseases, asthma and immune problems (see above for types of patients seen). This includes the ability to perform and interpret allergy testing, expertise in treating complex allergic diseases and asthma, as well as the ability to prescribe allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots).