Patient Diary -- Kristie Coulter
Monday, January 12 2004
Kristie's Diary
This is my first entry into my diary :) I have had PH since May 1999. Mine came out with pregnancy. I was undiagnosed for over 2 yrs. I was told when I was pregnant that all the unusual things I was experiencing (unusual water retention, unusual weight gain, unusually high blood pressure, sob, unusual fatigue, etc). was all normal for a woman pregnant 'at my age' (I was 36 yrs old). They did 7 sonograms while I was pregnant. I was told this was also normal (although I've never heard of anyone else having so many). I was in bed the last month of my pregnancy. I delivered by c-section on 2-9-00. I was first given Pitosin to induce labor and it not only didn't work...but it created the most incredible pain that I have ever experienced. When that didn't work...they did a c-section. After delivery, I found that I wasn't bouncing back like everyone else I knew who had babies. I actually seemed to be getting worse...much worse. I was still told that it was from having the baby and being out of shape and my gp suggested diet and an exercise class. I couldn't do the exercise class. I could barely walk from the car to the building...much less exercise. Then I started turning blue. I pressed for an explanation for this and was told to see a cardiologist. The cardiologist diagnosed me with pph, did several tests and told me I was dying with no hope...but that I should see a specialist. Getting to to a specialist was a big ordeal (couldn't get into one...was told there were no more...found mine on the internet and got in). My specialist did several more tests and told me I was very sick but that he was going to try Flolan and see what happens (I was told later that I probably had a month or two left). My daughter was 1 1/2 yrs old by this time. The Flolan worked. I improved steadily for months after and am doing great now :) I lead a normal life (although I can't lift too much or exercise except for walking) and I'm told my pph shouldn't effect my life span now. Now we just have to deal with the financial issues that come along with having a major chronic illness :) I'm very glad to be maintaining my health now and am having a great time with my daughter, who is about to turn 4 yrs old. I hope anyone that has any reservations about Flolan goes ahead with it. I can't believe what it has done for me. -Kristie-
Wednesday, December 22 2004
Merry Christmas, Everyone :)
Hi everyone :):) It's been a year since my last entry and I thought it was time to make another :) I found out something very interesting over
the last year...when my ph specialist first saw me...they actually
didn't think I had a month or two left...they were calling me 'the
weeker' because they thought I could go anytime during the week. Guess
what... I'm still here and doing better than ever :):) My pap was 100
when I first saw them. After being on Flolan for 3 yrs... my pap is now 44 :) I am still Class III...but I feel good most of the time and I don't let PH stop me from doing very much :) Flolan has really done a great job for me :) My daughter is now almost 5 yrs old and in pre-k :) I can't believe I almost wasn't here for that (her starting school). Now I expect to be here for a very long time :) I hope everyone has a great holiday season :):)
-Kristie- :)
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