Hey Sherelle,

I don't have it, but I do know of another young lady with PPH and sickle cell. Pulmonary hypertension is caused by build up in the pulmonary arteries of the heart, the ones that pump the blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs. This creates a backlog or backup of blood, leading to advanced respiratory difficulties and it becomes difficult for the heart to pump the blood to the lungs. Fortunately, they diagnosed you early and you have a milder case.Unfortunately, there is no cure, but with early treatment, you have a greater chance of preventing really bad future symptoms. Your doc will probably have you on a diuretic, to lower the blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. You have to ensure that you avoid low oxygenated areas ie. plane trips because you will be more susceptible to hypoxia.

I don't think this is a death sentence, I just think you have to learn more about this new condition and how it relates to your sickle cell and manage it with the same vigor and passion. Although PPH will limit your life in some ways, I'm sure that with the right medication regimen, you will be able to still achieve all you want. I've had many patients with PPH that have lived 'regular' lives, and have exacerbations only a couple of times a year. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers