Pulmonary hypertension

Hello to everyone visiting this page. My name is Vida, and I’d like to share some thoughts and experiences regarding pulmonary hypertension—a very rare condition... Along with this diagnosis, I also deal with rheumatoid arthritis and all the complications that come with it. I’m staying optimistic about my situation. How about you? 🙂😛🙂

David Morris86 said:Hello to everyone visiting this page. My name is Vida, and I’d like to share some thoughts and experiences regarding pulmonary hypertension—a very rare condition... Along with this diagnosis, I also deal with rheumatoid arthritis and all the complications that come with it. I’m staying optimistic about my situation. How about you? 🙂😛🙂

I actually work in cardiology, so I know a thing or two about pulmonary hypertension.
I can definitely relate when it comes to RA, though. What kind of meds are you on—how long has it been since your diagnosis? Who's your doctor? Are your joints acting up much?
I'm on MTX, had my RA diagnosis a year ago, and I'm seeing Smith over at Rib!
Take care, and feel free to pop into the rheumatoid arthritis thread anytime!

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. This is my first time posting online, and your message is the very first one I've received. It seems we're connected by more than just our diagnosis; we actually share the same doctor over at Rib, Dr. Smith. I've been battling arthritis for 14 years now. For ten of those years, I was treated in Oakland, but once I started having issues with pulmonary pressure, I went looking for a top-tier immunologist. He ended up referring me to Jordan for pulmonary hypertension—my numbers hit 130, which was quite a scare... I'm currently on a 100mg dose of Pfizer for that (not exactly a light dose for my husband), and I feel good. At the same time, my arthritis is in remission. I sometimes wonder if the Pfizer helped with that too, though I can't be sure... Right now, my treatment includes Rezocin and 4mg of Medrol. I'm doing well at the moment, but it took an incredible amount of struggle and patience navigating hospitals, spas, and various therapies. I've tried everything people suggested, always believing I could stay stronger than the illness. I don't have time to dwell on being sick. My three wonderful grandkids are my best therapy, both physically and emotionally. I'm 54, living in Columbus, and currently on disability retirement. I won't take up any more of your time. Best regards until we speak again... 👍

Pulmonary hypertension is such a brutal thing to deal with. I don't really have any profound wisdom to offer, but I just wanted to reach out and say I'm rooting for you—sending nothing but good vibes your way as you fight through this.

David Morris86 said:Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. This is my first time posting online, and your message is the very first one I've received. It seems we're connected by more than just our diagnosis; we actually share the same doctor over at Rib, Dr. Smith. I've been battling arthritis for 14 years now. For ten of those years, I was treated in Oakland, but once I started having issues with pulmonary pressure, I went looking for a top-tier immunologist. He ended up referring me to Jordan for pulmonary hypertension—my numbers hit 130, which was quite a scare... I'm currently on a 100mg dose of Pfizer for that (not exactly a light dose for my husband), and I feel good. At the same time, my arthritis is in remission. I sometimes wonder if the Pfizer helped with that too, though I can't be sure... Right now, my treatment includes Rezocin and 4mg of Medrol. I'm doing well at the moment, but it took an incredible amount of struggle and patience navigating hospitals, spas, and various therapies. I've tried everything people suggested, always believing I could stay stronger than the illness. I don't have time to dwell on being sick. My three wonderful grandkids are my best therapy, both physically and emotionally. I'm 54, living in Columbus, and currently on disability retirement. I won't take up any more of your time. Best regards until we speak again... 👍

I'm really glad to hear you're doing well. I've heard about Pfizer at work—funny how that works. Maybe you could tell me a bit more about the spas, specifically if you've been to the ones in Cleveland? And I totally agree, grandkids really are the best medicine. Best wishes to you too!

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. I visited Palm Springs back in '94, and while they've probably modernized everything since then, it didn't particularly blow me away. I've been to some other spots too, but my favorite is Saratoga Springs... specifically during the season when the indoor-outdoor hotel pool is open. That’s usually from mid-June through the end of September. The water quality is excellent, even if the amenities aren't exactly luxury level. But that isn't my main priority. If you want more details, just ask. When is your follow-up with Smith? I have my appointment on March 31st at 2:00 PM. Best, Vida

David Morris86 said:Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. I visited Palm Springs back in '94, and while they've probably modernized everything since then, it didn't particularly blow me away. I've been to some other spots too, but my favorite is Saratoga Springs... specifically during the season when the indoor-outdoor hotel pool is open. That’s usually from mid-June through the end of September. The water quality is excellent, even if the amenities aren't exactly luxury level. But that isn't my main priority. If you want more details, just ask. When is your follow-up with Smith? I have my appointment on March 31st at 2:00 PM. Best, Vida

Let us know how it goes. I went back in December, then did some blood work and waited on the results from my immunologist via mail. So, no need for me to head up there right now—but I see my rheumatologist in San Francisco every month, though she just pushed my next one out two months. Cheers.

I'll definitely get back to you after my checkup at Rib... I was over in Jordan today dealing with paperwork for a new Medicare claim regarding Pfizer. Nothing much has changed. I've been reading through some of the experiences from other rheumatology patients on the forum... Once I find a moment, I'll jump into the conversation properly. After all, I've been fighting this enemy for 13 or 14 years now. I know it can be defeated, but you have to stay persistent, patient, and brave... But let's talk about that another time. Best...

As promised, I’m checking in after my follow-up with Dr. Smith. Everything remains stable, which is good news. My medication stays the same, though they've moved me onto a strict diet because my triglycerides spiked. I've never dealt with this before, but I suppose there's always a first time... The diet shouldn't be too much of a struggle, considering all those cookies and deli meats during Easter caused me to put on an extra 5 or 6 pounds. My triglyceride level is currently at 3.7. Do you happen to have any advice for losing weight quickly and easily? I have nothing to wear lately—everything feels too tight. Or maybe my clothes just shrunk in the wash...😂☕☕lol:

David Morris86 said:As promised, I’m checking in after my follow-up with Dr. Smith. Everything remains stable, which is good news. My medication stays the same, though they've moved me onto a strict diet because my triglycerides spiked. I've never dealt with this before, but I suppose there's always a first time... The diet shouldn't be too much of a struggle, considering all those cookies and deli meats during Easter caused me to put on an extra 5 or 6 pounds. My triglyceride level is currently at 3.7. Do you happen to have any advice for losing weight quickly and easily? I have nothing to wear lately—everything feels too tight. Or maybe my clothes just shrunk in the wash...😂☕☕lol:

I’m dealing with high testosterone and triglycerides too, so I totally get where you're coming from. I was actually watching Professor Curtis (that big-name endocrinologist over at the clinic) on the RI channel yesterday. He was saying you really have to take it slow with the weight loss—like, maybe aim for 5% of your body weight in three months, or 10% in six—so you don't hit that annoying yo-yo effect. The only thing that actually worked for me without the rebound was the South Beach Diet. The only catch? I can never seem to keep the momentum going once I hit a plateau.
My advice? Just cut back on the heavy meals a bit—maybe grab some cottage cheese or yogurt for dinner instead—and try to squeeze in some walking (if your doctor clears you for that). As for the triglycerides... man, we've gotta ditch the sweets, alcohol, potatoes, bread, and all that stuff.

Thanks for the advice. To be honest, I don't actually have a specific diet plan for lowering my triglycerides yet. I'm planning to touch base with my doctor about it in the next few days. What was that diet you mentioned that worked so well for you? I've been sticking to my routine for ten days now... staying disciplined, though I haven't seen any real changes just yet. I know patience is key. I was actually out in California for a bit recently. I spend a lot of time in Santa Monica, and it occurred to me that you might be somewhere nearby. Please reach out again when you can with some more of those wise, encouraging words.😉😂

David Morris86 said:Thanks for the advice. To be honest, I don't actually have a specific diet plan for lowering my triglycerides yet. I'm planning to touch base with my doctor about it in the next few days. What was that diet you mentioned that worked so well for you? I've been sticking to my routine for ten days now... staying disciplined, though I haven't seen any real changes just yet. I know patience is key. I was actually out in California for a bit recently. I spend a lot of time in Santa Monica, and it occurred to me that you might be somewhere nearby. Please reach out again when you can with some more of those wise, encouraging words.😉😂

So, I've been looking into the South Beach Diet—basically you cut out everything with a high glycemic index and just eat whatever else you want? Seems pretty solid... plus you don't even feel that hungry. Honestly, I think I’ll skip the first phase this time around since it feels a bit too intense for me—maybe just jump straight into phase two? If you're actually serious about doing this, we should probably start together so we can keep each other on track. I have this bad habit where I start, get overwhelmed, quit, and then just repeat the whole cycle forever. Anyway, cheers—talk soon!

That sounds great. Let's tackle this South Beach Diet together. Could you put together a meal plan for me? It's always easier with a partner... Just please don't suggest cutting out my morning coffee. I'm practically useless without it in the morning. Thanks in advance.☕🤷

David Morris86 said:That sounds great. Let's tackle this South Beach Diet together. Could you put together a meal plan for me? It's always easier with a partner... Just please don't suggest cutting out my morning coffee. I'm practically useless without it in the morning. Thanks in advance.☕🤷

I can probably just give you a list of what's okay to eat and what isn't, then you can build your own menu. You can definitely have coffee—just stick to black or maybe a splash of milk.

FOOD YOU CAN ENJOY

BEEF
Lean cuts—like kidney (ground or whole), chuck, or round

POULTRY (skinless), Turkey and chicken breasts, Turkey deli meat (2 slices a day)

SEAFOOD
All kinds of fish and shellfish

PORK
Boiled ham
Round cut

VEAL
Eye of round
Steak
Chuck steak

CHEESE (LOW FAT OR LOW FAT CONTENT)
Cheddar
Feta
Mozzarella
Parmesan
Provolone
Ricotta
Fresh cheese, fat-free Republican Party
Peanuts, 20 small ones
Peanut butter, 1 teaspoon
Pistachios, 30 pieces
Walnut halves, 15

EGGS
There isn't a limit on eggs—unless you have high cholesterol. You can just stick to egg whites if you want.

TOFU
Go for soft tofu, low fat, or light versions.

VEGETABLES AND LEGUMES
Artichokes
Swiss chard
Broccoli
Celery
Cauliflower
Mushrooms (all types)
Beans (black, navy, chickpeas, kidney, pinto, adzuki, lentils, lima, pigeon pea, soy, peas)
Cucumbers
Cabbage
Snap peas
Eggplant
Turnip
Asparagus
Spinach, Zucchini
Green salad

FATS
Olive oil
Canola oil

SEASONINGS
Almond and vanilla extracts
Pepper (black, white)
Any spices without added sugar
Herbs
Horseradish sauce

SWEETS
(LIMIT TO 75 CALORIES A DAY)
Cocoa powder, no sugar added
Cocoa powder, for baking
Sugar substitute
Hard candies, sugar-free
Water ice, sugar-free
Jello, sugar-free
Gum, sugar-free

FRUIT: Blueberries, Peaches, Cantaloupe, Grapefruit, Grapes, Apples, Strawberries, Kiwi,
Pears, Mango, dried and fresh, Oranges, Plums, Cherries

DAIRY
Yogurt, low fat, fruit flavored
Yogurt, plain, nonfat or low fat
Milk, skim or 1% fat
Soy milk

STARCHES (IN SMALL AMOUNTS)
Bread
- Whole wheat
- Multi-grain
- Oat and bran
- Rye
Potatoes
Popcorn (microwaved)
Pita bread
- Whole wheat
- Whole grain
Bran muffins
- Sugar-free (no raisins)
Whole grain mini rolls
Rice, brown
Pasta, whole wheat
Cereals
- Oatmeal (not instant)
- High-fiber cereals

VEGETABLES AND LEGUMES
Black beans
Barley
Mixed beans

MISC
Red wine
Dark chocolate (in small amounts)
Semi-sweet chocolate (in small amounts)
Pudding, fat-free

Alright. Just give me the concept—what foods are allowed and what’s off-limits—and I’ll figure out my own meal plan. Let me know when we officially kick things off. We'll need to weigh in first, of course. Also, how long does it usually take to see those triglyceride levels drop? When should I schedule a follow-up test? 🤷🤷I’m assuming you have the answers since you work at the hospital. If not, maybe check with someone who does. Thanks for being patient with me.

Give it at least 3 to 6 months—if things don't settle down by then, you can always look into other meds. I'm pretty sure yours have been running high since Easter. How's your sugar looking lately? How often are you checking it? Mine’s just hovering right on the edge.

What do you think? If you're down—maybe we could kick things off on April 14th if that works for you?

Thanks for putting in the work to provide such detailed info. All right. We can start Monday, but we’re doing this for real. Tomorrow, we start weighing in and logging the results every Sunday night. No cheating myself, though. I might have a little dessert tomorrow. Thanks again... goodnight, until we go over those final instructions tomorrow.😂

David Morris86 said:Thanks for putting in the work to provide such detailed info. All right. We can start Monday, but we’re doing this for real. Tomorrow, we start weighing in and logging the results every Sunday night. No cheating myself, though. I might have a little dessert tomorrow. Thanks again... goodnight, until we go over those final instructions tomorrow.😂

Can I just post my results Monday morning instead? I'm never really in the mood to weigh in at night.
I really need to drop a few pounds—got some baptisms and first communions coming up soon!