N.S. woman shares her journey ahead of World Pulmonary Hypertension Day
Beth Slaunwhite was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH) after years of being misdiagnosed and struggling with shortness of breath.
“I kind of gave up and I kept getting worse, and I thought I will just get in better shape so I started walking the dog,” said Slaunwhite in an interview with CTV Morning Live's Crystal Garrett on Wednesday.
Pulmonary hypertension is a rare, life-threatening condition that affects the lungs and heart. It causes vessels that leave from the heart to the lungs to become thicker, making it harder for blood to flow through them.
“Pulmonary hypertension itself is not rare, she said. “There is about 400,000 Canadians that have PH. However, pulmonary arterial hypertension is rare.”
Slaunwhite said the signs of PH is similar to other diseases.
“It’s shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the lower legs and feet. Eventually, you do tend to get chest pain, pressure, and inability to do simple tasks like walking up stairs,” she said.
At the age of 56, Slaunwhite was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension after a long journey.
“My doctor did send me to a respirologist early when I started complaining. I said “You know this is ridiculous that I can’t seem to do anything that my siblings can.” I also had toddlers at the time,” she said.
“I went to a respirologist who said none of your test show anything, but maybe it asthma. I had several PFP’s and even looked for asthma and never had asthma,” she adds.
Ahead of World Pulmonary Hypertension Day on Sunday, Slaunwhite said she wants people with pulmonary hypertension to know there are resources out there.
“You are not alone, Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada has a lot of resources for those with unexplained shortness of breath.”
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Toronto eliminated from PWHL playoffs
Toronto has been eliminated from the PWHL playoffs.
Information commissioner faces $700K funding shortfall, says system is 'overwhelmed'
Canada's information commissioner says her office is facing a $700,000 funding shortfall that could impact its ability to investigate complaints about government transparency and accountability.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.
Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92
Dabney Coleman, the mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in '9 to 5' and the nasty TV director in 'Tootsie,' has died. He was 92.
Craig Berube named as next head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Craig Berube as their new head coach.