…And mom was right. It went a little like this:

…I had a cough for a few days, but otherwise felt good. Mom suggests calling to schedule an appointment on day 2 of the cough and continues for the next several days to encourage it.

…The cough continues and I get a coughing fit while walking Finley after work, that takes my breath away and my chest feels tight. I think…”mmm…Maybe Mom is right and I should go to the Doctor. I head up to urgent care around the corner and mention I’ve had a cough since Saturday and my chest hurts to the nurse. In walks the doctor not 2 minutes later, sees my heart history, sees my medication list and starts calling 911 for a medical transport to the nearest hospital.

…Within 5 minutes, they had an ambulance there (because I was having active chest pain, I couldn’t drive myself), were trying to start an IV, had given my 3 baby aspirin. I insist its not cardiac and could someone check for bronchitis but they dont want to take any chances so off to the ER, I go.

..Turns out I had the flu…and viral pneumonia.

Because I have Pulmonary Hypertension on top of my cardiac history, it makes my reserve less to be able to fight the infection. I remained on oxygen for 3 days and began breathing treatments every 4 hours. Cardiology watches closely, but pulmonology takes the lead on this hospital stay, given that it is the pulmonary hypertension that is making the flu worse.

So for 7 days I remained in the hospital, hooked up to a heart monitor, and fighting the flu. Once they gave the all clear to leave, we didn’t even wait for a wheelchair and made a break for the elevator on foot.

I was told to rest at home for the next several days and its good to be feeling much better than a week ago. I am headed back to work on Monday and looking forward to it. Unfortunately, due to the flu, I am experiencing chest pain again. They think that it could possibly be related to pericarditis, so we are treating for pericarditis again.

I am grateful for the weeks that I did feel good, because I know its possible. We now just keep pushing to feel that good again. Please pray for my continued health.

Lesson of the week: Listen to Mom when she suggests going to the doc the first day.