By your being there thru thr ups and downs. Having patience when we don't have the energy or desire anymore. My husband and I are 21 years in. I have PAH CTEPH along with other health issues that make it more complicated. Been in and our of the hospital from 2019 to 2023 more than. 6 times, but having a support person helps.
May 6
34 years together — that's a beautiful partnership, and the fact that you're here asking this question says a lot about the kind of support your wife has in her corner. 💙
Supporting someone with PAH can feel overwhelming, but there are meaningful ways to help every day. Here are some practical things that can make a real Show Full Answer
34 years together — that's a beautiful partnership, and the fact that you're here asking this question says a lot about the kind of support your wife has in her corner. 💙
Supporting someone with PAH can feel overwhelming, but there are meaningful ways to help every day. Here are some practical things that can make a real difference:
- Help track symptoms — Keep a shared journal or notebook of her daily symptoms (shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, chest pain) and any questions for her doctor
- Attend appointments — Being there helps her feel supported and ensures nothing important gets missed
- Set calendar reminders — Help manage follow-up appointments and medication schedules
- Assist with physical tasks — Things like carrying groceries or household chores can conserve her energy for what matters most
- Support a low-salt diet — Help prepare meals that are low in sodium, rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains, and low in processed foods
- Encourage gentle movement — A supervised cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program can help her stay active safely
- Stay informed together — Learning about PAH as a team helps both of you make better decisions One of the most important things is simply being present and listening. PAH can bring anxiety and emotional challenges, and knowing she has someone who truly cares can ease that burden enormously.
Encourage her to speak openly with her doctor about how she's feeling — physically *and* emotionally. If her current specialist isn't meeting her needs, seeking a second opinion from a PAH specialist is always an option worth exploring.
May 5
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