The PHight or Flight Project

Why PHight or Flight?

The "fight or flight response" is a physiological response to a received threat or danger. The "fight or flight response" is our body's primitive, automatic, inborn response that prepares the body to "fight" or "flee" from a perceived danger, attack or threat to our survival. I found the "fight or flight response" fitting because we all have different ways of responding to our diagnosis and PHighting.

What is Pulmonary Hypertension?

As defined by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association; High blood pressure in the lungs is called pulmonary hypertension (PH) or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a chronic and life-changing disease that can lead to right heart failure if left untreated.

The PHight or Flight Project Mission

The mission of The PHight or Flight Project is to help share the incredible stories of those living with Pulmonary Hypertension and provide hope for the newly diagnosed.

Many of us are given certain limitations, and even timelines, at diagnosis. Since my diagnosis of December 21st 2013, I have carried out extensive research and have not been able to find more than poor statistics about this devastating disease. I felt helpless, it just confirmed everything the specialist told me. However, it is important to remember that statistics are about other people- not you.

Several medications have been released in the past few years. More and more people with PH are living longer and longer while maintaining a better quality of life. Yes, this disease is devastating, but hope is on the way. More research continues to take place, and more medications continue to be researched. We are a new generation, and hopefully statistics will improve overtime to provide more hope for those affected by PH.

I have found that the most useful and inspiring information has come from fellow PHers (those living with Pulmonary Hypertension.) Many of them have out lived the dreaded life expectancy they were given, and have gone on to do things many PHers are told they will no longer be able to do such; as returning to work, starting a business, biking, participating in marathons, starting a family through adoption, volunteering within the PH community and so on.

I sincerely wish that you are able to find strength, hope and inspiration through the journeys of others who have Pulmonary Hypertension. I will also be chronicling my life as it changes through my new diagnosis of PH so that we can go through this together. Adjusting to such uncertainty will be difficult, but I am hoping that one day I can be a source of hope and inspiration for others. If you are interested in following others who document about their life with PH, please visit the "PH Blogs and Resources."

If you or someone you know would like to share their PH journey to be shared on The PHight or Flight Project, please e-mail me at phightagainstph@gmail.com. More information about sharing your PH story to be featured on a PHighter Friday can be found under the Sharing Your Story/Contact tab.

Serena