Susan Silver
PATIENT, PASS LAKE, ONTARIO
Susan lives with her husband Mike in Pass Lake, Ontario, about an hour from Thunder Bay, Ontario, on the Sibley Peninsula of Lake Superior. She has three children and nine grandchildren. Susan has spent several years in the volunteer sector, giving her time, expertise and commitment to various organizations, from sports clubs to organizations providing long-term care.
Susan was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in 2015. As with many PH patients, her journey from the initial visit about her symptoms to finally receiving a diagnosis was long and complicated. Her GP referred her to many different specialists. Some of these specialists replied, others did not. It was another seven years before a local internist put it together. Susan was referred to the PH Clinic in London, Ontario, approximately 1,500 kilometres south, where she finally received a diagnosis and some answers.
Susan started her treatment in 2016 and since then has moved through several medications which, despite the side effects, allowed her to enjoy things such as travelling again. Susan continues to work with her doctor to adapt her regimen as appropriate, and she continues to feel well within her new normal, appreciating the care she is receiving.
As an Ambassador, Susan is looking to add her insight and experience of a patient living in a rural and remote community to PHA Canada’s work, including a need for increased awareness of PH and PHA Canada to her community outside of Thunder Bay and advocating for the right of every patient, regardless of where they live, to have the support and information they need.