Brad L. (Pitt Meadows, BC)

Brad was diagnosed in June of 2021 after noticing in March 2021 that when he took his dogs out for a walk, going up a slight incline was like running into a brick wall. heart racing, massive headache, and short of breath. Having already been diagnosed with portal hypertension, the addition of pulmonary arterial hypertension effectively meant that Brad is now officially diagnosed as having porto-pulmonary hypertension. Brad started the treatment path to help bring the pressure in the heart down in order to potentially qualify for a liver transplant. Due to circumstances shortly after Brad was diagnosed, he had moved to Alberta and continued on his treatment pathway by adding a third oral drug. Circumstances brought him back to BC and to his primary doctor and specialists here.

Brad (56M) is now off work on a permanent disability due to health, taking one day at a time. He currently spends his time holding a monthly get-together in the Vancouver area for anyone with pulmonary hypertension, their family, caregivers and any support people who want to attend. Usually held in a restaurant throughout the lower mainland Vancouver Richmond area. Normally, the second or third Sunday of the month, depending on what is happening. Brad has also stepped up to help chair the social recreation committee at his trailer park co-op in Pitt Meadows.

Brad also has experience with:

• Porto-pulmonary hypertension

• Diabetes

• Liver cirrhosis

• Iron transfusion

• Platelet transfusion

• Ascites

• Abdominal drain

• MAiD

• Palliative Care