Sandra C. (Halifax, NS)

Sandra is a physiotherapist and retired physiotherapy professor who grew up in Moncton, New Brunswick and now lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia. While mowing the lawn one day in June 2023 she realized she was unable to finish the job due to fatigue and breathlessness. Off to the emergency room a few days later, where pulmonary emboli were diagnosed. By November, it was clear that the emboli had not resolved with blood thinners as expected and the diagnostic journey began - CT scans, VQ testing, cardiac and pulmonary catheterization…the works. CTEPH was confirmed.

The data were sent to Toronto for consideration in March 2024, and she underwent pulmonary endarterectomy in July 2024 at Toronto General. She still has some blockages and pulmonary hypertension, but attends the gym daily, manages her house and two dogs, and travels internationally. She has one adult daughter who lives in Ithaca, New York.

Sandra’s scientific and clinical background, and her personal experience, enabled her to read the Toronto program’s published papers, as well as manage her remaining physical symptoms while improving her physical abilities to offset old age.

Sandra also has experience with:

• Oxygen use

• Exercise