From Despair to Hope: How A Second Opinion Changed A Woman’s Life

When Linda Gates was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) at age 55, she thought her life was over. At the time, the average life expectancy was two to three years after being diagnosed with this rare and life-threatening disease. But Linda wanted a second opinion, and that decision led her to University Medical Center New Orleans’s Comprehensive Pulmonary Hypertension Center. 

An Often Misdiagnosed Disease 

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is high blood pressure in the lungs due to the narrowing of the small arteries in the lungs, making it more difficult for blood to flow through them. The most common symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain and swelling in the feet, all of which are also seen in other cardiorespiratory conditions.  

“For many patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, it can take up to two years to receive a correct diagnosis,” explained Bennett deBoisblanc, MD, pulmonologist and director of the Comprehensive Pulmonary Hypertension Center (CPHC). “In most cases, a simple echocardiogram can detect pulmonary arterial hypertension, but many providers are unfamiliar with the condition or lack the experience to recognize the signs of this condition.”  

That’s one of the reasons why Dr. deBoisblanc, affectionately known to his patients as Dr. Ben, first created the CPHC as a partnership between LCMC Health, LSU Health New Orleans and Tulane University School of Medicine. Thanks to the collective expertise at these institutions, the CPHC received its initial accreditation from the Pulmonary Hypertension Association in 2015, becoming the first center in the state of Louisiana to receive this association’s highest level of comprehensive care recognition. The CPHC was recently reaccredited by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, confirming the team’s expertise and ability to effectively support patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and related diseases.    

“Seeking care from an accredited center can be a life-saving decision for people who suspect they have PAH or for those who have already been diagnosed,” said Amita Krishnan, MD, who is a pulmonologist, CPHC physician, and the director of the Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic at University Medical Center. “Our multidisciplinary team not only stays up to date on the latest therapies, we actually participate in the clinical research that will make new treatments available to our patients in the future. We have the expertise and technology to fast-track diagnoses so that treatment can begin as soon as possible.”  

A New Perspective 
 

For years, Linda experienced common symptoms, such as shortness of breath. She attributed them to getting older and having a less active lifestyle, so she didn’t mention them to her primary care physician. Thankfully, when Linda turned 55, her doctor recommended a routine stress test.  

“They saw something abnormal on the stress test, so they ordered additional tests,” Linda explained. “A few months later, I was diagnosed with PAH. I had been looking forward to retirement and travelling, but I thought those plans were over. I thought, if I was lucky, I would have five more years to live and that those would be miserable years.”  

Thankfully, Dr. deBoisblanc had a different perspective for Linda. He helped her realize that while PAH is a serious disease, there was still hope – and she wasn’t alone. 

“He encouraged me to attend a PAH support group meeting, and my first meeting had such an impact on me,” Linda recalled. “Here I was preparing to die, and these people were truly living. After attending a few meetings, I was asked to help with the group. Eventually, I was asked to serve as the group leader, and that’s a role I still proudly hold today.”  

Prior to Linda’s diagnosis, the first oral medication for PAH had just been approved, so she decided to try that option versus the IV medication used by other members of the support group. 

“At 55, I wondered if I would live to turn 60,” Linda said. “Today, I’m 77, and I’m living my life. I’ve travelled to all 50 states and to Europe. I’ve been on 10 cruises. Getting that second opinion from Dr. Ben and keeping my care with the CPHC was the best decision I ever made. I get the care, encouragement and information I need here.” 

Since it was created in 2015, the CPHC has given hope to more than 600 patients like Linda.  

“I believe it’s the people at the CPHC that make our center truly special,” said Dr. Krishnan. “Our patients never have just one doctor, they have an entire team. We are constantly collaborating to put the puzzle pieces together while thinking outside the box.”  

“And, our patients,” added Dr. deBoisblanc. “I’m especially grateful for Linda, who has led the support group for many years. It’s incredibly meaningful for newly diagnosed patients to see other people with PAH not just living, but actually thriving.”  

Individuals diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension or those who suspect they may have the condition should seek care without delay, as early intervention can significantly improve quality of life. Accredited centers, such as the Comprehensive Pulmonary Hypertension Center at University Medical Center New Orleans offer specialized expertise, the latest treatment options and a collaborative care team dedicated to improving patient outcomes. Click here to learn more and schedule an appointment today.