A pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) diagnosis changed many aspects of Rosetta Hoag’s life, but she never let it define her. At 35 years old, Rosetta balances her responsibilities as a wife, mother, and McDonald’s manager while managing the symptoms of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (iPAH). Though her journey with PAH has had its challenges, she has found strength in her medical care, family support, and an optimistic mindset.

Receiving a PAH Diagnosis

Rosetta was diagnosed with iPAH in December 2014. For the first seven years, she managed her condition with two medications. In 2021, her doctors adjusted her treatment plan, increasing it to three medications. These treatments helped control her symptoms, but managing PAH required more than just prescriptions.

Finding Ways To Cope

To manage stress, Rosetta finds comfort in simple pleasures. “I try to manage my stress by watching TV and taking walks outside when I can,” she said.

However, colder weather has complicated her routine, as the low temperatures have affected her breathing. “Now that it’s cold outside, I stay inside and use my stationary bike, since the cold interferes with my breathing.”

“Now that it’s cold outside, I stay inside and use my stationary bike, since the cold interferes with my breathing.”

— Rosetta Hoag

Although she had tried PAH support groups in the past, she initially struggled to connect. Instead, she leaned on her family for emotional support. “My family makes me feel better. Just being around people and not being lonely helps,” she shared.

When she needs additional encouragement, she reaches out to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s support line to connect with others who understand her experience.

Trusting the Right Medical Team

Rosetta acknowledges the importance of receiving care from a specialist who truly understands PAH. She believes her previous doctor did not have her best interests in mind, but she has since found a trusted pulmonary hypertension specialist. “I’m treated by one of the best PH specialists, and she is saving my life,” she said.

When she needs additional encouragement, Rosetta reaches out to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s support line to connect with others.

In the past, frequent visits to her doctor were necessary due to the severity of her condition. “When I got transferred to [a new clinic], I had to consistently see them every two to three months because my condition was severe,” she explained.

Fortunately, with improved health, her appointments became less frequent. “Now that I’ve gotten much better and have been taken out of the high-risk group, I don’t have to return for another six months.”

Her medical visits typically include blood work to check BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) levels and complete blood counts. She also does a six-minute walk test. When needed, her doctor performs ultrasounds of her heart.

Rosetta appreciates having an open line of communication with her specialist, saying, “My doctor answers any questions I have at the time, and I’m also able to message her through a portal with my questions.”

Adjusting to Life With PAH

PAH has become a daily part of Rosetta’s life, requiring careful management of her time and energy. “I take medicine all day long because I have to take one medication every four hours,” she explained.

To stay on schedule, she sets alarms on her phone as reminders.

A low-sodium diet has also been essential for her health, and fatigue often limits her work schedule to four days a week. Despite these challenges, she remains dedicated to her job and her family.

Her 10-year-old daughter Briana has played a big role in helping her manage daily tasks. “Explaining this disease to my daughter isn’t always easy, but she understands that my disease is serious and she helps me,” Rosetta shared.

Briana stepped up by carrying groceries, scooping the cat litter, cleaning her room, and vacuuming to lighten her mother’s load.

When it comes to talking about her condition with others, Rosetta is selective. “I only explain my PAH to people who ask and must know,” she said.

In the past, she tried sharing her experience more openly but found that people were often preoccupied with their own struggles. “I feel like most people have their own problems to think about and may not have the time to care about someone else’s. I’m also the type of person who doesn’t want a pity party.”

Advice for Others With PAH

Rosetta strongly encourages others with PAH to seek knowledgeable specialists. “My advice to other people with PAH or PH is to make sure your PH doctor really understands this disease and knows all of the treatments that are out there. This disease is rare and not many people know about it,” she emphasized.

She notes that PAH is not widely understood, even among primary care doctors. “A lot of primary care doctors don’t know much about it, so make sure to see a cardiologist or pulmonologist.”

Despite the uncertainties of living with PAH, Rosetta remains hopeful. “Take it one day at a time” was a mantra she heard, and she has embraced it. “Nobody knows the future, but I remain optimistic about things getting better with this disease.”

“A lot of primary care doctors don’t know much about [PAH], so make sure to see a cardiologist or pulmonologist.”

— Rosetta Hoag

Find Your Team

On myPHteam — the social network for people living with pulmonary hypertension and their loved ones — over 56,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with PH.

How do you manage stress and daily life with PAH? Have you found support from family, friends, or a PH community? Share your experiences in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.