At the age of 92, Nelda has an infectiously positive outlook on life. From her career in education at the University of Pittsburgh to her close relationship with her family, she reflects on her life with gratitude. This gratitude extends to the care she received at UPMC.
In 1999, Nelda moved from her native Pennsylvania to Florida where she lived in a senior independent living community for eight years. While living in Florida, she began to experience health problems.
“I had been on a small dose of medication for my high blood pressure since my late 50s. It was under control until I became very sick in my late 60s. I was passing out repeatedly and my blood pressure was going over 200. I had to go to the hospital multiple times,” says Nelda.
Due to her frequent fainting, Nelda sustained injuries, including a broken hip and pelvic bone and multiple concussions.
“My doctors were treating me for just my heart. I got so sick that I couldn’t be alone. Luckily, my grandson-in-law is a cardiologist in Texas, so I moved there to receive care and be close to family,” says Nelda.
Once she arrived in Texas, Nelda met with more than 10 doctors in an attempt to figure out what was wrong. After many tests and consultations, Nelda was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH). This condition is characterized by high blood pressure in the lungs.
Following her diagnosis, Nelda began taking medicine to treat her PH. During this time, Nelda lived with her daughter in Texas. With her daughter at work each day, Nelda decided to move back to Pennsylvania to live with her son.
“My condition was slightly improving. Once I moved back to Pennsylvania, I had to find a new doctor. That’s when I found Dr. Rivera-Lebron at UPMC,” says Nelda.
Belinda Rivera-Lebron, MD, is a UPMC pulmonologist who specializes in pulmonary hypertension.
“When I met Dr. Rivera-Lebron, I immediately felt so comfortable with her. She explained things to me so thoroughly. I felt like I got to know her not only as a doctor but as the wonderful person she is,” says Nelda.
After running additional tests, Dr. Rivera-Lebron diagnosed Nelda with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This is a chronic condition that causes the lungs’ arteries to tighten, constricting blood flow. Over time, this condition causes the heart to enlarge and become less flexible.
“Rivera-Lebron changed all of my medicine and worked with me to implement lifestyle changes, like increasing my exercise and lowering my weight. With the right diagnosis and right treatment, I started getting better,” says Nelda.
Nelda also sees a UPMC cardiologist and primary care provider to help manage her condition.
“I used to take my blood pressure every day. With my condition under control, I only monitor my blood pressure two to three times a week now,” says Nelda.
Now, Nelda is doing very well. She is an avid gardener, book club member, and church goer. Nelda also enjoys volunteering and is currently writing a book.
“With the care I received at UPMC, I get to see my kids and grandkids grow up. I’m incredibly grateful,” says Nelda. “If you have a good doctor, listen to them. Make a plan and follow through.”
Nelda follows up with Dr. Rivera-Lebron yearly to monitor her heart and lung function.