Medication & treatment

Eight years after his own pulmonary endarterectomy operation at Papworth, volunteer Steve Stickler has helped hundreds of other patients prepare for the surgery. He spoke to Mary Ferguson about his journey to diagnosis, the importance of giving back, and why supporting other candidates at the hospital means so much to him.

Police officer Elizabeth Cullen was diagnosed with PH in 2007 and underwent a pulmonary endarterectomy to save her life. Elizabeth, who lives in Ireland, reflects on her journey to surgery, and the difference it has made.

An operation called a pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) can really improve the quality of life for people with a type of PH called Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH). Many patients undergo this serious surgery without complications – whilst others can have a rockier ride.

Oxygen is vital for life – and oxygen therapy is part of everyday life for many people with pulmonary hypertension. Here Kate Betts takes a closer look at the life-supporting component of air and how some PH patients receive oxygen therapy.