By Trish Svoboda/Image courtesy Canva
November is Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month, and the Pulmonary Hypertension Association has deemed this year’s campaign, “EmPHasize Your Health,” which focuses on the importance of overall health—both physical and emotional.
Five years ago, Eric Borstein, known as the “Walking Guy”, nearly died from severe right heart failure caused by pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). After 16 days in intensive care and being given only two to four months to live, Borstein committed to survival through positive mental health, nutrition, exercise, and support from his “village” of family, friends, and medical professionals. “As I got better, I was taken off the pump, and now I’m on oral meds. CVS Specialty really become a lifeline to me, and they’ve become part of my team. They’ve got a pharmacist on call, and they’ve got 24-7 care if I need it,” said Borstein. “When I was in the hospital, I made a decision that I wasn’t going to die, that I was going to live. I was put on a pump with medications being administered straight into my heart, and I was given two to four months to live, unbeknownst to me. And I was sent home. Between positive mental health, nutrition, exercise, and the reliance on my village- my family, my friends, my neighbors, here I am today.”
Borstein emphasizes the importance of not delaying medical care. He says that PAH can be misdiagnosed or go undetected, with early symptoms including shortness of breath and fatigue. As the disease progresses, patients may experience swelling in the abdomen, legs, and ankles, and severe difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
Two years ago, Borstein and his daughter launched the nonprofit Where is EB? to raise awareness and funds for PAH.
“They’re a nonprofit that helps underserved patients living with PAH around the country, really patients who need it most. And then also providing research assistance for young researchers to hopefully one day find a care.”
Borstein credits his medical team for ongoing care and support. He encourages people to seek help when needed, prioritize mental and physical health, and rely on their community. He emphasizes taking that first step, because, he says, when you do, there is hope. For more information and to access treatment resources and ongoing support, visit whereiseb.org or CVShealth.com.
