“Singing has proven to be a huge outlet for my emotional wellbeing when dealing with my illness”

Story shared in 2025

“At the age of 11, I started getting out of breath when exerting myself and very occasionally fainting. This was a big concern, but following a variety of extensive hospital tests, I felt reassured by the conclusion that my issues were as a result of low blood pressure, and that I would likely grow out of it.

Life went on, and as the medics suggested, my symptoms even appeared to improve. I went through school and my degree, graduating from one of the top drama schools in the country. Performing is my passion.

Looking back, I’m so grateful to have been part of every stage or screen production at drama school, even performing in dance shows. In hindsight, I wonder if I’d just learned to listen to my body and adapt my behaviour, following my low blood pressure diagnosis.  At the time, if I was ever getting dizzy or out of breath, I would briefly remove myself from the activity until things normalised. I never passed out while at drama school.

I still didn’t take my health lightly, but medical advice continued to indicate that my symptoms were simply as a result of me having low blood pressure, so I took everyone at their word.

Five years after I graduated, I surprisingly fainted again during exercise. Shortly afterwards, my sister was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disorder. This prompted me to see my GP to get checked over again, and because of my sister’s condition, it was agreed to refer me for wider tests at my local hospital.

Following these investigations, I received a call from the cardiologist to say I was being referred to the Sheffield Pulmonary Vascular Disease Unit, a specialist PH treatment centre. Given that I’d already had a firm diagnosis of low blood pressure for the majority of my life, I assumed my visit was just for further exploratory testing. Unfortunately, this was not the case and I was confirmed as having severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The initial conversation with my PAH consultant regarding the severity of the disease hit me hard.

My right heart catheter investigation showed very high pulmonary pressure readings, and it was a real shock, as previously I’d been leading a busy life and doing so much – despite having this disease.

My parents were on a driving holiday in Portugal at the time, and my diagnosis was devastating for them too. They insisted on returning straight home to be on-hand, driving over 3,000 miles in just a few days to be with me in those very challenging early days.  My close family and boyfriend, Ryan, have been amazing. We have had numerous heartfelt, challenging, and often tearful conversations. Their support has been invaluable and has helped me to navigate and begin to come to terms with my diagnosis.  

I encouraged them to read lots of leaflets and PHA UK publications, and then ask me questions, which they were very happy to do. I have also found the PH community to be incredibly helpful and humbling too; stories, articles and webinars, including within emPHAsis magazine and various support groups, have proved highly informative and valuable.

My discussions with loved ones have formed the basis for how I broach my diagnosis with friends and colleagues; something I still find very difficult and am figuring out how to do better on a daily basis.

As a self-employed professional, I don’t see or work with the same people every day so it’s tough to know how and what to tell others, especially as I don’t want to have difficult conversations just before socialising or performing. I’ve always been proud of my professional reputation too and am eager to continue to lead as normal a life as possible.

Thankfully, the staff at the Sheffield Pulmonary Vascular Disease Unit have been incredible; they’re so dedicated and well-informed. I love the way that I’m never rushed during consultations and that they are willing to explore all issues, medical and more broadly, particularly when they are often so personal to me. I’ll always be grateful for the care and attention they’ve given me, even though some of the subjects have been tough to talk about.

So far I’ve been lucky and have responded well to the treatments offered. My symptoms have reduced dramatically. I never take this for granted, and am always mindful of others less fortunate than me.  My diagnosis has given me an explanation and greater understanding of things I’ve known about myself for years.

Now, I just try and do everything I can to be as healthy as I can be. I always take my medications, routinely monitor my blood pressure and pulse, and report anything unusual to my specialist centre.  I continue to be as active as possible and am careful about what I eat. I’ve started learning more about nutrition and have stopped drinking alcohol completely.

My mental health too has always benefitted from keeping as active as possible, and by me performing. Singing has proven to be a huge outlet for my emotional wellbeing when dealing with my illness.

I know it’s different for everyone, but when I commenced my treatment, I initially experienced nausea, indigestion and headaches, but over time these have improved.  The main thing I continue to suffer with is fatigue, but I still love running my own business and having an active social life – which I’m so grateful for.”