Elektrik, Don't you need the heart cath first to even know what you're dealing with? I'm sorry, but I just think the cart before the horse thinking is probably amping up any fear about this entire thing. Maybe it helps you to consider all the cons to everything but it creates a bit of defeatist attitude. I have a chronic disease that is quite debilitating at times, so truly understand having concern for the future and what may happen to my body, what procedures I may need at some point. But it will eat you alive if you are thinking worst case scenario right out of the gate. There's a difference between preparing for the worst and just expecting the worst. Just saying.

@mrb

100% Correct......no decision can be made until you've undergone the RHC
That is the definitive test to see if you have hypertension and exactly where in the lungs it is

Yeah, I didn't mean to tell anyone how to feel or think, as much as I'd like to, ha ha! I just don't think it's does anything for our emotional and mental well being when we spin our wheels without having all the information.

We don't always have control over our bodies and our health but we have control over how we react and how we adjust. And I think for athletes in particular, you are lucky in that you already should have something you can tap into to get you there, because part of physical training and competing is the development of mental toughness, so at the end of the day, when you may not physically have anything left, you can dig deep into the other stuff, the heart, the will, the problem solving, etc. That is at your disposal. Doesn't mean you don't get bummed out or aren't afraid. It just means you have a tool box to get in front of that.

Sorry for going on but I think because I have a non PE related exam in a couple of weeks that I'm worried about myself and am doing my best to see it for what it is, a fact finding mission, this discussion hit home for me.

Thanks for all the responses guys-it's true information can be your best friend or your worst enemy if you let it. As someone who's been so controlled in his exercise, having had that taken away, whether it be temporarily or permanently (Lord forbid) was what I was feeling when I posted. Yes, I am having the RH cath on Thursday, and I've tried to make the effort to allow myself time to heal and rest. I have the mental toughness for sure as a 'tool' as you say, but that doesn't mean we don't have moments of weakness. I'm over that though. Thanks for the understanding.

Good luck with the RHC and let us know how it goes.