Not so good for me

You all know I have CHF . Well remember I had the stress test on my heart and did good on the tread mill. I went in yesterday for the results. They did alot more test right then. going in the hospital for more test. They have to call. For a cath. My heart is still enlaring they seem to think I had another heart attack. When I dont know. My heart pumping action is not good. and it is weak. He ask what life style changes I have had. I told him about the drinking and smoking. He said stop know. That I have done. I am devasted. I thought I was healing up to find out I am not is so upsetting.... I really dont know what my future holds for me. I knew this was to good to be true. I lost my mom at 58 and all my aunts and uncles have died in their 40s do to heart disease. and my moms aunts and uncles. So I am really high risk. I guess it is time to really start taking my health more serious Barb

Sorry about all these tests, what a pain but good going for being so proactive. You have been taking your health more seriously (just look at you!), so you've done good girl with diminishing some of the risk. Saw on Grey's Anatomy about how smoking constricts blood vessels. Drinking, well I'm not one to talk so I'll shut up on that vice. amy

I'm praying for you. Now my lecture - I am 46 years old, started regularly smoking when I was 13. I smoked marlboro's for 32 years, never wanted to quit, loved smoking. Then I kept getting brochitis and having issues with asthma. I ended up have 3 major lung infections in a row, I was on steroids, 2 different inhalers and various other meds. My third lung infection the dr told me "there's nothing more I can do for you except intabate you". Then he wrote COPD under diagnosis. That did it, I don't want to be one of those people toting a oxygen tank and neither do you! I quit my 32 year habit cold turkey - do I still want a smoke - ocassionally but the craving passes. So now I not only save money from not smoking, but I haven't had any lung problems since. Please take better care of yourself. hugs Micha

hey barb isn't it amazing that we seem to take 2 steps forward only to be pushed by 3 steps...I'm sorry to hear that you are having more problems. please listen to your doctors and follow their instructions. There is so much technology out there that I'm sure they will be able to help you. Research is progressing daily! you've taken the first major step by losing so much weight and having an exercise regime...now stop sabbotaging yourself with the smoking. I'm glad to hear that you've stopped that and the drinking - Plus 3 for you!! Get back on track and get yourself healthy...we're all pulling for you hugsssssssss....Linda

You go and get your but better and get back here, we need you around.Rest and do what the doctors tell you too. ((((Barb)))) Sheli

Hi Sweet Barb, no one said this would be easy right, but some of these bumps in the road are not fun!! Barb, you have been given a gift of losing all that weight. That put you ahead of the health game. Don't let the fact that your have relatives that died early map your destiny. It isn't like that. You need to take control and do what life style changes you need to do - and you know what they are. You have such a good start, please don't get discouraged. We love you Barb, you've very important to me, and I want to keep that beautiful heart of yours working hard. You have a wonderful family who loves you and a life full of fun things ahead of you!! love donna

Barb, Sending lots of prayers your way.... Sandy

Hey Barb, when it rains it pours. The good news is that you know what you need to do to change. My mom has CHF and when she changed her life style drastically her heart actually was doing better. Last time they checked her stents they were wide open. She just did a heart smart diet, no smoking(she quite 3o years ago), no drinking etc. I have to admit she just under went WLS about a month ago and I hope that it helps her heart even more. Now for you. Please take care of yourself. I know how hard it is to know what you need to do and not being able to do it due to all the "stuff" in your life. Don't let the depression talk you into all the bad stuff. We really want to see you around for our 10/15/20 year reunion.... donna