Pending the Outcome of Further Testing. . .

Laureen S.
on 1/19/12 11:41 pm - Maple Shade, NJ
While many of you and/or some of your family members face health challenges, I almost feel like I have no business complaining about what I'm going through, but I am letting you know where I stand right now. . .

As I mentioned the other day, I'm going through some health issues to which I sought out, based on the advice of my PC, a cardiologist and that visit is, which I knew it would, further testing, which as I digest things, is causing me to feel depressed.

I thought that by changing my lifestyle I could avoid certain things, but as the cardiologist told me the other day, you cannot escape the genes that helped create you, even while you can increase the odds of having better health by doing the right things.  I started having chest pains at the gym a few weeks ago and so I did what my PC suggested in making an appointment to see a cardiologist and now I am on Lipitor for my cholesterol, which is 288 (mine never did go down as a result of WLS and that is the luck of my gene pool, my body creates cholesterol) and my bp was high (first time since before surgery and he tested both arms), so I have an appointment for a stress test and echo cardiogram.  I also was given a prescription for nitroglycerin pills and that my friends is what I think has really hit me hard.  My mortality and the realization that while I don't feel my age, I am my age, and that I can do all the right things (which I mostly do) and still suffer from things such as heart disease has me rather bummed out right now.  I am truly trying to live in the moment, but to not say that a little bit of fear is present would be a lie, you see I have a family where out of 7 siblings (my grandmother's side of things) 5 died before age of 65 of heart disease, next generation, my Mom and several of her cousins, also died young, so I spent a part of my life changing the things I could and now I feel like it really doesn't matter. . . feelings are not facts, but I do feel them and time and information will go a long way towards eliminating how I feel today.

Looking forward to the weekend, wishing you all the very best day possible, special thoughts going out to all those facing serious life situations.

Hugs, Laureen


My Mantra is that I do not determine my success by the number hanging in my closet, nor will I let the scale determine that success either. . .  It is through trial and error I will continue to grow and succeed. . .  Laureen

"Success is a journey, not a destination."  Ben Sweetland

Connie D.
on 1/20/12 12:21 am, edited 1/20/12 12:22 am
Laureen.....I am so sorry to read about this.  I am glad you went and got things checked out further. I will keep you in my thoughts and have already added you to my special prayers list.

You are right....you have done a lot to help yourself but then heredity does have a huge factor. Please keep us updated.

Love and hugs....connie d
Judy G.
on 1/20/12 1:26 am - Galion, OH

(((Laureen))) my goodness...didn't expect to be reading this today...so sad...I know that you have worked hard at getting yourself in better health and now this...glad that you went to the dr and had some testing done. Keep doing what he/she tells you to do and it will help...think POSITIVE and things will get better for you I am sure. As for the nitro pills...its scarry having to have them but look at it this way...they could save your life IF you need to take one!!!

Many many prayers going out for you and know I will pass it on to my friends that pray.

HUGS


seasheleyes
on 1/20/12 3:26 am - Manteca, CA
Hi Laureen,
I understand  and I think it's good to admit your fear. I can SO relate. My Dad died at 51 and all  his brothers too- damn heart attacks. So I have always felt that sword hanging over my head too. The really big difference now is how much they can do if you do have a problem. So we are very lucky. Thank goodness you are taking care of business even though it IS scary!
Julia
karen C.
on 1/20/12 4:29 am - Kennewick, WA

Laureen,

 Bad things just should not happen to good people, but they do. Trying to look at the half full side which you do so well, the pains you experienced when working out may just have been a little sign that will lead you and your cardiologist to a plan that will in the near future help not only your overall health but help return your confidence. I would be a bit shaky too. Who wouldn't be? You'll get a plan of action and you'll take that plan on like  you do life.

Now go home today and let Roxie love on you as she does so well. I can just picture that stubby little tail and ample backside quivering in anticipation of your arrival.

Will you see Tony this weekend? Our weather is so nasty with snow covered by freezing rain that we're pretty much housebound. Doing puzzles, upholstering some bar stools (Why did I think I could do this????), making a pot of stew, enjoying being at home. . . Laureen, take care. It will take a little while to get your "grip back" but you will!

Karen C

Eileen Briesch
on 1/20/12 4:52 am - Evansville, IN
Laureen,

You're right, you can't change your genes, but you did make the lifestle changes you were able to make, and that made as much of a difference as it could. It's the same thing I tried to do because in my mother's family, it's diabetes that runs high (two uncles lost either toes or feet to diabetes, one lost eyesight, mom has it now but didn't get it until her 70s, grandma was diabetic, too). I knew if I didn't make changes, I'd end up there, too. Also, the blood pressure is a big thing ... my dad had high bp and it affect his kidneys so he had to go on dialysis.

You are doing the right thing to get on lipitor and bp meds to protect your heart. You can still exercise, but maybe not as vigorously as you want. It did make a difference making changes, but our genes sometimes still catch up to us.

Eileen Briesch

lap rny 6-29-04

[email protected]

 

 

    

Nancy B
on 1/20/12 6:35 am - Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada

Dear Laureen:

Well, hell's bells, girl!  Challenges allow us to learn just how strong we truly are. I'm not saying this to sound trite. I'm saying it because this has become my observations as I limp thru life. In my family, on Mom's maternal side, the challenge is cancer and it has really taken it's toll. And once my own issues are completed, I am participating in a genetic study...this will help my kids, nieces and nephew and cousins. Because of the knowledge gained thru this study, they will all be monitored on a more regular basis because of that potential.  I see this as a POSITIVE process that I can be part of.

Yes, you've had a warning but do avoid to see that as "the kiss of death". It is just a "be aware" signal and you have done so well to change aspects that can be changed and now the genetics mix  is something that cannot be changed. HOWEVER,  the knowledge that it exists and the more caution that your health providers are taking, is a positive step as well.  Without that "warning signal", something more drastic may have happened later on, because you were not being monitored so well.

You are a strong lady, Laureen, and please remember that STRESS (which you feel as depression) lowers your immune system.

So now, your challenge is to work at staying calm, positive and hopeful instead of giving into the fear. I speak thru experience, Laureen, sometimes I get really scared but I cannot allow myself to be pulled into the drama of it all. And so, I deliberately seek ways to see hope and support, to stay calm and positive, to cherish each day and treasure family, and friends, especially our four legged ones.  Knowledge is power. 

I have a friend who cried and cried over my diagnosis...everytime I saw her, she was boohooing.  It made me feel unsettled and fearful. Finally I spoke to her about it. I asked her to stop the tears. I needed love, support and laughter to give me courage and strength..no pity party, no tears...express compassion not pity. Sometimes we have to be our own advocate.

Have faith, be positive and work this challenge. You have the "guts" to do this. *hugs*

Nancy B

 

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Patricia R.
on 1/20/12 12:48 pm - Perry, MI
 Hi Laureen,
I am so sorry you have had to learn this now, especially after doing all you have done to get healthier.  I totally empathize.
  
My Mom's five brothers all died before age 65, of heart disease.  Mom has had a couple of heart attacks, and is 85 years young.  I inherited a clotting disorder from Mom as well.  My sister and I have had pulmonary emboli, and my brothers both died of them, one at age 40, the other at 56.  My Dad died at 51, not sure what killed him though.  

I was on Lipitor prior to surgery, and Mom has been on it since her first heart attack.  Right now, I don't need it, but I know that could change.  

Having had my first brush with death with my pulmonary embolism, I have learned to cherish each day, and to always tell my family and friends that I love them.  I have had my moments of fear, but they are fewer and farther between now that there has been some time since my embolism.  My recent hospitalization reminded me of that time, as I had to be taken off the Coumadin for a few days to allow me to have surgery safely.  Scary stuff.  But, I had excellent care, and am now back on it.

Know that you are loved by all of us here, and keep following your doctors' orders.

Hugs,
Trish

Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. For remember, you don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too.
Albert Schweitzer
96179

poegirl100
on 1/22/12 6:01 am - Cibolo, TX
Hi Laureen,

I'm just now reading your post, several days late, but I just had to jump in and tell you how PROUD I am of you for facing this challenge and not running away from it.  Sure, it is scary.  I can only empathize with that!  But knowledge is power, hon, and you know that.  You can take the necessary meds and proper steps to protect your health now.  Just think how much worse it would be to not know the truth!  Or worse, to know it and ignore it.  That's not how you do things, my friend!  You step up and deal with it.  Makes me so proud to know you. 

You are much loved by your family and Tony and all your friends.  You make a real difference in the lives of your sponsees.  So take your meds, carry your nitro with you, and do what the doctor says.  And yes, love on Roxie girl!  She will help you through it with her unconditional love for you.

{{{HUGS}}}

Vic

 Vickie 
        

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