1. < Just Want to Talk

Sadness over diagnosis

Posted by catmom777 @catmom777, Mar 30, 2019

I feel so sad about being diagnosed with afib. I also have some breathing issues (which might be causing my afib) and think I might have chronic bronchitis. I was also diagnosed with osteoporosis. None of these are a death sentence per se, but after a lifetime of being extremely healthy, I feel defeated. I did not see any of this coming except the breathing issues as I've had repeated bouts of bronchitis since I was a child. I'm having trouble coping. I first thought I might not live much longer (didn't know anything about afib) and started going through my stuff so my family wouldn't have to deal with a lot of junk if I died, then got a handle on that when I learned that afib sufferers can live a long time, but I still feel devastated.
Is anyone else out there dealing with this?

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klaubi | @klaubi | Apr 1, 2019
In reply to @debbraw "Hi @klaubi - So sorry to hear about your fractured ribs. It must be terribly painful...." + (show)
@debbraw

Hi @klaubi - So sorry to hear about your fractured ribs. It must be terribly painful. Here is an article that might be helpful. Basically, they say low impact cardio (like slow bike riding, slow walking), deep breathing (helps prevent collapsed lung), and stretching (like gentle yoga). Are you currently doing any physical therapy? Best of luck in healing.

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Im not doing physical therapy right now but I'm going to ask my orthopedic doctor about it. I feel they can steer me in the right direction. Thank you

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1 reply
Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Apr 1, 2019
In reply to @klaubi "Im not doing physical therapy right now but I'm going to ask my orthopedic doctor about..." + (show)
@klaubi

Im not doing physical therapy right now but I'm going to ask my orthopedic doctor about it. I feel they can steer me in the right direction. Thank you

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@klaubi - I am so sorry... I said I was attaching an article about low impact exercises and I didn't. (That's the story of my day so far. LOL.) Anyway, 2nd try... here is the article:
https://www.livestrong.com/article/359716-exercises-for-fractured-ribs/

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2011panc | @2011panc | Apr 1, 2019
In reply to @catmom777 "Thanks for telling your story. That is a story of survival. I'm glad your son survived..." + (show)
@catmom777

Thanks for telling your story. That is a story of survival. I'm glad your son survived it all. You have such a wise perspective on it all. You are right. I am in the bargaining stage right now. I cannot give up because I have two grandchildren that will be needing me over the next decade at least. Their parents don't quite have their act together. So, I have to live until the baby grows up and is doing OK--for 20 more years. I'm bargaining over that. If I live. . . . etc.
It's been hard to plan my day, but today and tomorrow are planned and will be busy and productive. Small steps, right?

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@catmom Exactly right. Just knowing where you are and having a path to aim for will hopefully help you. You have much to live for and enjoy, and goodness knows your grandchildren need you in their lives right now. Find a success to count every day, no matter how small. You woke up, you have plans, you have little ones to brighten your day and cherish. That is more blessings than some other people have. Some people journal a "grateful" list to write something down daily. They say it helps them change their focus from the doom they feel to accomplishments and hope. It hasn't worked for me in writing, but I do complete it mentally whenever I realize I am in a funk. Blessings to you and your future.

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2 replies
2011panc | @2011panc | Apr 1, 2019
In reply to @contentandwell "@2011panc I am so sorry for what you went through. To me, there could be nothing..." + (show)
@contentandwell

@2011panc I am so sorry for what you went through. To me, there could be nothing worse than when your child is sick, and to have that child have a life-threatening condition must have been incredibly difficult.
I admire the strength you have had during that time and now. I am so happy that your child is doing well now, but as a mother, our worry never ceases. I have constant underlying worries also.
JK

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@contentandwell Thank you. I am grateful every day for God giving me the ability to maintain focus and work through it without falling into a full-on panic. I did experience my first full panic attack during this year, but it happened for me at home alone while my children were being cared for my family or in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). It was quite disorienting to find myself in a part of the house I had not been in in a posture and activity completely strange to me. I remember thinking "this is bizarre, I can't do this again." I already had a good spiritual faith base, so that helped quite a lot and still does every day. I have a lot of personal mantras, probably the one I use most is that "I willingly trust and put my life and will in God's hands." Blessings to you and prayers for ease of your worries.

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lioness | @lioness | Apr 1, 2019
In reply to @2011panc "@catmom Exactly right. Just knowing where you are and having a path to aim for will..." + (show)
@2011panc

@catmom Exactly right. Just knowing where you are and having a path to aim for will hopefully help you. You have much to live for and enjoy, and goodness knows your grandchildren need you in their lives right now. Find a success to count every day, no matter how small. You woke up, you have plans, you have little ones to brighten your day and cherish. That is more blessings than some other people have. Some people journal a "grateful" list to write something down daily. They say it helps them change their focus from the doom they feel to accomplishments and hope. It hasn't worked for me in writing, but I do complete it mentally whenever I realize I am in a funk. Blessings to you and your future.

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Catmom777 Good day I hope today is better for you .As @2011panic said everyday is a new beginning to look forward to You can get lit of bed ,you can eat just those simple things and grandkids are the best thing to look forward to There is still alot of living to do don't let the pain or any uggles raise there ugly head you can beat them down just have faith in yourself 🙏💪💯 you are strong We have a gratitude group on here @debbraw started it always look up have a blessed day

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1 reply
catmom777 | @catmom777 | Apr 1, 2019
In reply to @2011panc "@catmom Exactly right. Just knowing where you are and having a path to aim for will..." + (show)
@2011panc

@catmom Exactly right. Just knowing where you are and having a path to aim for will hopefully help you. You have much to live for and enjoy, and goodness knows your grandchildren need you in their lives right now. Find a success to count every day, no matter how small. You woke up, you have plans, you have little ones to brighten your day and cherish. That is more blessings than some other people have. Some people journal a "grateful" list to write something down daily. They say it helps them change their focus from the doom they feel to accomplishments and hope. It hasn't worked for me in writing, but I do complete it mentally whenever I realize I am in a funk. Blessings to you and your future.

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thank you.

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catmom777 | @catmom777 | Apr 1, 2019
In reply to @lioness "Catmom777 Good day I hope today is better for you .As @2011panic said everyday is a..." + (show)
@lioness

Catmom777 Good day I hope today is better for you .As @2011panic said everyday is a new beginning to look forward to You can get lit of bed ,you can eat just those simple things and grandkids are the best thing to look forward to There is still alot of living to do don't let the pain or any uggles raise there ugly head you can beat them down just have faith in yourself 🙏💪💯 you are strong We have a gratitude group on here @debbraw started it always look up have a blessed day

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Thank you.

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1 reply
lioness | @lioness | Apr 1, 2019
In reply to @catmom777 "Thank you." + (show)
@catmom777

Thank you.

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@catmom777 Your welcome I believe in you ,believe in yourself you can do it 😊:-)

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Ethan McConkey, Moderator | @ethanmcconkey | Apr 12, 2019

All of you have interacted with @grandmar in this thread and throughout Connect. She is always available to offer support to you and share her life experiences.

In this week's Member Spotlight, learn more about what makes @grandmar tick, as well as her motto's for life.

Devoted grandma contends with chronic pain: Meet @grandmar: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/newsfeed-post/devoted-grandma-contends-with-chronic-pain-meet-grandmar/

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Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Apr 14, 2019
In reply to @contentandwell "@karen00 hi Karen, I have heard of places like “adult day care” that pick the person..." + (show)
@contentandwell

@karen00 hi Karen, I have heard of places like “adult day care” that pick the person up, bring them to a social center, and bring them home at the end of the day. I think you can do it for whatever number of days a week you want. Would something like that help?
My sister who has no health or physical problems, goes to a senior center once a week and really enjoys it. She drives but I think many of those too have pickup service. Some play games, they have tailored exercise classes, and she has made new friends there.
JK

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All of you have given such excellent advice! I, too, felt really down/despondent when I first got sick, saying ‘this is not what I planned for myself.’ But, I’m slowly getting back to myself and doing what I want and can do. I really like the suggestion of adult centers! I used to volunteer at the one in town. Several of the people got rides in and others drove or walked. There were art classes, lectures, hot lunch, and good company. Try it! You might also see what classes, talks, etc. your local hospital has. Ours frequently has talks on a fib, and osteoporosis. Take care and just keep moving!

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