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← Return to Sadness over diagnosis
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Being hit with a bad health diagnosis is enough to knock the strongest healthy person down. I had AFIB which only came out in my late 40s. After multiple doctors appts, different facilities, I found out it was caused by genetic heart condition. I ended up having major heart surgery, 6 to be exact, almost dying 2 times, putting on 60 pounds from being immobile, all over 4 year time table. After all that, I was told I would need to be put on heart transplant list. It was at this point I said to myself HELL NO! Not yet, I am too young! I was used to hiking, walking, running, kayaking, etc... This can’t be my life!
I joined a support group with people who have various illness and it was best move I made. I lost 30 pounds just dieting ( because any exertion would cause heart to start going into failure). I can finally walk up and down my driveway with no help! I’m working on the other 30 pounds so can increase my walking and make me feel stronger.
Last time I saw the 2 cardiologists (during simple gall bladder surgery) I was walking in hallway in hospital, their mouths dropped open. They could not believe how well I looked and was doing.
The moral of my story is not to get pity for myself but to show you Do Not Let Your Illness Define Your Life!
Pick yourself up, Accept what your dealing with, Keep moving forward. There will always be a day where you crash and feel sorry for yourself, that’s ok! Just get up the next morning and restart on a good path! I have restarted so many times, my family now uses that word and we laugh about it!
I wish you all the best! Know you are not alone!
Replies to "Being hit with a bad health diagnosis is enough to knock the strongest healthy person down...."
Plus, I'm all alone. I want it that way, but it makes dealing with serious issues harder I think. I have a couple friends here, but they have issues and lives of their own. My family lives quite a ways away and they're all spread out, but they call to check in. I have joined a church and there are nice folks there, but they aren't like family or close friends. I didn't realize before I got afib and became a little more fragile how beneficial strong and healthy relationships could be. People who have a good family and friend support network are very lucky.
@ninimurphy
Thank you for sharing your story.
Your attitude is nothing short of remarkable!
I have no doubt that you are going to be able to accomplish ANYTHING you want in your life.
You are so right DO NOT LET YOUR ILLNESS DEFINE YOUR LIFE!
That, is something I am trying VERY hard to do!
Thank you again and keep on going on.....
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)
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Thank you for telling us your story. My goodness. You have been through the wringer, and you didn't let it stop you! I like your advice. I am still attempting my restart. Spring helps though. Made it through another winter!! I have not found any support groups here that fit my needs, but have found that walking and hiking help me feel better. I kind of needed to hear from you today though--it gives me some motivation to try harder to deal with this.