Heart Disease

Updated on August 24, 2007
W.C. asks from Lancaster, TX
9 answers

Last year I was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. I am 36 years old, my father had the same thing at the same age I am now. He passed at the age of 40. After finding the trouble and knowing my family history my cardiologist quickly got me into surgery and implanted a pacemaker/defib and put me on meds. Although me and my father have had completely different treatment for this I am still soooo scared. I have seen what this condition can do. I watched him die. I can't forget seeing him and what he went through before his death. I have dreams of him and the painful procedures he had but then in my dream I see myself in his place.
Since the surgery my husband and mother act like everthing is okay now and nothing will happen to me. Even the doctors say I will be around for a long time. But my fear is still very much there. Just because I had this surgery doesn't make the heart disease go away. I have two boys ages 4 and 12. I can't leave them without a mother. I cry alot but not around my boys. I don't want them to be scared. My oldest son understands more but I don't want him to have the same memories I have of my dads end.
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E.

answers from Dallas on

W.,
If your doing all that you can do(eating well, exercise, etc.) then you have to give this thing over to God. I'm not sure if your a believer or not, but I definately am and the Bible says "Perfect Love(Jesus) casts out fear" and the opposite of fear is Faith. A verse I always say out loud and yes you do need to speak it out loud is"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind" 2 Timothy 1:7 You have to believe GOD IS BIGGER than this and life and death are in the power of the tongue. If you speak the bad things or even dwell on thoughts of the worse things then they will probably come to pass. Don't give the devil the opportunity. I'll quit preaching :)
Blessings,
E.

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C.S.

answers from Dallas on

W., life is fleeting and fragile and we all take life for granted most of the time. When something like this awakens and heightens our sense of our own mortality, it can scare us out of our minds. I have found comfort in something I memorized back in high school. It goes something like this:
"Cowards die a million deaths,
The valient taste of death but once...
Of all the wonders I yet have heard,
It seems to me most strange,
Seeing that Death, a necessary end,
Will come when it will come."
As I have watched my aging parents in their 80's and 90's face these fears as their bodies fail for one reason or another, I ask them to take a deep breath and really experience it. Then I ask if that was their last or would they care for another?
We need to take the attitude that we are LIVING with our physical challenges, rather than dying from them and strive to appreciate each moment we are above ground. Certainly planning and prevention should occupy some of our thoughts, but do not assume that you will experience what your father went through. There are miracles in Medical Science every single day! Accept your challenges with all the grace and dignity that you can afford both for yourself and your family. Set a good example for them and stay positive. A positive attitude is a healing thing!
Hugs to you W.,
C. S.

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M.F.

answers from Dallas on

Hi W.,
I used to work for the American Heart Association. There IS hope for people like you!
As long as you pay attention to your nutrition and take your meds like you're supposed to, you're way ahead of the curve.

Check out www.mendedhearts.org for info on support groups that you might fit in with. I've got to run out right now, but I can help find more resources if you need them.
Just message me privately.

M.

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R.F.

answers from Dallas on

I would suggest counseling - maybe even family counseling to help your family members accept your fears rather than pushing them to the side. Maybe if you just spoke to someone about your fears it would lessen the burden on you by having an impartial party listen to you.

Can your doctor or hospital suggest a support group for heart disease patients? It always helps to talk to someone who understands where you are coming from because they've been there. Plus, you might meet someone who had the procedure YEARS ago, and seeing someone going strong after the procedure may give you the confidence that you need that you do have years and years ahead of you. Good luck - stay stong and healthy!!

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G.B.

answers from Dallas on

Hello W.,

Email me at ____@____.com....I went through 3 years of infertility to finally have my son and everything was great until my 26th week...needless to say I do have a healthy 4 year old boy now, but I suffered several things while pregnant (ges.diabetes, preeclampsia) and then 5 months after having him I was experiencing breathing problems, swelling and come to find out, after different doctors looking at me, I couldn't take it anymore and drove myself to the ER Allen Presby Hospital, where a little short Indian man diagnosed me with post-partum myorcardial myopathy, so I now have CHF (congestive heart failure) and am doing well, but have to be on med for probably forever.

If you want to talk about it, email me!!

I know what you are going through...it bothers me too sometimes, but you have to not give up on hope and continue to get checked out every 3 to 6 months.

Email me!

G. B.

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J.C.

answers from Dallas on

W.,
Your mental state is very important and will have everything to do with your health. The thing you fear most could happen because you constantly dwell on it (We really are what we think).

I suggest focusing on your health and all the ways you are healthy. Affirm your health every day, put little reminders around yourself that you are living the healthiest life possible.

You are not your father and if your doctors are keeping tabs on you, you should have nothing to fear. You are capable of healing yourself through your own and others' prayers and meditation. If you're interested in having a group pray for you (every day, 24 hours per day), you can submit your information to Unity Church:

http://www.unitydallas.org/Pages/prayerrequest.html

Best wishes for continued health and strength!

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T.T.

answers from Dallas on

Hi W.! First let me say that I am so sorry for the pain and stress you are going through. I have 2 suggestions. 1 - is to pray and have faith...that will get you through alot. 2 - I would do everything possible to lead a healthly life. Eat healthy, take vitamins, take care of yourself.

I use some great products that are all natural...meaning no toxins or chemicals, so they are better for you. If you'd like to hear more, please just contact me!

I will add you and your family to my prayers! Just remember, stay strong and keep your head up. Think about your boys and they will keep you strong!

God Bless You!
T.
____@____.com

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C.M.

answers from Dallas on

I can't even phantom what you're going through, but I can only give you words that you can choose to follow. Live - live every day and look at the small things. Everyone has a chance of something happening to them (any day), since no one can predict how long they will live. I can go out tomorrow and be hit by a car, and I hope my kids will always remember that I devoted so much to their lives.

There are so many new procedures and medicines out there, and there's a great chance your father never got to try any of them. Things may really work out for you. So in the meantime, keep smiling and keep living your life. I would definitely lean on your family and friends for support.

Hang in there!

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M.M.

answers from Dallas on

I am sorry you are struggling. I can't imagine how stressed you are. You are in our prayers.
Pray on a daily basis for your health and you will be amazed over time how comforting it can be. My grandfather was given less than 24 hours to live over a month ago and now he is well. :)
I agree with the other posters your mental attitude is so important and as Tracy said removing toxins from your home does wonders for improving your immune system and overall wellness.
The company I am with has a healthy heart pack that is now even being recommended by leading cardiologists at the MAYO clinic. It can't hurt and it may just help.
Again, you are in my prayers, M.

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