bad news

Okay, so the doctor says if I tell people i would feel better. This would qualify as telling a lot of people in my opinion, all at one time.

I have been diagnosed with an unknown mass in my brain caused by my arteries/blood vessels hardening due to high blood pressure cause by my heart failing (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy/conjestive heart failure). It's genetic for me. What the H E double L.

I took the entire summer off from everything. Updated the will, living will, etc. Took a vacation with the family and my parents (drove to florida for two weeks).

All the meds are making me so sick. I am definitly tired of the doctors. I am happy for the no pressure summer vacation though. (I really did nothing). I am sad that all my children have a 50% of developing this condition, they did not ask for it. Since my diagnosis, my father has found he has a milder case of the heart condition as well.

Oh well......

You are in my thoughts Debbi!! I hope things start to look up for you and remember you are loved and supported by each and everyone of us on the forum!

oh no sweetie!! I am so sorry that you are going through something like this!! If you need anything, let me know

Debbi, there are no words to say. I'm glad you're taking time to enjoy life & family & I pray that no one else gets this in your family. I'm praying for you!

Thank you thank you everyone! I have had a few months to deal with it. He was right, saying (or typing it) did feel like a weight off my shoulders.

My current worry is: should I have my kids tested? They know I am sick but no details. They are still young. What a burden to have a such a young age. I am thinking no but then I wonder if I am denying them the right to know.

It is tough begin a parent. Ugh...

Man, that sucks. I had noticed you not being around here lately.

I have a chronic condition, too, and it does help to talk about it. As for the kids. It probably helps to know. Especially if there is preventative treatment for them in the future.

But I can sympathize with the "brain mass" symptoms. Lemme guess: headache, nausea, vertigo, maybe sometimes hearing your heartbeat in your ears, and it all gets worse when you lay down? Well, at any rate, be kind to yourself. No trying to do to much when you feel crappy cause you feel guilty. And no feeling guilty, either... Yeah, I know, easier said than done.

Hang in there, we'll be pulling for you! Oh, and a super-great place is www.dailystrength.org. There's probably a support group for what you have. There's one for mine that I don't know how I could have survived without.

I can't even begin to emagine what your going thru. My prayers are with you and your family!

thinking of you.

Oh my! I am at a loss for words. Hang in there. I am sure you are able to enjoy each day more and not sweating the small stuff. Sorry....what does someone say to give comfort in times like these? We're here for you girl!

Everyone, you have been so wonderful. Thank you.

Oh man, My heart goes out to you.

I had open heart surgery 7 years ago, when I was 43, a single mom of 12 yeard old twin girls. (I had a mitral valve prolapse issue & a broken Chordae)
...and yes it helps to talk about what's going on.
It kinda lets the air out of the balloon sort-of speak.
(stressing about it will drag you down)

I did all the living will, & will stuff too. The one thing that I learned is that you learn what's important and what's not about life.

A big virtual hug to you, hang in there lady!~
You will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Oh Debbi, by you sharing with us you've opened up all our hearts to you. I agree with Jennifer it will help to know about your kids in case of a preventative treatment. I send you strength & love, your in my thoughts

Crazy world, do what you need to do to take care of you.

My family has you in our thoughts and prayers.

Debbi, I am sorry to hear of the anguish you have been going through, but please believe that even in the depths of the deepest darkest tradgedy......Triumph can occur. Whether that be in the form of a renewed sense of family and love for life...to silently teaching your children through your own example of how to stand strong and not allow this diagnosis to weigh you down or allow your spirit to be defeated, or to what we all hope for.....your complete restoration to health.

Being a mom/wife is an awesome and sometimes trying gift. You have to be all things to all people all the time. An often exhausting and overwhelming task we undertake, but what greater gift is there?

If I may add as far as the legacy of it being passed on to your children......if there are any preventative measures that can be taken in their youth to decrease their risk of contracting this condition when they are older....then perhaps it may be worth informing them.

I wish you well,

Tamara