Support for those of us with Heart Disease...

I work with clients that are older, one of them died 3 times 8 years ago due to massive heart attack.... my mom died at 40 due to congestive heart failure... PLEASE feel free to contact me at any time.... this year will be the 10th year of my mom's passing and I miss her so much.... it is time for change and to take care of yourself... you can friend me and contact me at any time. My mom was 35 when she was first diagnosed and had she taken care of herself she would still be here. At this point, at 34, I do not have any known problems.... but I am more than happy to support you and help you for you and your family in any way I can.

i was diagnosed with diastolic dysfunction type II and a valve which is not working properly, made a post about this yesterday but no one commented on in... and im 20, been playing sports all my life. also looking for some support, as i do feel alone.

Hi. I'm glad you wrote. I was searching on here for other people who have been diagnosed with heart disease. When I was 39, I had my daughter and was diagnosed with postpartum cardiomyopathy and had congestive heart failure, so I know what you are going through. I'm now 49 and was told two weeks ago, after testing, that my heart shows scar tissue which indicates I had a heart attack that must have occurred in the past year since my last echocardiogram. I have young children and the thought of them growing up without a mom terrifies me. I have been monitory my sodium, etc. At my dr. appointment yesterday, my blood pressure was much lower and my weight has gone down. The support of everyone on here is incredible, even though I usually only observe. Keep up the good work, and know that you are not alone in this journey.

Hi Everyone,

I am 38 years old and last week I was diagnosed with mild congestive heart failure. My world has been turned upside down and I am feeling a thousand different emotions at once.

I lost 50lbs using MFP back in 2011 and gained back and then some after losing 2 beloved members of my family and just not caring anymore. I am currently 290lbs, more than I weighed when I gave birth!!!

My wife and I got married 10-11-12 and my goal is to lost at least 50lbs, if not more by our first anniversary. Ultimately I want to be around 195-200lbs but I am sure that my docs will want me even lower than that! Our two 13 yr olds are very motivating as they want me to LIVE and both love to work out, so I am blessed

So if you have heart issues and would like to chat about the struggles, give support and just be there for each other, please chat!

Bicuspid aortic valve runs in my family. While it's a pretty common heart defect in the general population, my older sister who also has bicuspid aortic valve was also diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm 5 years ago. I have bicuspid but no aneurysm developing per the last check-up. We can't do heavy strength training. She had open heart surgery 4 years ago to replace the valve and also get an aortic graft where the aneurysm was. She was 37 at the time of the surgery and was able to power through it, but it was traumatic for her and all of us around her. She was an amazing athlete prior to the surgery. It's been a very hard long road for her trying to get back to her prior fitness level. She may never attain it but we've learned to go day by day and help her weather the bad days, weeks, and months. I have to say that more and more she is like her old self but has a ways to go too (I'm talking about her emotional state). It took her about 8-10 months after the surgery to realize how important patience was as well as realistic goals. In addition, being on coumadin is not easy and requires a lot of patience (in my opinion). It took her quite a while to adjust to it. Her situation has really inspired me to be more attentive to my health.

I'm so grateful for you that you know your diagnosis now and not when it was too late. You have the knowledge, power, and family support to make changes that could make a real difference. Do you have limitations from your doc in doing cardio and/or strength training? The best advice I can give to you is try to be patient day in day out. I know it's so hard. But if you get impatient, you risk falling off the wagon with your diet or the flip side - overdoing it and getting injured. Try to celebrate all of your small improvements too. Be proud of your hard work and willingness to try to improve your health. Wishing you a happy and productive tomorrow. :flowerforyou:

Hello all,
I am a 51 year old male, who wa diagnosed with heart failure at 46. I have an ICD, (Due to be replaced), and am exercising daily and really trying to drop 30 - 30 lbs. Hope you will let me follow along with your group, and work on some mutual inspiration.
Thank you.