I'm back.

[helgatwb]

I'm not sure if anyone noticed, but I have been gone from this space for a little over two weeks.

I went to the ER for what I thought was a lung ailment. I was short of breath, had an unproductive cough, and couldn't sleep for feeling as if I were drowning.

Turns out, I have congestive heart failure. I might have less than five years to live. I am only 39. I have an eleven year old son. Pray for me, please, or send me good vibes, or whatever. I am following the doctor's orders, but this is a scary place to be right now.

Gloria (aka Helga)

Comments

[siliconshaman]

Sending positive ~~vibes~~ and sympathy. Hope they can fix it.

[helgatwb]

Thank you.

[librarygeek]

HUGS. I had open heart surgery last year before my 45th birthday to repair congenital heart defects. My first cousin never listened to the health protocols my side was using, and died in his sleep 2 years ago from a minor throat infection and a lesser heart murmur than mine.

Listen to the doctors, get all the tests you need, see if there's a structural defect that might be repairable. I didn't like the catheterization with videography. That was less tolerable than the full surgery. My 12 year old saw me cyanotic too many times before I finally got my surgery!

I'm the rabbinic pastor student. I will pray for you, the Mi Sheiberach by Debbie Friedman on YouTube. Can you give me a name or pseudonym for your mother, or a more maternal figure in your life? PM if you prefer, Jewish custom just asks for healing in the name of your foremothers.

Thank you.

[helgatwb]

My two main maternal figures are my mother and grandmother. My mother is Van. My grandmother was Tessie.

I am hopeful, the doctor says my heart sounds stronger than he expected, I'm just waiting to go get tests done. I have insurance, but it isn't the best.