Rough day

[Adak Cyrnoc]

I probably shouldnt post this here, but I find it easier to type to strangers than
talk to people I know.

I went to the doctors today for some trouble I've been having for a while. I
didnt think it was serious. My knee keeps giving out, and it seems like I had
a hard time catching my breath.
The doctor looks at my knee and said its most likely arthritis, would need an
x-ray to confirm this. Ok I kinda expected that, what can be done. Nothing really.
Bummer.
The shortness of breath I figured it had everything to do with me starting to
smoke again. She seemed very worried over my symptoms and hooked me up
to that machine that they use on prego chicks. I forget what its called. At this point
I'm getting a bit nervous myself. She then tells me that I have an aneurysm near
my heart. WHOA wait a minute I'm not that old. Didnt know this could happen to
someone my age.

I've never been this scared, I dont know how to tell my family. I have to see a
specialist on the 12th of april and doctors orders are to relax dont do anything
strenuous... I'm coming to you guys for advice on how to tell my family the news,
keep in mind that my younger brother passed away 9 years ago, and my older sister
was diagnosed with MS last year. Bad news wont be easy to break to them.

Sorry for the long post. comments are welcome

[Sky Dragon c5]

I wouldnt know how to do that but you have my sympathies.

May you hopefully live long and prosper XD

[Master Lucien Kane]

Chiropractic work FTW... check out a good chiropractor... they might be able to fix your problem.

[Saint]

Hang in there AC.

In medicine, the message often gets miscommunicated or misunderstood.  Even then, it's called medical practice for good reason.  Write down a list of questions for when you see your Specialist.  The most important thing is to ensure you're fully informed.  That will make it easier to decide how to handle delicate family issues.

All the best,
Wayne (Saint)

[Manroon]

Ouch. Praying for you man. The advice Lucien and Saint gave is really about the best I could say. Chiropractors can work WONDERS, and while I'm not sure how much they can do for knees... you'd be surprised what they can help you with. I wouldn't be surprised if they can help your knee problems too, the human body is so interconnected it's amazing. They could adjust your neck and make your feet hurt less and your arms work better! lol (Seriously, they can though) And there's nothing better than to be informed about any medical condition you have. Learn what you can from the best sources you can. As for how to break it to your family.... I don't really know. I'd say certainly let them know all that you know and are well aware of what sort of condition this is. I have the feeling that should be a treatable condition, though I'm no expert all the bad stuff I've heard about those tends to relate to when someone has one in the brain, so I'd hazard a guess that most other areas would be fairly treatable. But I'm no expert. So I'd say confirm that, likely with your specialist, and then let them know the nature of the condition so they know how to react to it.

[Adak Cyrnoc]

Thanks for the advice & prayers. I'll talk to my family tomorrow. I am sure
that I'll need their support.

[eerockk]

My thoughts are with you, AC. Be strong, man!

[Adak Cyrnoc]

My family thinks I'm on vacation from work. I took my mom, sister, niece and
nephew out to eat. I was gonna tell them then but my sister who is very proud
and never asks for anything asked me for $1,000 bucks. I couldnt say no...
At the same time I'm gonna need that money but it is the first time I have ever
been able to help her.

I couldnt tell them because she would have refused the money she asked for.
I did tell my best friend. Wish I didnt do that, he is like a broken record. A
depressing one at that. He keeps telling me I have a ticking time bomb in my
chest and that I should get my affairs in order just in case.

[RogueLeader]

You're in my prayers.

[Manroon]

Just my opinion here, but it sounds like you might need to take your buddy aside and tell him gently but firmly that you appreciate his advice, and understand your situation, but really need love, comfort, and support more than advice right now. I'm sure he'd understand, and I'm sure that as you said you don't need someone repeatedly telling you to write a will because you might die. You need someone saying hey buddy, I'm here for you. Anything you need, give me a call. I'm there. I've got your back. We here at the forum are ready to support you however we can, but of course your buddy has the wonderful advantage and opportunity of literally BEING there with you. He can do lunch. He can hang out. He can answer his phone when you call. And I'm sure he knows you quite well to boot, which is always a big help. Talk to him again, I'm sure he'll understand and be right there for ya.

[Master Bluespike74]

Hey AC,  I have spent fifteen years working in the medical lab and I cannot give medical advice so I'll give you stories instead.  I have been diagnosed with stage four arthritis (worst level) in my knee.  With chondroitin and physical therapy, it did not stop me from getting my blackbelt.  I won't bore you about smoking as there are plenty who will tell you about it.  Ultrasounds are not perfect and the fact you are being sent to see a specialist and not rushed into surgery means it is not immediately life threatening. 

I was once told I had red cell cancer only to discover later it was a thyroid disorder.  I would not share with your family until you have seen the specialist honestly.  We are here for you when you need to vent.  This does suck but you will get more information really soon.  Don't put your cart before the horse by listening to your friend.  I bet your friend is trying to be supportive but take free advice for what is worth.

Best wishes from the blue.

[Darth Nonymous]

Try not to worry too much about it. There is only one way to tell if it serious and you seem to be doing it. Even then, you caught it. That's 80% of it right there, so you are off to a good start. They have all sort of way to treat these things now.


Trust the Force...

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMUKGTkiWik" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMUKGTkiWik</a>

[Adak Cyrnoc]

Thanks guys for the advice and kind words. I got tired of hearing my buddy so
I made him leave, but took his advice. I went to see my aunt in PA. I had my mom
drive me down, she knew something was up so I told her. She had to pull over
cause she was crying a lot. I'm not going to make up a will or anything like that,
but I did explain to my mom what I want done if something bad happens.
I told her all my sabers can go to my nephew, she said she will want to keep one lol.

We (my mom and I) agreed to not tell anyone else until after I see the specialist.
I already know shes gonna get worried or scared when I see the doctor on Friday,
I'm certain she'll spill the beans.

[Master Bluespike74]

Take care AC, I am wishing you the very best. 

[Manroon]

Just a thought, but if it's possible, why not invite her to the appointment with you? Even if she's just in the waiting room outside, or with you if you prefer / it's possible, being there will probably help her some. It lets her know she's supporting you by being there, which is really about all she can do not being a medical professional herself (I assume). Speaking from personal experience, I know the three most important things to me when a loved one is hurting or has something wrong in their life are as follows:

1) The loved one is / will be okay.
2) That I'm giving them the support they need.
3) That I'm DOING something to help.

Usually... number 2 and 3 end up being the same thing. And while I can't say for certain, I'm betting that if you could tell her and talk to her about the worst case scenario type stuff, it would be a comfort to you too to have her there.

Aside from that... best I can say is if you've got any faith / beliefs... go towards them now. My faith is what gets me through the day. I'll cut there to keep within forum rules, but if you want to pursue that line of discussion feel free to PM me. I enjoy such talks.