asking-to-sleep-with-alexandria:
When I was 18 years old, a couple of months after my mother passed away from the same thing, I was diagnosed in Buena Vista Colorado with something called Marfan’s. (Here is some information below to get you all up to date.)
“Heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular system)—Most people with Marfan syndrome have abnormalities associated with the heart and blood vessels. Because of faulty connective tissue, the wall of the aorta (the large artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body) may be weakened and stretch, a process called aortic dilatation. Aortic dilatation increases the risk that the aorta will tear (aortic dissection) or rupture, causing serious heart problems or sometimes sudden death. Sometimes, defects in heart valves can also cause problems. In some cases, certain valves may leak, creating a “heart murmur,” ”
“Heart and blood vessels—Regular checkups and echocardiograms help the doctor evaluate the size of the aorta and the way the heart is working. The earlier a potential problem is identified and treated, the lower the risk of life-threatening complications. Those with heart problems are encouraged to wear a medical alert bracelet and to go to the emergency room if they experience chest, back, orabdominal pain. Some heart valve problems can be managed with drugs such as beta-blockers, which may help decrease stress on the aorta. In other cases, surgery to replace a valve or repair the aorta may be necessary. Surgery should be performed before the aorta reaches a size that puts it at high risk for tear or rupture. Following heart surgery, extreme care must be followed to prevent endocarditis(inflammation of the lining of the heart cavity and valves). Dentists should be alerted to this risk; they are likely to recommend that the patient be prescribed protective medicines before they perform dental work.”
More info: http://www.medicinenet.com/marfan_syndrome/article.htm
Marfan’s is a connective tissue disorder that can affect much more than the heart, but in my case it affects that the most. (Besides my “long slender body build”) During the past week I have been in and out of hospitals and Doctors offices getting checked up on, CT scans, Blood work, Treadmill tests, Echocardiograms, X-Rays, etc. and was even equipped with a sweet little heart monitor to wear. (shown at the top.) I took a couple pictures and posted them above! Much more on the way too! I’ve gotten on new medicines called “beta-blockers” and am waiting for my next appointment, but this time with the surgeon. I’m getting the part of my aorta valve which is dilated fixed to prevent what happened to my mother happening to me. I was lucky enough to catch this before it took me by surprise and am excited to get it fixed so that I can get on with living a normal healthy life. I’m excited to be able to not have a ticking time bomb inside of my chest. “Untreated aortic dilation is a ticking time bomb: Without surgical replacement of the aortic valve, the median life expectancy is reduced by half.” (http://jasn.asnjournals.org/cgi/reprint/17/7/1759.pdf)
So with this blog I’ll keep posting pictures and when I have my surgery have them posted for me! Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the support and I cannot wait to get this over with and get back on tour with Of Mice & Men and play Warped!
Thanks!
Going to fucking bring this back because he is my hero. I have heart/breathing problems and this man still smiles with half his heart. So I smile too cause I can beat my weaknesses. I FUCKING LOVE YOU AUSTIN. ♥
Tears…
