I'm in my third home, did extensive electrical, plumbing, carpentry in the first two, physically unable now and hired licensed professionals who did shoddy work. Like any "professional", Doctors are not all quality or even capable! I've found that many doctors, especially surgeons, think they are God like! We are each our own best and really only advocates! Stay the course! Semper Paratus and Semper Fi.

My heart problems (12 heart stents, removal of large myxoma in center of heart, and atrial defect of the heart). My new cardiologist told me "he looks at the numbers, and not the symptoms/condition+" I have major problems now with both kidneys and just recently diagnosed with granulomas in both lungs, and had major right lung surgery last year. I have sought mental health counseling because I am a liability to the health care system. Mayo Clinic has been a great resource and I recommend them highly as they always respond to my questions. I try to stay positive but it can be very hard some days. I have just recently donated my body to research when I pass. Keep asking questions of your healthcare team. Cleveland Heart Clinic is another resource to contact with questions. Never give up asking questions and most of all tell your immediate family of your medical conditions as many conditions are hereditary. God Bless you all!

Because we often look "the picture of health" people think we can go on like nothing happened to us. Trying to get them to understand we can't eat pizza every week or that we tire more easily falls on deaf ears. Meanwhile we have to make the life changes and modify ourselves and no longer are able to adapt to other peoples preferences as readily. People generally are unaware of the trauma we went through or are coping with currently and there is not much one can do to educate them because, for various reasons, including fear, they turn a blind eye. You have to be a strong person to stand up to heart disease. Like the others here I do what I did before but in different ways and more consciously because so many things are just not so important after all.

I would really like it if , just once, a cardiologist would tell me the whole truth, good and bad.

Rikesha makes an important point about the mental aspect of getting a diagnosis of heart disease or heart failure. There are many preconceived opinions about heart disease so it was hard to adjust to the reality that I had it. Its important to focus on YOU....take whatever time you need to process and digest the diagnosis. Be kind to yourself and give yourself grace. Don't let people bring you down. Reach out to a positive, uplifting community for support. Work with your doctors and arm yourself with as much info as possible from reputable sources.