Rosalie Ungar is the author of IN A HEARTBEAT: The Ups & Downs of Life with Atrial Fib. This blog was first published on October 22, 2017.
Lisa Eliason is today’s guest blogger. Several weeks ago she wrote a 2 part blog about Atrial Fib & the Loop, a minimally invasive device that tracks and records episodes of atrial fib. Her blog this week describes other medical issues that occurred at the same time, not unusual as we age and discover genetics play a big part in our health and that managing all of our issues can make aging a time of greater enjoyment. Here is Lisa’s blog:
My health decline began in 2011 when I was 57. I started experiencing shortness of breath. Then came heart arrhythmia and sleep apnea. Sinus issues followed with almost constant congestion and infections. Then the atrial fib again. I also had a bevy of auto immune ailments that included a bout with Shingles, a viral infection that causes a painful skin rash.
Physically I started experiencing pain in the groin. I now know that was the beginning of my journey toward hip replacement. However, at that time, the diagnosis was a pulled groin muscle. Physical therapy helped me.
By 2014 I was a physical mess. I took the ‘bull by the horns’ and researched my ailments. The first thing was to take control of my diet. One book advocated cutting out 7 inflammatory foods. I did that and the nasal congestion lessened while the auto immune issues went away. I lost 40 pounds and started walking 2 miles a day.
I had a cardiac ablation. It was successful. The sleep apnea went away. No more atrial fib. I had 2 good years, and then in 2016 when I was walking 4 miles a day, I came down hard on the left leg causing pain in my piriformis muscle, located in the buttock region. Physical therapy did help. I know that it was my hip, not my groin.
In 2017 I came down hard on my weakened left leg again. I informed the doctor that my brother, who is 12 years younger, had both hips replaced at age 40. An x-ray showed severe osteoarthritis in my left hip and moderate in the right. The left hip is bone on bone. Two different doctors said I am headed toward hip replacements.
I wasn’t shocked by the diagnosis. The shock came after a routine blood test when I learned that I am pre-diabetic. My brother has diabetes. Genetics again.
Perhaps if I hadn’t taken such good care of myself in my 40s and 50s, I would have faced new health issues sooner.
Being aggressive about my health issues, I recognize they are not going to fix themselves. Neither will a pill. I’m going to get that hip replaced now so that I can get back to my exercise. I have been proactive and that has made all of the difference. Attitude is everything!
Thank you Lisa for your contribution. Read more about multiple health issues IN A HEARTBEAT: The Ups & Downs of Life with Atrial Fib.
