Just checking in with everyone

Hello to our veteran members and welcome to our newbies!! Come one, come all!  If you are still out there lurking and/or reading posts and trying to decide if you should join in, please accept this personal invitation to get to know people from around the world, who really do care!  If you have any questions about joining, I'll do my best to help you navigate the site and to feel comfortable.  There are no dumb questions here!

OK, so.... it's been a couple of weeks since the announcement of Community Leaders and I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas, suggestions, rants, gripes (go easy on me here...lol) or good news they'd like to share.  One of the things I love most about the Heart Forums is the way I feel when I can talk to others who have walked in my shoes.  For those of you who don't remember when I was the one who was scared and confused, I can't even begin to tell you how comforted I felt by strangers (now friends) from these sites.  It's great fun having friends from all around the world. So exciting!  

When I first came to the Forum, sometime around late 2002, I was so scared!  I was anxious, couldn't sleep, worried, and looking for answers about my condition.  What I got in return was not only medical advice (by the doctors), but the support of many people who I had never met.  It was my first time to post on a forum and I was overwhelmed by the sharing and caring!  Since that time, I have made it a point to visit often and contribute to easing others' anxieties, fears and worries.  Let's face it, the heart is a major organ and when we hear something isn't quite right, we tend to get pretty scared!  While the internet can be reassuring and informative, there are many bogus sites which provide inaccurate and/or outdated information.  It's MedHelp's mission to maintain the site, keeping it current and educational.  We can do our part by offering suggestions, support and an "ear" in those wee hours of the morning when someone is searching for a friend to talk to.

OK....that said, I thought it might be fun to share why we're here and how we might be able to help others.  I'll kick it off.......

I'm hear because I feel comfortable with the medical information on the site. In that I may need valve surgery someday, I'm trying to learn as much as I can so that I will be prepared if the need arises.  I hope to help others who are dealing with PVCs, ablations, and/or valve disease.  I've had a lot of echos, EKGs, stress tests, stress echos, holter and event monitors.  I've been through two EPS and 2 successful ablations and would be happy to answer any questions about the tests/procedures.  Now, if someone could just help me with my almost two-year old golden retriever   That's a story for another forum : )

Thanks to all of you for reading and/or contributing on the Heart Forums!  .

Have a great evening everyone!
Connie

[ireneo]

I came here because another forum I had been visiting closed down. This site seemed to have the most reliable information and large, caring communities. Obviously I have some heart issues - have had various arrhythmias all my life, had 3 ablations and so forth. I suppose I can be an example that even with arrhythmias life can go on in a wild and wonderful way. I'm 55 and still kicking.

[Momto3]

UGH!!  I meant to say "I'm HERE" not "I'm "HEAR" because ......  Should have proofread that...sorry.

[Morrowville]

I am a new member to this forum too, having been a regular visitor to another forum that is experiencing some trouble.  I see some of the other ladies have joined in here, so if you don't mind, I'd like to hang out a bit and see what's up.  My husband has CHF, at 36, developed from sleep apnea.  I'm a 46 year old diabetic obese woman who was diagnosed with a large dermoid cyst on my right ovary, and having a hysterectomy next Tuesday.  I find myself drawn to active forums where people come together to share stories, advice and friendship.

I hope you offer something close to what I've experienced in the other forum.

Kind regards,
Morrowville

[Momto3]

Welcome Morrowville!!

We're happy to see that you've decided to hang around for a bit : )  Please tell your friends and we'll get the party rollin'.....Just because we're here for medical stuff doesn't mean we can be supportive and have a little fun too.

I'm sorry about the reasons that bring you here (husband's CHF and your upcoming surgery).  We'll do our very best to help you through the pre-surgery and post-surgery time.  I'm the same way about finding a Forum where people interact and get to know one another.  I hope you'll find what you need here, and if there is something more I/we can do, please feel free to holler!!  It is my intention to create an environment that is a cross between a good medical library and a great gathering spot.  If you ever have any suggestions or just need to talk, I'm around quite a bit : )  Feel free to post questions, comments, suggestions, and to send private messages when you prefer.  We have members worldwide so even in the wee hours you can usually find someone to talk to...

I used to belong to another forum also (same as Irene), but I've always been more active here.  Maybe because I was here first, dunno.  

Now, about that surgery....I was in a similar position in my mid 40's (I'm 50 now), but turned out some heart issues got in the way of the GYN stuff.  Didn't end up with the surgery, but still have to have things "checked out" and watched..GRRR!!!   Are you OK with the surgery?  Are you Type I or II diabetic?  My dad is Type II, and when he had bypass, they had him on insulin while he was in the hospital...that worked well and he didn't have to worry about the levels rising and falling.

I'm sorry about your husband's CHF, he is so young.  Have the medications helped?

Please feel free to visit, talk, vent anytime.  Again, welcome!

Connie

[momtofourboys]

I am glad this forum is here. With what I have been going through with my little man and his doctor. I just know with the answers from the doctors as well as the asnwers from the members have been VERY helpful and the support. I have people e-mailing me asking how is he doing and want updates. not sure if I can post updates right on the forums.
I know this is going to sound akward, but I am glad that I am not alone with questions about the heart and it makes me feel better. no I am not happy that people have to go through all kinds of stuff I wished we didn't, but it is good to know that peopole have done that and been there and they can understand we we are headed.
Michelle

[Momto3]

Hi Michelle,

I know exactly what you mean....You'd rather not have the heart problems to deal with, but since you do, this is a comforting place to be.  Doctors are great, but sometimes it's nice to talk with other people in similar situations.  If you ever have any ideas for the forum, please don't hesitate to bring them up.  

You might want to post updates on the little guy in a journal.  If you go to your profile page, there is a link for journal entries (not the accounting kind of journal entries....lol) By keeping a journal, you can include any details you are comfortable sharing and we'll be able to follow along and add comments, etc.  Let me know what you think.

Have a great day!  Hugs to you and the boys!

connie

[shell1925]

I'm here because another site "banned" me for asking why all the knowledgeable people were getting banned.  I was told I shouldn't question the moderators and to go on my merry way.  LOL!!  I really like this site a lot better and I am glad that I found it!!  Everyone is so nice and it is nice that you are allowed to make contact with people outside of this site.

Basically, related to my health I am here because for a few years I have been experiencing chest pains, left sided pain, abdominal pain to which doctors have no idea and keep bouncing me around from dr. to dr.  I just like the fact that there are so many people that have encouraging kind words, and great personal experiences!  Thanks again everyone!!

THIS SITE IS GREAT!!! (yes I was yelling...lol)

[Momto3]

Hi shell1925 and welcome!!

Sorry you were banned....But, it's their loss, our gain : )
There are moderators who work for MedHelp, but unless things get way out of hand, they' seem to generally leave things work themselves out.  There is a "report this" link at the bottom of each post, so if someone feels harassed or if someone is going against the terms of the forum, we do have the opportunity to notify MedHelp.  Fortunately, most conversations are left intact and people are able to share, vent, etc.  Glad you feel comfortable here!

I imagine the doctors have ruled out a lot of things, but still haven't pinpointed the cause behind your pains.  That can be so frustrating, but at least here, you will find you are not alone.  We may not have all the medical answers, but we'll help you get through the frustrations : )

THANKS AGAIN!  (I'm yelling too...lol)

[shell1925]

I wish I would have been banned for doing something "cool"...lol but like I said I questioned their authority so I got banned.  I know Kenkeith used to be on that site too and I'm glad he is here because he gives such great info and insight!!  Thanks again and hopefully my docs can get to the bottom of this.  Everyone here is great and I plan on being here even if they found out what is wrong because I have met some great people on here.