The first clue

      As I think back about my medical history I often try to figure out what was the first clue that I possibly might end up developing heart disease.
     For me I believe that it all started when I was diagnosed with hypertension at the age of 35. I suppose back then, which has been 23 years now I never thought that my hypertension could lead to something even worse. Had I known back then what I certainly know now, chances are I really would have taken a whole lot better care of myself.
     I guess I should have stopped long enough to think about how having hypertension and the life style choices that I made would effect me.  Also understanding my family history could have given me a better clue into to what I might face medically in my future, but that meant paying close attention to all of my bad choices as well.
     In reality, there's no way to know what the next minute will bring and for sure no one knows what the next few years will reveal. It is the one reason that I take such great care now to pay attention to every aspect of my life.
     Understanding how important the first clues are to what might possibly happen in years to come in vital in learning how to handle your disease in the present.
These days I'm all about clues and how to use them to better my health and my way of thinking.
     Learning to live a good life even when disaster strikes is a great lesson. Like I always say to people that I share my story with,  experience is the greatest of all teachers.
     Pay attention to everything that affects you and your health and recognizing the first clues that things might need to change for the better. You never know when it just might prevent some serious downfalls in the long run.

Take care and know the clues.
Peace to all.
CJ

Truth

     Is it ever easy hearing the truth about your condition? Does being well informed really make you feel more secure? Can anyone ever make you feel safe or whole again? How will I survive all of this? How long do I have?
     These were just a few of the questions that ran through my mind mind when I was first diagnosed with with Heart Disease. Cardiac Vascular Disease at thirty nine? How? Why? What happened?
     This blog is devoted to writing and sharing my journey into heart disease. It is the number one killer of women today, exceeding all known cancers currently. I don't have cancer and can't even begin to talk about surviving that disease, however living with heart disease is something that I have educated and practiced very well.
     My hope in writing this blog is to help inform and simply simply share with all of you how your life doesn't have to end, but rather find a whole new purpose for living.
Truth, it can either set you free or keep you in the dark letting the fear of the unknown rule your life. I choose to be free to live fully, happy and as healthy as I can.
     Please join me in this journey into the unknown where unlocking the doors of darkness lets in the light of your inner survival. There can be life after heart disease. You just have to reach out, be brave, be bold and take it.
      I always say,  "I am the captain of my ship, I and I alone will pilot her."

Never give up, never give in into the disease.
Be blessed.
CJ