When dreams derail
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| Stunned, worried, hopeful |
His dream ended several days ago, when a detailed physical revealed a rare heart disease, hypertropic cardiomyopathy, or HCM.
It is often the cause of the sudden collapse of seemingly healthy young men, typically during athletic activity. He had no symptoms and was always a healthy kid.
It is often the cause of the sudden collapse of seemingly healthy young men, typically during athletic activity. He had no symptoms and was always a healthy kid.
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| Resilient, determined, mournful |
Despite the setback, there are bright spots: Jules has retained his job, can continue to board in a friend's beautiful, peaceful house and is already pondering "Plan B". He's resilient and focused, and a normal (civilian) life is definitely possible.
We are grateful that HCM was found; it is not usually investigated in routine physicals. It is genetically inherited, but no one knew of any familial history. His brother will be tested.
Jules will learn how to live with his wonky heart; we hold our breaths and do what we can as he regains his equanimity and spirit.
I can't wait to see him this weekend, to hug him and applaud his determination. His heart may not be healthy enough for the military, but it is more than perfect to me.
Comments
I wish your son all the joy on his slighty altered path of life.
Sorry to turn this into a story about me and mine, but I offer it as some kind of consolation for the disappointments Jules (and you on his behalf) are suffering right now. Big hugs to you.
at least your son has knowledge of his condition and can take appropriate steps to keep healthy.
He will likely need some hugs and support as his dream career has been sidetracked. You must feel good that you will get to see him soon.
May you rejoice in having your son close to hung, potential tragedy averted, and may he learn to live and work with his condition, a part of who he is but not defining him.
Still, finding out anything of concern about our kids is so hard, and I hope you are OK.
Best to you and your family.
C.
materfamilias: I am so sorry for your loss which of course is timeless. Your story may encourage others to be open about any health problem, if they can.
C.: This is so sad. Yes, he may have a defib installed. J. has a moderate case but we learned today, no clots, so that's good news.
Hope he has some other career plan to fall back on, and that he will get wise advice on how to keep fit (and have fun) despite this rare condition.
Materfamilias and anonymous, I'm very sorry.
http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/24/15/1455.full
Best wishes to you all
Good thoughts to all of you,
Francie
A big warm hug to you and to Jules. I'm heart broken for all of you. But you've warmed my heart with the resilience and determination you share with Jules. And your motherly support and love shines through.
With love and affection,
Mary-Ellen
A warm hug to you and Jules. My heart breaks for Jules and your family. The resilience and sense of hope and love that you share with Jules is heart warming.
Your motherly love and belief in your son shines through.
All my love
Mary-Ellen
-linda,ny