31 July 2004
I have just lost my aunt, age 62, to a cerebral berry aneurysm. She died within the hour that her husband went to the store. She was a heavy smoker, but in very good physical condition weight wise. She was my mother's younger sister.
Her older sister, 12 years ago suffered the same, yet she survived and now can only speak minimally, has lost use of her right side, yet, sadly, she has complete mind function and suffers great frustration at her limitations.
My father had an abdominal aneurysm, though his cause of death was lung cancer.
I am a young woman of 49, an avid walker, eat organic foods and live a very healthy lifestyle. At 5'3" and 106 pounds, I am very fortunate to live a wonderful, active life with my daughters now grown. I am post menopausal, have no problems in relation to this and am not on any meds or hormone replacement therapies. I have just had a physical and am diagnosed with a very high cholesterol despite the lack of fatty or junk foods in my diet. I also have a high LDL which am told counteracts the high levels of HDL. After this sudden death of my aunt, and the history of aneurysm disease in my family, I am greatly concerned that this high cholesterol reflects the genetic disposition for vascular disease.
I am writing because I'd like to learn more about preventive experiences of others out there facing a similar situation. Death is part of life, I realize, but to be struck down in an instant is anyone's worst nightmare and I'd like to prevent this from being mine. I hear also that this condition "skips" generations, and am wondering about the validity of that. So, I welcome any response that is relative to the situation I currently find myself in. Thankyou, and God bless all of you who have suffered similarly due to this condition!
© Copyright 2004 Kari DeVelasco
All Rights Reserved - Fair Use
acknowledged