Takotsuko

[pertilotte]

For the last 11 months, I have had to endure every test known and have had a few strange diagnoses such as a 'baggy' heart and 'congestive heart failure.' It took a long time to get an appointment with a cardiologist and he assured me (with barely disguised disgust at my former diagnosticians) that I do not have a 'baggy' heart, nor do I have congestive heart failure.

I just learned today about Takotsuko disease, also known as 'broken heart syndrome.' My curiosity was aroused by an article in the Guardian, a British newspaper, in which the reporter described the condition from ongoing studies by the medical practitioners who are instrumental in research of this disease.

Broken heart syndrome: I have been around for 68 years, and in all of those years I have had my heart broken on untold occasions, sometimes by a treacherous 'friend', frequently by my husband, and nearly relentlessly by my unruly and willful children. Every time that my heart was broken, it was a real physical sensation, and every time I survived it (why wouldn't we?) I marveled and quietly celebrated that I was still around. Over time, the sensation of the 'broken heart' was so familiar that I felt a kind of immunity, even a kind of safety. Just last Tuesday - and I was overjoyed by excitement and love at the birth of my first grandchild - I was informed by my son that I was welcome to come and visit (an 800+ kilometre journey one way) but that I must stay in 'accommodation' that they would 'help' me with. He said that his wife (my daughter-in-law) wanted it this way. I should mention that I am a senior, with a very limited income - well, you get the drift. It broke my heart.

Since last Tuesday evening, my heart has been hurting like hell and it lasted for five whole days and nights. Thankfully, the pain is gone, but my emotional turmoil is still present. I have no idea what I will do, or, indeed, can do.

You can look up this condition on the internet. If someone out there has an answer or a suggestion for the outrage that I have experienced, please let me know.

[Warpy]

1. That "baggy heart" was dilated cardiomyopathy

and I'm surprised the doc couldn't think of a less insulting term for it. It can be caused by a variety of things or there can be no discernible cause at all.

I do know about Takosubo disease. Because there is a weakening of the heart wall, it's confused with cardiomyopathy. Most of the people who get it are older women, no surprise there. The good news is that recovery is rapid, unlike true cardiomyopathy which is persistent with a poor prognosis.

However, if you've been having chest pains, you really need to get them checked out. It isn't always going to be Takosubo. One of these days it's going to be a heart attack.

A lot of DIL and MIL relationships are like oil and water. it's a shame but you can't expect everybody to love you and those that do can't be expected to keep it up 100% of the time. Perhaps in time your son will relent and pay for the trip and the motel stay.