New to the family!
Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2018 1:41 pm
First off I just want to say that I am beyond grateful for having found this community. A community obviously filled with extremely intelligent people who are so willing to share all the information that they have painstakingly acquired. A community of people who genuinely seem to care and want to help everyone they can. Thank you for being here for me. You have given me hope and a positive outlook!
A few weeks ago I felt nothing but despair and isolation. Feelings I weren't prepared for after finding out about my 4/4 status on 23 & me. Who knew that a Super Bowl commercial advertising a discount for DNA testing would eventually change my entire outlook on the rest of my life! When I was doing the saliva part I sort of felt like I was cheating God in some way. Like I was Eve wanting to eat from the tree of knowledge. But I packaged it up and mailed it in. Six weeks later my life changed. First of all, my paternal grandmother died with AD at 85 (she had a stroke, which was took her life immediately, so that was a gift sort of), and then my moms brother died of AD at age 67. So I knew I had a propensity for AD and that is why I wanted to take the test. But I hadn't really thought it out. By the time I read all the "should I test" articles it was too late. I had done zero research before and didn't know about ApoE 2 or 3 or 4, much less combos etc... So it was bad news.
For the first few days I didn't quite absorb it. I told my husband and mom and sister. I wasn't upset yet. I kept telling myself "you knew there was a great likelihood with the family history". And then I started reading the Bredesen book. That's when the isolation set in. I really felt alone. And no one seemed to be upset! The 4/4 status filled my every idle thought. I had found this community but didn't know where to begin. The turnaround was twofold. After I finished the book my husband picked it up. While he read that I read the Primer by Stavia. When my husband got on board I didn't feel alone anymore. He has been 1000% supportive. And then this forum has been the other lifesaver! So at this point I am feeling optimistic. I did have a disappointing visit with my OB earlier this week that left me in tears for the rest of the day. But since then things are looking better thanks to kind words from people in this community and a great visit with my GP.
I don't feel like I cheated God anymore by finding out. I feel that there is a reason that these tests have been so simplified. I turn 50 in two weeks. My last child will be leaving for college this fall (MIT!!!!! I have to brag) I wondered what new thing was going to come into my life now that I'll have an empty nest. Well I got my answer pretty quick. Fortunately, I have no cognitive decline. My BMI is 18. I run with my husband 4-5 times per week (more now). I have been fasting 12 -14 hours for years for no special reason. On the flip side I eat EVERYTHING. Healthy and non healthy alike. So the dietary changes will be the biggest along with the supplements.
But I am all in.
Thanks to everyone here and I look forward to reading through every forum! Together we can move forward and live happy and healthy lives!!!
A few weeks ago I felt nothing but despair and isolation. Feelings I weren't prepared for after finding out about my 4/4 status on 23 & me. Who knew that a Super Bowl commercial advertising a discount for DNA testing would eventually change my entire outlook on the rest of my life! When I was doing the saliva part I sort of felt like I was cheating God in some way. Like I was Eve wanting to eat from the tree of knowledge. But I packaged it up and mailed it in. Six weeks later my life changed. First of all, my paternal grandmother died with AD at 85 (she had a stroke, which was took her life immediately, so that was a gift sort of), and then my moms brother died of AD at age 67. So I knew I had a propensity for AD and that is why I wanted to take the test. But I hadn't really thought it out. By the time I read all the "should I test" articles it was too late. I had done zero research before and didn't know about ApoE 2 or 3 or 4, much less combos etc... So it was bad news.
For the first few days I didn't quite absorb it. I told my husband and mom and sister. I wasn't upset yet. I kept telling myself "you knew there was a great likelihood with the family history". And then I started reading the Bredesen book. That's when the isolation set in. I really felt alone. And no one seemed to be upset! The 4/4 status filled my every idle thought. I had found this community but didn't know where to begin. The turnaround was twofold. After I finished the book my husband picked it up. While he read that I read the Primer by Stavia. When my husband got on board I didn't feel alone anymore. He has been 1000% supportive. And then this forum has been the other lifesaver! So at this point I am feeling optimistic. I did have a disappointing visit with my OB earlier this week that left me in tears for the rest of the day. But since then things are looking better thanks to kind words from people in this community and a great visit with my GP.
I don't feel like I cheated God anymore by finding out. I feel that there is a reason that these tests have been so simplified. I turn 50 in two weeks. My last child will be leaving for college this fall (MIT!!!!! I have to brag) I wondered what new thing was going to come into my life now that I'll have an empty nest. Well I got my answer pretty quick. Fortunately, I have no cognitive decline. My BMI is 18. I run with my husband 4-5 times per week (more now). I have been fasting 12 -14 hours for years for no special reason. On the flip side I eat EVERYTHING. Healthy and non healthy alike. So the dietary changes will be the biggest along with the supplements.
But I am all in.
Thanks to everyone here and I look forward to reading through every forum! Together we can move forward and live happy and healthy lives!!!