I'm hesitant to post this
I usually steer away from posting personal information. But my health has taken an unexpected twist. Three weeks ago I went to my doctor because I was having difficulty breathing and had not slept for three days. She called an ambulance and I had a minor heart attack in the ER. Turns out I have congestive heart failure. So I’ve been dealing with that and getting my affairs in order just in case.
Four days ago my right leg quickly developed a Charlie Horse from my hip to my toes. The pain was so excruciating I called 911. I got airlifted to Vanderbilt and am still in the ICU. I had a blood clot that lodged in my femoral artery. They were initially bracing me for amputation. They appear to have saved my leg but it is in rough shape. And the potassium that was released when muscle cells were dying caused kidney failure. So I am dealing with major leg issues, dialysis, and then after that is all stabilized they will work on my heart.
It’s been a rough month. Hopefully I’ll pull through and be around for a few more years. I’m just an old voice in the DU wilderness and didn’t want to fade away without any explanation as to why I might no longer post. No one here knows me or chats with me. But I’ve been with this community since a few months after it started (as a different user) and you all still feel like brethren. I wish you all well.
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with, but it sounds like you are receiving good care. Hang in there and check in with your progress. 
Sending you positive vibes and a big hug amigo. 
you are okay with hugs. Sounds like you are in a good spot where they know what they are doing.
I'll be sending you vibes, and please keep us updated as you are able!
DU is without fail devastated when we lose a member, so here's wishing you better health and better days ahead.
If you ever need to talk or vent, someone is always here to listen.
I've had a few medical issues which have scared and sidelined me, sometimes for months at a time.
My advice would be to eat food that is actually good for you, get lots of rest, and to get your body moving as much as you are able. Also, find something you like, as in reading, visits with people you actually like, writing, or starting a project you are able to do that makes you happy. A positive self-push can be really good medicine.
We do have an awesome community, don't we? So glad you shared with us 'brethren'.
It's absolutely startling when you have a totally unexpected health event. I had a health event a few years ago that changed my life & if you'd told me that that particular organ was going to be the one I would have issues with I would have scoffed. But here I am.
My advice to young people is to take the very best care of yourself now. Ditch or at least modify bad habits. Get new, good ones. EXERCISE!!! Diet, too, but I swear regular exercise gave me a huge edge through all of this.
I hope you have a good support system. It's tough, I know, but hang in there.
Don't be hesitant to post--your family here want to be with you now.
May you have a good outcome. Please keep us posted.
I'm sure I speak for the DU community in wishing you improved health and a full recovery.
You've been through a lot and far more than enough for anyone.
Keep the faith and best wishes for a healthier future. 
I hope you recover rapidly and entirely from this terrible sequence of events Generic Brad.
You are in our thoughts. Stay strong & don't let the whole thing drag you down.
Sending healing energy & hugs...
no health, better than health will get you thru times of no DU".
Hang in there, good luck, and keep checking in!
I'm sending all the best vibes for you out to the Universe
I sincerely wish you as much recovery as possible from all these unexpected medical issues.
Also, just because you're not a chatty Kathy or Chucky you are still very much appreciated and cherished by your DU Family.
Hang in there Brad and never, ever don't hesitate to reach out to us if you're feeling dowm and just need to talk, or if you have a funny story to share. We're here for all of it.!!!
gentle non-pain-inducing ones!
a few years ago. I learned that the hospital staff is there to save your life and pull you through - they are good at that. You are in the thick of it now but not everything you are going through is permanent and kudos to them for saving your leg. Kidneys are rather cool organs that learn to step up after such trauma - I hope that they do for you.
I wish you well. When you come out of this (please be patient because it may take time) I am betting you will be living with new insights. That in itself is a miracle.
❤️ ❤️
You have a lot going on, but stay strong and you can beat.
Take advantage of the day when you start feeling just a little bit better. Build on that day, and stay positive.
Wishing you all the best.
It's not for the feint of heart. Sending you positive vibes and a big fat DU virtual hug! Get better soon!
I send you healing thoughts and good vibes. And this too: hug: We are all here for you.
The Drs. and Nurses will support you.
And if you need to talk to someone, feel free to PM me. I’m on DU basically all day lol. Sending good vibes that your health gets better.
I am glad you are at Vanderbilt and in very good hands. I will be sending you healing vibes and all my best wishes for the best possible outcome.
As an aside, I joined DU about the same time as you (after lurking since the election of 2000), and also don't post much tho i read here every day. You've got me beat by almost 3x as many posts lol!!
Get well please, then come back, and don't be a stranger. We are indeed your brethren.
Thank you for telling us. You've had some big shocks to your system and are now mending. Your spirit is strong.
Please know you matter to us in DU. Big northern Wisconsin hug!
Can't imagine being hit with one big health crisis after another. Glad you are in a good hospital where you can receive great care.
I always notice when you do post, because I love your username.
Someone is always up on DU. I know, because I'm often lurking late Into the night. So don't forget that we are here for you, anytime. And we do mean that. Any time. This place is always open.
Take good care, and I hope your healing goes a lot quicker than you think it will.
Thank you for sharing your update. I most certainly know you here, and have enjoyed reading your thoughts over the years. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts.
Get yourself out of the ICU where you can update us without being tangled in a brazillion cords and tubes.
keep us posted, someone is always here on DU
From the blood clot. I hope you can get on the mend and work through all this, at least for the next decade! We need you here.
Seriously, I hope you get well soon, and are able to manage the heart for as long as you choose.
I remember your name and your presence from way back!
We all want to chat with you and keep you company as you recover - and you will recover. I, too, am working through a lot of serious health issues. So are several others here. You can do this. Keep checking in!
Is it not amazing that we have grown so old so fast?
Get better soon, my DU brother
for you and your family, for strength, healing, and comfort.