Beginning of the Hospital Era:
In 1981, when I was 22 years old, I had my appendix removed. I had it done at Beth Israel hospital. My family told them that I had Marfans and at the time, I really wasn't exactly sure what Marfans was or how it related to surgery but if it was useful information so be it.
In 1985, I was seen at Beth Israel for severe diahria and stomache bloating. I actually had diahria for almost a month. I lost a lot of weight. All the weight I had put on through exercise and heavy calorie intake was gone. Several tests were done, including a full gastro series. The cause was not clear. It wasn't till they did a lactose intolerance test that they concluded I had lactose intolerance.
After modifying my diet, I began my exercise and calorie intake again. Even with the non-lactose diet, I experienced stomache bloating and cramping rather frequently. Both myself and my nutritionist were puzzled. I continued through these times and kept myself motivated.
Even though with these new problems hampering my day-to-day life, I continued to persue a healthier me. As the 80's weigned, I found it harder to get the energy to workout. Although I loved the 'pump' of exercising, I noticed that my fatigue level as well as my shortness of breath had increased. I had to cut back on working out and I did less strenuous exercise. In my mind, I thought my problems with being able to exercise was mostly due to my stomach and the sunken chest I had. I never thought that Marfans was as complicated as it was or that my body could be sending me signals. All I knew was that Abraham Lincoln had Marfans and he was healthy as an ox.
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