Living with the consequences

Fleeting Angel · 14-10-2012, 03:23 AM

I'm really worried my past drug and alcohol abuse has caused permanent heart damage. A week ago I had an ultrasound of my heart and I have not gotten the rests yet. I use to abuse a drug that has been shown to cause heart valve problems. I'm trying to come to terms with the fact that my past actions may have life long consequences. That I may have health issues for the rest of my life. I know I need to learn to forgive myself for this but how? I feel like maybe now I'll never be able to reach my full potential in life. That's all I've ever wanted to do in life.

mat · 17-10-2012, 12:43 AM

Just wait and see. I've done a lot of bad things to cause health issues so far nothing has came about... just because you did something , shouldn't stop you from reaching your potential?

Zedebee · 17-10-2012, 10:48 AM

It may not be a case of simply forgiving yourself, you also need to accept that the past is in the past. The things we've done in the past can't be changed but we can change the future. You need to accept that what's done is done and try to focus on how you're going to make the best of things with what you've got...

Let us know when you get the results.

Buttons. · 20-10-2012, 07:32 AM

I hope that the results come back clear, but even if they don't, there are a lot of medical advances which may help you still live your life to the full, and it is very important not to beat yourself up about the past, you can't change it, but what you can change is your future.

Wonderland. · 25-10-2012, 07:17 AM

Have you got the results back yet?

I hope if you have that it's good news, if not we are here to support you into coming to terms if you bad results.

It's really positive that you have come off the drugs.

Unfortunately you do have to come to terms with any consequences that may arise from your past drug/alcohol abuse, as there is a reason why drugs are illegal.

But again we are here whatever the news is, please keep us updated.

Amy x

Sigma · 31-10-2012, 11:15 AM

You still have lots of potential, whatever the result is. And you can fulfil it.

Since coming to terms with the fact that depression is probably a life long health problem for me, it has become a lot easier to manage. I have a friend who found the same when she accepted that she would always have bad asthma. Neither of us would ever have been able to be e.g. professional dancers no matter how much work we put in as children - our bodies are the wrong shape and not flexible enough. We all have physical limitations.

Whatever the reasons for an on-going health problem, you still have lots of untapped potential. If the results aren't good, then try not to despair but find out how you can manage it to stay as healthy as possible. Accept you're not going to be an astronaut (!), but there are all sorts of amazing things you will still be able to do.