Isaac in Oregon, USA
My name is Isaac Newman. I am 21 years old,
and was diagnosed with GT (what a cool abbreviation, whoever
thought of that needs a high-five!) at approx. 6 months upon
circumcision. I have had 2 right ankle surgeries, and my right
ankle is now fused. I also recently had an operation in which
they positioned platinum stents across some of the major vessels
to my nose to slow blood flow, thereby decreasing blood loss
during a bleed. This operation has been a blessing! Though
there were some complications immediately following the procedure,
I have since had only one bleed that took me into the hospital,
and this has been nearly 5 years! Exciting!
However, I have been suffering from depression
of sorts, and for a time turned to alcohol. Let me be the
first to say that THIS IS RIDICULOUS! For anyone with a bleeding
disorder to further thin their blood with as silly a substance
as alcohol is, quite literally, self-destructive and selfish.
I am now, however, in Oregon and working a
12-step program known to the world as A.A. I would like all
GT patients to understand that LIFE IS GREAT IF YOU MAKE IT
GREAT! When I checked into detox, my blood pressure was an
astonishing 195/107. It is now down to 140/82 on average,
and will continue to decrease.
I wish to carry hope to those GT patients
who have had tough times… it's not worth furthering
your physical or mental suffering through drug or alcohol
use. By the grace of God, those of us that are still on His
earth shall live happy and extraordinary lives. If anyone
should wish to contact me, the best way is through Myspace,
just search for the username Tayloraxe. God bless those
of you who are fighting for a cure or even just offering support
for guys and gals like me… one day, when I'm stable
enough, I will give back to this community.
