Mended Hearts Open Forum

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here so I apologize if my questions have been answered elsewhere.

I'm 31 years old, male, and had a valve replacement and aortic arch repair just about 9 months ago. I'd had no symptoms at all until i felt a sharp pain in my throat, and it turns I had a dissection and I ended up making to surgery that day. It turns out i had a genetic condition that made my aorta develop improperly.

Before this, I was extremely active. My job and my hobbies all revolved around physical activity, and I got over an hour of exercise per day. I enjoyed lifting weights, surfing, playing baseball, and I teach PE for kids with special needs. 

My recovery went about as expected for the first three or four months. However, I've never got my energy or strength back. I have trouble waking up in the morning and rarely feel rested. I fall asleep every day the moment I get home from work. I can go on a light walk, but anything above and beyond that fatigues me for days. When I'm more tired, I get dizzy, lightheaded, and see double. I've been following up with doctors but they haven't found anything abnormal in blood work, imaging, or any other tests they've done. I feel like I've kind of hit a wall and I'm starting to struggle emotionally. I realize 9 months isn't all that long, but the lack of progress has been really demoralizing.

Is this experience familiar to anyone? Has anybody found support groups, either in person or on zoom, that have been helpful? I'm in Los Angeles, for what it's worth. 
 

Riley,

You have survived a very complex and difficult open heart surgery to repair an aortic arch aneurysm. What surgeon and which medical center did you have  the procedure?  The recovery from the aortic arch and aortic valve procedure will be longer than a more common bypass surgery,  Have you completed the cardiac rehab program at a heart clinic?  Have you had a follow up consultation with your surgeon? Are you scheduled for regular consults with your cardiologist including twice yearly echogragrams?

I've had ascending aortic aneurysm surgery and arctic valve replacement in 2007 and aortic arch repair at the NYP Weill Cornell Medical Center in 2017.    Aneurysms are not considered classical heart disease. They are caused by a genetic defect that was inherited from a family member.  You must manage the type and level of exercise you perform to maintain a healthy heart. 

I suggest you contact the Marfans Foundation, a non-profit organization for patients with genetic aortic and vascular conditions. If you have any questions, you can forward your email and cell number, indicating the time of day to best reach you.

Be patient with your recovery.

Best Regards,

Vic Fabry

CEO, Greylock Advisors, LLC 

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here so I apologize if my questions have been answered elsewhere.

I'm 31 years old, male, and had a valve replacement and aortic arch repair just about 9 months ago. I'd had no symptoms at all until i felt a sharp pain in my throat, and it turns I had a dissection and I ended up making to surgery that day. It turns out i had a genetic condition that made my aorta develop improperly.

Before this, I was extremely active. My job and my hobbies all revolved around physical activity, and I got over an hour of exercise per day. I enjoyed lifting weights, surfing, playing baseball, and I teach PE for kids with special needs. 

My recovery went about as expected for the first three or four months. However, I've never got my energy or strength back. I have trouble waking up in the morning and rarely feel rested. I fall asleep every day the moment I get home from work. I can go on a light walk, but anything above and beyond that fatigues me for days. When I'm more tired, I get dizzy, lightheaded, and see double. I've been following up with doctors but they haven't found anything abnormal in blood work, imaging, or any other tests they've done. I feel like I've kind of hit a wall and I'm starting to struggle emotionally. I realize 9 months isn't all that long, but the lack of progress has been really demoralizing.

Is this experience familiar to anyone? Has anybody found support groups, either in person or on zoom, that have been helpful? I'm in Los Angeles, for what it's worth. 
 

Riley,

You have survived a very complex and difficult open heart surgery to repair an aortic arch aneurysm. What surgeon and which medical center did you have  the procedure?  The recovery from the aortic arch and aortic valve procedure will be longer than a more common bypass surgery,  Have you completed the cardiac rehab program at a heart clinic?  Have you had a follow up consultation with your surgeon? Are you scheduled for regular consults with your cardiologist including twice yearly echogragrams?

I've had ascending aortic aneurysm surgery and arctic valve replacement in 2007 and aortic arch repair at the NYP Weill Cornell Medical Center in 2017.    Aneurysms are not considered classical heart disease. They are caused by a genetic defect that was inherited from a family member.  You must manage the type and level of exercise you perform to maintain a healthy heart. 

I suggest you contact the Marfans Foundation, a non-profit organization for patients with genetic aortic and vascular conditions. If you have any questions, you can forward your email and cell number, indicating the time of day to best reach you.

Be patient with your recovery.

Best Regards,

Vic Fabry

CEO, Greylock Advisors, LLC 

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here so I apologize if my questions have been answered elsewhere.

I'm 31 years old, male, and had a valve replacement and aortic arch repair just about 9 months ago. I'd had no symptoms at all until i felt a sharp pain in my throat, and it turns I had a dissection and I ended up making to surgery that day. It turns out i had a genetic condition that made my aorta develop improperly.

Before this, I was extremely active. My job and my hobbies all revolved around physical activity, and I got over an hour of exercise per day. I enjoyed lifting weights, surfing, playing baseball, and I teach PE for kids with special needs. 

My recovery went about as expected for the first three or four months. However, I've never got my energy or strength back. I have trouble waking up in the morning and rarely feel rested. I fall asleep every day the moment I get home from work. I can go on a light walk, but anything above and beyond that fatigues me for days. When I'm more tired, I get dizzy, lightheaded, and see double. I've been following up with doctors but they haven't found anything abnormal in blood work, imaging, or any other tests they've done. I feel like I've kind of hit a wall and I'm starting to struggle emotionally. I realize 9 months isn't all that long, but the lack of progress has been really demoralizing.

Is this experience familiar to anyone? Has anybody found support groups, either in person or on zoom, that have been helpful? I'm in Los Angeles, for what it's worth. 
 

Riley,

You have survived a very complex and difficult open heart surgery to repair an aortic arch aneurysm. What surgeon and which medical center did you have  the procedure?  The recovery from the aortic arch and aortic valve procedure will be longer than a more common bypass surgery,  Have you completed the cardiac rehab program at a heart clinic?  Have you had a follow up consultation with your surgeon? Are you scheduled for regular consults with your cardiologist including twice yearly echogragrams?

I've had ascending aortic aneurysm surgery and arctic valve replacement in 2007 and aortic arch repair at the NYP Weill Cornell Medical Center in 2017.    Aneurysms are not considered classical heart disease. They are caused by a genetic defect that was inherited from a family member.  You must manage the type and level of exercise you perform to maintain a healthy heart. 

I suggest you contact the Marfans Foundation, a non-profit organization for patients with genetic aortic and vascular conditions. If you have any questions, you can forward your email and cell number, indicating the time of day to best reach you.

Be patient with your recovery.

Best Regards,

Vic Fabry

CEO, Greylock Advisors, LLC 

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here so I apologize if my questions have been answered elsewhere.

I'm 31 years old, male, and had a valve replacement and aortic arch repair just about 9 months ago. I'd had no symptoms at all until i felt a sharp pain in my throat, and it turns I had a dissection and I ended up making to surgery that day. It turns out i had a genetic condition that made my aorta develop improperly.

Before this, I was extremely active. My job and my hobbies all revolved around physical activity, and I got over an hour of exercise per day. I enjoyed lifting weights, surfing, playing baseball, and I teach PE for kids with special needs. 

My recovery went about as expected for the first three or four months. However, I've never got my energy or strength back. I have trouble waking up in the morning and rarely feel rested. I fall asleep every day the moment I get home from work. I can go on a light walk, but anything above and beyond that fatigues me for days. When I'm more tired, I get dizzy, lightheaded, and see double. I've been following up with doctors but they haven't found anything abnormal in blood work, imaging, or any other tests they've done. I feel like I've kind of hit a wall and I'm starting to struggle emotionally. I realize 9 months isn't all that long, but the lack of progress has been really demoralizing.

Is this experience familiar to anyone? Has anybody found support groups, either in person or on zoom, that have been helpful? I'm in Los Angeles, for what it's worth. 
 

Riley,

You have survived a very complex and difficult open heart surgery to repair an aortic arch aneurysm. What surgeon and which medical center did you have  the procedure?  The recovery from the aortic arch and aortic valve procedure will be longer than a more common bypass surgery,  Have you completed the cardiac rehab program at a heart clinic?  Have you had a follow up consultation with your surgeon? Are you scheduled for regular consults with your cardiologist including twice yearly echogragrams?

I've had ascending aortic aneurysm surgery and arctic valve replacement in 2007 and aortic arch repair at the NYP Weill Cornell Medical Center in 2017.    Aneurysms are not considered classical heart disease. They are caused by a genetic defect that was inherited from a family member.  You must manage the type and level of exercise you perform to maintain a healthy heart. 

I suggest you contact the Marfans Foundation, a non-profit organization for patients with genetic aortic and vascular conditions. If you have any questions, you can forward your email and cell number, indicating the time of day to best reach you.

Be patient with your recovery.

Best Regards,

Vic Fabry

CEO, Greylock Advisors, LLC 

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here so I apologize if my questions have been answered elsewhere.

I'm 31 years old, male, and had a valve replacement and aortic arch repair just about 9 months ago. I'd had no symptoms at all until i felt a sharp pain in my throat, and it turns I had a dissection and I ended up making to surgery that day. It turns out i had a genetic condition that made my aorta develop improperly.

Before this, I was extremely active. My job and my hobbies all revolved around physical activity, and I got over an hour of exercise per day. I enjoyed lifting weights, surfing, playing baseball, and I teach PE for kids with special needs. 

My recovery went about as expected for the first three or four months. However, I've never got my energy or strength back. I have trouble waking up in the morning and rarely feel rested. I fall asleep every day the moment I get home from work. I can go on a light walk, but anything above and beyond that fatigues me for days. When I'm more tired, I get dizzy, lightheaded, and see double. I've been following up with doctors but they haven't found anything abnormal in blood work, imaging, or any other tests they've done. I feel like I've kind of hit a wall and I'm starting to struggle emotionally. I realize 9 months isn't all that long, but the lack of progress has been really demoralizing.

Is this experience familiar to anyone? Has anybody found support groups, either in person or on zoom, that have been helpful? I'm in Los Angeles, for what it's worth. 
 

Linda,

I hope the results are satisfactory and you've returned to full activities.  
Best regards,
Vic

Riley,

You have survived a very complex and difficult open heart surgery to repair an aortic arch aneurysm. What surgeon and which medical center did you have  the procedure?  The recovery from the aortic arch and aortic valve procedure will be longer than a more common bypass surgery,  Have you completed the cardiac rehab program at a heart clinic?  Have you had a follow up consultation with your surgeon? Are you scheduled for regular consults with your cardiologist including twice yearly echogragrams?

I've had ascending aortic aneurysm surgery and arctic valve replacement in 2007 and aortic arch repair at the NYP Weill Cornell Medical Center in 2017.    Aneurysms are not considered classical heart disease. They are caused by a genetic defect that was inherited from a family member.  You must manage the type and level of exercise you perform to maintain a healthy heart. 

I suggest you contact the Marfans Foundation, a non-profit organization for patients with genetic aortic and vascular conditions. If you have any questions, you can forward your email and cell number, indicating the time of day to best reach you.

Be patient with your recovery.

Best Regards,

Vic Fabry

CEO, Greylock Advisors, LLC 

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here so I apologize if my questions have been answered elsewhere.

I'm 31 years old, male, and had a valve replacement and aortic arch repair just about 9 months ago. I'd had no symptoms at all until i felt a sharp pain in my throat, and it turns I had a dissection and I ended up making to surgery that day. It turns out i had a genetic condition that made my aorta develop improperly.

Before this, I was extremely active. My job and my hobbies all revolved around physical activity, and I got over an hour of exercise per day. I enjoyed lifting weights, surfing, playing baseball, and I teach PE for kids with special needs. 

My recovery went about as expected for the first three or four months. However, I've never got my energy or strength back. I have trouble waking up in the morning and rarely feel rested. I fall asleep every day the moment I get home from work. I can go on a light walk, but anything above and beyond that fatigues me for days. When I'm more tired, I get dizzy, lightheaded, and see double. I've been following up with doctors but they haven't found anything abnormal in blood work, imaging, or any other tests they've done. I feel like I've kind of hit a wall and I'm starting to struggle emotionally. I realize 9 months isn't all that long, but the lack of progress has been really demoralizing.

Is this experience familiar to anyone? Has anybody found support groups, either in person or on zoom, that have been helpful? I'm in Los Angeles, for what it's worth. 
 

Linda,

I hope the results are satisfactory and you've returned to full activities.  
Best regards,
Vic

Riley,

You have survived a very complex and difficult open heart surgery to repair an aortic arch aneurysm. What surgeon and which medical center did you have  the procedure?  The recovery from the aortic arch and aortic valve procedure will be longer than a more common bypass surgery,  Have you completed the cardiac rehab program at a heart clinic?  Have you had a follow up consultation with your surgeon? Are you scheduled for regular consults with your cardiologist including twice yearly echogragrams?

I've had ascending aortic aneurysm surgery and arctic valve replacement in 2007 and aortic arch repair at the NYP Weill Cornell Medical Center in 2017.    Aneurysms are not considered classical heart disease. They are caused by a genetic defect that was inherited from a family member.  You must manage the type and level of exercise you perform to maintain a healthy heart. 

I suggest you contact the Marfans Foundation, a non-profit organization for patients with genetic aortic and vascular conditions. If you have any questions, you can forward your email and cell number, indicating the time of day to best reach you.

Be patient with your recovery.

Best Regards,

Vic Fabry

CEO, Greylock Advisors, LLC 

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here so I apologize if my questions have been answered elsewhere.

I'm 31 years old, male, and had a valve replacement and aortic arch repair just about 9 months ago. I'd had no symptoms at all until i felt a sharp pain in my throat, and it turns I had a dissection and I ended up making to surgery that day. It turns out i had a genetic condition that made my aorta develop improperly.

Before this, I was extremely active. My job and my hobbies all revolved around physical activity, and I got over an hour of exercise per day. I enjoyed lifting weights, surfing, playing baseball, and I teach PE for kids with special needs. 

My recovery went about as expected for the first three or four months. However, I've never got my energy or strength back. I have trouble waking up in the morning and rarely feel rested. I fall asleep every day the moment I get home from work. I can go on a light walk, but anything above and beyond that fatigues me for days. When I'm more tired, I get dizzy, lightheaded, and see double. I've been following up with doctors but they haven't found anything abnormal in blood work, imaging, or any other tests they've done. I feel like I've kind of hit a wall and I'm starting to struggle emotionally. I realize 9 months isn't all that long, but the lack of progress has been really demoralizing.

Is this experience familiar to anyone? Has anybody found support groups, either in person or on zoom, that have been helpful? I'm in Los Angeles, for what it's worth. 
 

Linda,

I hope the results are satisfactory and you've returned to full activities.  
Best regards,
Vic

Riley,

You have survived a very complex and difficult open heart surgery to repair an aortic arch aneurysm. What surgeon and which medical center did you have  the procedure?  The recovery from the aortic arch and aortic valve procedure will be longer than a more common bypass surgery,  Have you completed the cardiac rehab program at a heart clinic?  Have you had a follow up consultation with your surgeon? Are you scheduled for regular consults with your cardiologist including twice yearly echogragrams?

I've had ascending aortic aneurysm surgery and arctic valve replacement in 2007 and aortic arch repair at the NYP Weill Cornell Medical Center in 2017.    Aneurysms are not considered classical heart disease. They are caused by a genetic defect that was inherited from a family member.  You must manage the type and level of exercise you perform to maintain a healthy heart. 

I suggest you contact the Marfans Foundation, a non-profit organization for patients with genetic aortic and vascular conditions. If you have any questions, you can forward your email and cell number, indicating the time of day to best reach you.

Be patient with your recovery.

Best Regards,

Vic Fabry

CEO, Greylock Advisors, LLC 

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here so I apologize if my questions have been answered elsewhere.

I'm 31 years old, male, and had a valve replacement and aortic arch repair just about 9 months ago. I'd had no symptoms at all until i felt a sharp pain in my throat, and it turns I had a dissection and I ended up making to surgery that day. It turns out i had a genetic condition that made my aorta develop improperly.

Before this, I was extremely active. My job and my hobbies all revolved around physical activity, and I got over an hour of exercise per day. I enjoyed lifting weights, surfing, playing baseball, and I teach PE for kids with special needs. 

My recovery went about as expected for the first three or four months. However, I've never got my energy or strength back. I have trouble waking up in the morning and rarely feel rested. I fall asleep every day the moment I get home from work. I can go on a light walk, but anything above and beyond that fatigues me for days. When I'm more tired, I get dizzy, lightheaded, and see double. I've been following up with doctors but they haven't found anything abnormal in blood work, imaging, or any other tests they've done. I feel like I've kind of hit a wall and I'm starting to struggle emotionally. I realize 9 months isn't all that long, but the lack of progress has been really demoralizing.

Is this experience familiar to anyone? Has anybody found support groups, either in person or on zoom, that have been helpful? I'm in Los Angeles, for what it's worth. 
 

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here so I apologize if my questions have been answered elsewhere.

I'm 31 years old, male, and had a valve replacement and aortic arch repair just about 9 months ago. I'd had no symptoms at all until i felt a sharp pain in my throat, and it turns I had a dissection and I ended up making to surgery that day. It turns out i had a genetic condition that made my aorta develop improperly.

Before this, I was extremely active. My job and my hobbies all revolved around physical activity, and I got over an hour of exercise per day. I enjoyed lifting weights, surfing, playing baseball, and I teach PE for kids with special needs. 

My recovery went about as expected for the first three or four months. However, I've never got my energy or strength back. I have trouble waking up in the morning and rarely feel rested. I fall asleep every day the moment I get home from work. I can go on a light walk, but anything above and beyond that fatigues me for days. When I'm more tired, I get dizzy, lightheaded, and see double. I've been following up with doctors but they haven't found anything abnormal in blood work, imaging, or any other tests they've done. I feel like I've kind of hit a wall and I'm starting to struggle emotionally. I realize 9 months isn't all that long, but the lack of progress has been really demoralizing.

Is this experience familiar to anyone? Has anybody found support groups, either in person or on zoom, that have been helpful? I'm in Los Angeles, for what it's worth. 
 

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here so I apologize if my questions have been answered elsewhere.

I'm 31 years old, male, and had a valve replacement and aortic arch repair just about 9 months ago. I'd had no symptoms at all until i felt a sharp pain in my throat, and it turns I had a dissection and I ended up making to surgery that day. It turns out i had a genetic condition that made my aorta develop improperly.

Before this, I was extremely active. My job and my hobbies all revolved around physical activity, and I got over an hour of exercise per day. I enjoyed lifting weights, surfing, playing baseball, and I teach PE for kids with special needs. 

My recovery went about as expected for the first three or four months. However, I've never got my energy or strength back. I have trouble waking up in the morning and rarely feel rested. I fall asleep every day the moment I get home from work. I can go on a light walk, but anything above and beyond that fatigues me for days. When I'm more tired, I get dizzy, lightheaded, and see double. I've been following up with doctors but they haven't found anything abnormal in blood work, imaging, or any other tests they've done. I feel like I've kind of hit a wall and I'm starting to struggle emotionally. I realize 9 months isn't all that long, but the lack of progress has been really demoralizing.

Is this experience familiar to anyone? Has anybody found support groups, either in person or on zoom, that have been helpful? I'm in Los Angeles, for what it's worth. 
 

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here so I apologize if my questions have been answered elsewhere.

I'm 31 years old, male, and had a valve replacement and aortic arch repair just about 9 months ago. I'd had no symptoms at all until i felt a sharp pain in my throat, and it turns I had a dissection and I ended up making to surgery that day. It turns out i had a genetic condition that made my aorta develop improperly.

Before this, I was extremely active. My job and my hobbies all revolved around physical activity, and I got over an hour of exercise per day. I enjoyed lifting weights, surfing, playing baseball, and I teach PE for kids with special needs. 

My recovery went about as expected for the first three or four months. However, I've never got my energy or strength back. I have trouble waking up in the morning and rarely feel rested. I fall asleep every day the moment I get home from work. I can go on a light walk, but anything above and beyond that fatigues me for days. When I'm more tired, I get dizzy, lightheaded, and see double. I've been following up with doctors but they haven't found anything abnormal in blood work, imaging, or any other tests they've done. I feel like I've kind of hit a wall and I'm starting to struggle emotionally. I realize 9 months isn't all that long, but the lack of progress has been really demoralizing.

Is this experience familiar to anyone? Has anybody found support groups, either in person or on zoom, that have been helpful? I'm in Los Angeles, for what it's worth. 
 

Hi Riley,  I tried to send a message and I apologize if this is repetitive.  Sounds like sleep apnea or sleep hypopnea (like someone is poking you every couple of minutes wondering if you are asleep).  It will leave you feeling unrested in the AM and sleepy during the day.  Maybe something happened to your sleep cycle while you were in the ICU, meds, etc.  Sleep deprivation is as deadly as any heart condition.  A lot of Drs don't even consider it as they are working up more "serious" conditions that might be affecting you.  Get a sleep study and CPAP if you have apnea or hypopnea.  Best of luck to you!

------------------------------
Tom Fullerton
Sioux Falls SD

Original Message:
Sent: 08-28-2023 17:20
From: Riley Tibbits
Subject: Sternotomy and the cardiac blues

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here so I apologize if my questions have been answered elsewhere.

I'm 31 years old, male, and had a valve replacement and aortic arch repair just about 9 months ago. I'd had no symptoms at all until i felt a sharp pain in my throat, and it turns I had a dissection and I ended up making to surgery that day. It turns out i had a genetic condition that made my aorta develop improperly.

Before this, I was extremely active. My job and my hobbies all revolved around physical activity, and I got over an hour of exercise per day. I enjoyed lifting weights, surfing, playing baseball, and I teach PE for kids with special needs. 

My recovery went about as expected for the first three or four months. However, I've never got my energy or strength back. I have trouble waking up in the morning and rarely feel rested. I fall asleep every day the moment I get home from work. I can go on a light walk, but anything above and beyond that fatigues me for days. When I'm more tired, I get dizzy, lightheaded, and see double. I've been following up with doctors but they haven't found anything abnormal in blood work, imaging, or any other tests they've done. I feel like I've kind of hit a wall and I'm starting to struggle emotionally. I realize 9 months isn't all that long, but the lack of progress has been really demoralizing.

Is this experience familiar to anyone? Has anybody found support groups, either in person or on zoom, that have been helpful? I'm in Los Angeles, for what it's worth. 
 

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here so I apologize if my questions have been answered elsewhere.

I'm 31 years old, male, and had a valve replacement and aortic arch repair just about 9 months ago. I'd had no symptoms at all until i felt a sharp pain in my throat, and it turns I had a dissection and I ended up making to surgery that day. It turns out i had a genetic condition that made my aorta develop improperly.

Before this, I was extremely active. My job and my hobbies all revolved around physical activity, and I got over an hour of exercise per day. I enjoyed lifting weights, surfing, playing baseball, and I teach PE for kids with special needs. 

My recovery went about as expected for the first three or four months. However, I've never got my energy or strength back. I have trouble waking up in the morning and rarely feel rested. I fall asleep every day the moment I get home from work. I can go on a light walk, but anything above and beyond that fatigues me for days. When I'm more tired, I get dizzy, lightheaded, and see double. I've been following up with doctors but they haven't found anything abnormal in blood work, imaging, or any other tests they've done. I feel like I've kind of hit a wall and I'm starting to struggle emotionally. I realize 9 months isn't all that long, but the lack of progress has been really demoralizing.

Is this experience familiar to anyone? Has anybody found support groups, either in person or on zoom, that have been helpful? I'm in Los Angeles, for what it's worth. 
 

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here so I apologize if my questions have been answered elsewhere.

I'm 31 years old, male, and had a valve replacement and aortic arch repair just about 9 months ago. I'd had no symptoms at all until i felt a sharp pain in my throat, and it turns I had a dissection and I ended up making to surgery that day. It turns out i had a genetic condition that made my aorta develop improperly.

Before this, I was extremely active. My job and my hobbies all revolved around physical activity, and I got over an hour of exercise per day. I enjoyed lifting weights, surfing, playing baseball, and I teach PE for kids with special needs. 

My recovery went about as expected for the first three or four months. However, I've never got my energy or strength back. I have trouble waking up in the morning and rarely feel rested. I fall asleep every day the moment I get home from work. I can go on a light walk, but anything above and beyond that fatigues me for days. When I'm more tired, I get dizzy, lightheaded, and see double. I've been following up with doctors but they haven't found anything abnormal in blood work, imaging, or any other tests they've done. I feel like I've kind of hit a wall and I'm starting to struggle emotionally. I realize 9 months isn't all that long, but the lack of progress has been really demoralizing.

Is this experience familiar to anyone? Has anybody found support groups, either in person or on zoom, that have been helpful? I'm in Los Angeles, for what it's worth.