Hi & welcome Juliet,
I was also dxd late at the ago of 44.. I had many problems throughout the years (as did my sister linda, she was 50 at the time of out dx) so yes for both of us it was one heck of a roller coaster ride (my story is in diagnosis - tell us how you were diagnosed)
Have i spent hours coming to grips w/ the dx? Probably more like years, i think i'm still working on it,lol especially since there have been so many things that have taken place over the last 12 yrs..
Absolutely i have looked back.. In some ways i wish i had know, and in some ways i'm glad i didn't know..
I think first and foremost i wouldn't have smoked for 18, yes i said 18 years <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif" border="0">
I wonder if i would have had 4 children and if i didn't have them of course i wouldn't be a Mima to my little Bipper Nipper (my nick name for my 2 1/2 y/o grandson)
I also think even though i know i am blessed to be my age, my health would have probably be even better than it is..
I'm sure my life took this path for a reason and i feel Blessed and thankful to God to be where i at ..
If you ever want to talk PM me.. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> joni