General Discussion Triathlon Talk » reality check...no one is immune Rss Feed  
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2005-05-12 11:09 AM

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Champion
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Subject: reality check...no one is immune
So I just came from the hospital where my father-in-law was admitted with chest paine. A few months ago he had a couple of stints put in. He's 62.  We are waiting on tests to see what's up.

This is a situation that repeats itself thousands upon thousands of times every day. What makes this particular one stand out (besides the fact that he is someone who I love dearly) is that he is a runner, and cyclist. He took up running in the 1970's and was a fierce local age-group competitor (sub 19 5K, ran his first 10k in 38 min)  he rode up to 200 miles a week, and more than anyone else is responsible for me stopping smoking, and starting to run and ride.
He eats right, lives right, and still has problems with his heart.

On the bright side he just dropped a wad of cash on a new MTB, a Santa Cruz Heckler built to 28 lbs no less, and we are training for an upcoming local race series (and trying to get the promoter to start a 60+ age group).

My point is that we are all human, and that we are all subject to the vagueries and foibles of our nature, no matter what we do. Still, we have to grab what joy we can while we are here, and not let problems stop us from living.

 I am full of anxious hope and prayer.  I'm not getting much work done, but being in the hospital waiting room isn't accomplishing anything either.





2005-05-12 11:13 AM
in reply to: #156463

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Veteran
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Subject: RE: reality check...no one is immune
I hope your father gets well soon so he can enjoy life and family for another 62 years. And that new MTB to ride along next to you. Hope everything goes well.
2005-05-12 11:14 AM
in reply to: #156463

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Pro
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Subject: RE: reality check...no one is immune
I agree with you whole heartedly. May God be with you, family, and especially your father-in-law in this time of need.
2005-05-12 11:30 AM
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Subject: RE: reality check...no one is immune

This is one thing that really sucks in life.  It seems like if you 'do everything right' you should get a pass from this kind of situation, and sadly we all see everyday how this is not true.  It feels very unfair.  Everyone knows that much of what happens to us physically (high cholesterol, heart problems, tendencies toward certain cancers) is simply a matter of genetics.  Fortunately,  through lifestyle, we can very dramatically improve our chances of  a) not getting this thing or b) if we DO get it, we increase our chances of surviving it dramatically, because we are so fit and strong.  And also we get the peace that can come with knowing that there was nothing more we could have done - we did our utmost to take care of ourselves everyday of our lives.

So stay positive, be your father-in-laws best cheerleader to help him stay positive.  That is going to be a vitally important factor is his complete recovery!  You guys will be back training in no time.  You have many thoughts and prayers and best wishes coming from your BT friends during this difficult time. 

2005-05-12 11:31 AM
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Subject: RE: reality check...no one is immune

Sorry to hear about your Dad.  Genetics plays a role in our health as well.  If he had not been as active, he may have had these problems years ago.  I hope he recovers soon and the two of you have many years of competition ahead of you. 

2005-05-12 11:39 AM
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Subject: RE: reality check...no one is immune
Dave,
you know that he would have been here sooner if he hadn't been so fit, he is also stronger to fight back. I've trained since I was 18 for various sports, basketball, rugby and now triathlon and at 33 I had a pace maker fitted due to a gentic heart defect. It happens and I run faster and stronger now than I ever did, I'm setting p.b.'s every week.

I have also waited in hospital rooms praying, I am thinking of you & your dad and I hope he fights all the way back to kicking your butt in the next race you do together.
Stu


2005-05-12 11:51 AM
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Subject: RE: reality check...no one is immune
My thoughts are with your Dad! And as others have mentioned, its a blessing that he's so fit or he probably would have been in much worse shape....

My father also has a lot of cardiac problems. He had a major heart attack in his 40s, and then quadruple bypass. That was in the 80's. He did a lifestyle turnaround like I have never seen! He's now in his mid 70's. Works out 4 times a week, golfs almost everyday (called me proud as punch the other day, he shot his age!). Over the years he's had to go back in for a few procedures, a valve replacement, an angioplasty. But his docs rave about his health and are convinced that if he weren't as active and didn't pay attention to his diet like he does, he wouldn't be here! Its been a valuable lesson for me and a motivation to stay in shape!
2005-05-12 12:04 PM
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Subject: RE: reality check...no one is immune

My prayers are with your father-in-law and the whole family.

My Dad  (62) had to have a quadruple bypass in January.  He excercises religiously, and yet he was on the road to a major heart attack had they not caught it when they did.   They say that were he not as fit as he is, he wouldn't have made it so long.  He's doing great now, but waiting through that open heart surgery was awful. 

It is a wake up call.  I know I'm not immune now - excercise can't make up for bad genetics, and I'm going to have to watch it my whole life.

2005-05-12 12:29 PM
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Subject: RE: reality check...no one is immune

Dave, my prayers are with you and your FIL, hope he recovers quickly and completely and you and he enjoy many more runs and rides together.

My Dad also had a quadruple bypass at age 65, just another example of the family history of heart disease, his dad didn't make 50, I don't think, died before I was born. Daddy watched his weight and walked regular, evidently not enough to conquer the genetics While recovering from the surgery, he was also diagnosed with leukemia and died within six months.

His death made me take a hard look at my lifestyle, and got my 240-lb. a$$ in gear. Dropped 65 pounds, started running and the rest is history. Just trying to stay ahead of the odds...



Edited by the bear 2005-05-12 12:30 PM
2005-05-12 1:14 PM
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Subject: RE: reality check...no one is immune

Dave, you're all in my thoughts and prayers and my hope is with you.

Your FIL sounds like quite a guy. My dad didn't make it to 48 because of a combination of genetics and poor lifestyle. I'm now committed to using an improved lifestyle to overcome the genetics as much as possible, but I've found that while I may never know how much good that will do, my quality of life is immeasurably better. I live a happier, more fulfilling life. Your post is a welcome reminder of that.

Thanks for taking the time to pass this on in your time of uncertainty.

2005-05-12 1:42 PM
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Subject: RE: reality check...no one is immune
all my prayers, love and support are with you and your family at this time.
Remember that God works in mysterious ways and has a plan for us all. You are most certainly right, we must grab life by the horns and make the most of every second.
Keep us updated.
tizzy


2005-05-12 1:59 PM
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Subject: RE: reality check...no one is immune
Dave, God bless you and give you peace while you wait. Thank heavens for a guy like your father-in-law who set an example for you! Prayers from NC will be for both of you.

Fred
2005-05-12 2:06 PM
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Subject: RE: reality check...no one is immune
Our thoughts are with you.
2005-05-12 6:34 PM
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Subject: RE: reality check...no one is immune

Hey RLUSI,

We will be thinking of you and your father-in-law.   As soon as he is better again, I hope your FIL will post his thoughts on the fit cardiac patient.  I think most cardiologists are a bit unprepared to treat patients like him than someone who has taken less care of himself.   It may help a lot of people here to see how your FIL's experience was different in symptoms and treatment.

Best wishes and the hope for a speedy recovery.

TW

2005-05-12 8:56 PM
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Subject: RE: reality check...no one is immune
Best of luck to your father-in-law. I hope he recovers from this and comes back stronger than ever to do what he obviously loves - being active! Sadly, your title is too correct - no one is immune. Now I'm going to preach to the choir: We can never know what dormant genetic predispostion might one day decide to wake up. Please, no matter how healthy you think you are, get an annual physical and have your cholesterol tested, at the very least.
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