I was recently diagnosed with a Long Q Rhythm. I'm wondering if there is anyone else out there with this problem.
My Dr. recommends Beta Blocker and no more racing. He also commented that I've had this condition all my life so I'll probably be ok.
I would like to PM with anyone out there who is swimming with a similar situation. I am feeling very conflicted and would like to talk to someone in the same boat.
I read the paragraph about the sisters who swam in Nationals with a Long Q diagnosis, in fact that article motivated me to go to the electrophysicist (sp) and get this checked out by a specialist.
Very encouraging, Jim. Robin--this is an extremely frustrating diagnosis. I know what you're feeling. It sounds like we have similar situations.
My mom and dad are both still alive and healthy. My mom is in her mid 70's and my dad is going to be 83 in a couple of months. My dad still plays tennis twice a week and works two jobs. Neither of them (or ANY of our relatives) have had any problems that indicate heart issues. I have been extremely active and swimming most all of my life. I've never fainted or even had a dizzy spell while exercising.
To go into a doctor's office and be told that I am now this fragile creature that could fall dead to the floor at any moment was horribly frustrating, maddening and scary. Add the ironic twist of fate that the one activity I love more than any other is the one activity they say I shouldn't do--and this diagnosis just plain sucks.
Gull, if we sound frustrated with your answers it's because they are frustrating. I know you can't help that, but put yourself in Robin's place for a minute. Wouldn't you be a little dubious?
All the reading I did on long QT seemed to say that IF you have one of the genetic subtypes that has been linked to sudden cardiac death and IF you have had a previous episode, your risk of cardiac event is 50% higher than the normal person. Those are two big IF's.
Robin--go with what makes you comfortable until you get your test results back. You are really in kind of a holding pattern until then.
For me, once I found out I needed genetic testing, I decided to be careful with the swimming. As I swam and realized nothing had changed, I got more comfortable in the water. I didn't compete this summer but I did get to where I was comfortable pushing myself again.
Somehow your body has made it this long. Don't be too freaked out. Wait for your test to come back before deciding you have to be freaked out. I don't think you've suddenly become a fragile flower. Just listen to your body and take reasonable precautions like Jim suggested. You have to do what works for you. If you feel like taking a month off from swimming, do it. Look at this time like it's a temporary bump in your swimming career and don't feel like you have to make a long term decision right now.
Hugs to you,
Amy
Thanks again Amy!
When I'm swimming I feel great and confident that I'm fine. During the time inbetween I start folding like a cheap suit.
It just amazes me that 20 years ago I could run a sub-3 hour marathon, did all these crazy triathlons pretty well, and all the time had a bad ticker. I'm either extremely lucky or mis-diagnosed. And wouldn;t you think the act of childbirth would cause cardiac arrest in a weak person. I had 3 kids over 9 lbs without pain drugs or anything. I would have thought that might have killed me. I don't know :( I'm going to go do some easy swimming again and hope I get the news about the genetic testing tomorrow.
Hey Amy, did they ever do an exercise stress test on you? The folk from SADS said it would be a good thing to do. They also said they should have done more than 1 ekg. Just wondering.
Hugs to you too!
robin
Very encouraging, Jim. Robin--this is an extremely frustrating diagnosis. I know what you're feeling. It sounds like we have similar situations.
My mom and dad are both still alive and healthy. My mom is in her mid 70's and my dad is going to be 83 in a couple of months. My dad still plays tennis twice a week and works two jobs. Neither of them (or ANY of our relatives) have had any problems that indicate heart issues. I have been extremely active and swimming most all of my life. I've never fainted or even had a dizzy spell while exercising.
To go into a doctor's office and be told that I am now this fragile creature that could fall dead to the floor at any moment was horribly frustrating, maddening and scary. Add the ironic twist of fate that the one activity I love more than any other is the one activity they say I shouldn't do--and this diagnosis just plain sucks.
Gull, if we sound frustrated with your answers it's because they are frustrating. I know you can't help that, but put yourself in Robin's place for a minute. Wouldn't you be a little dubious?
All the reading I did on long QT seemed to say that IF you have one of the genetic subtypes that has been linked to sudden cardiac death and IF you have had a previous episode, your risk of cardiac event is 50% higher than the normal person. Those are two big IF's.
Robin--go with what makes you comfortable until you get your test results back. You are really in kind of a holding pattern until then.
For me, once I found out I needed genetic testing, I decided to be careful with the swimming. As I swam and realized nothing had changed, I got more comfortable in the water. I didn't compete this summer but I did get to where I was comfortable pushing myself again.
Somehow your body has made it this long. Don't be too freaked out. Wait for your test to come back before deciding you have to be freaked out. I don't think you've suddenly become a fragile flower. Just listen to your body and take reasonable precautions like Jim suggested. You have to do what works for you. If you feel like taking a month off from swimming, do it. Look at this time like it's a temporary bump in your swimming career and don't feel like you have to make a long term decision right now.
Hugs to you,
Amy
Thanks again Amy!
When I'm swimming I feel great and confident that I'm fine. During the time inbetween I start folding like a cheap suit.
It just amazes me that 20 years ago I could run a sub-3 hour marathon, did all these crazy triathlons pretty well, and all the time had a bad ticker. I'm either extremely lucky or mis-diagnosed. And wouldn;t you think the act of childbirth would cause cardiac arrest in a weak person. I had 3 kids over 9 lbs without pain drugs or anything. I would have thought that might have killed me. I don't know :( I'm going to go do some easy swimming again and hope I get the news about the genetic testing tomorrow.
Hey Amy, did they ever do an exercise stress test on you? The folk from SADS said it would be a good thing to do. They also said they should have done more than 1 ekg. Just wondering.
Hugs to you too!
robin
