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.
The latest update. One bit of great news and one not so great.
Good: I received a message after school from the Genetic Testing Company; my insurance will pay for 100% of the testing. ($5,400.00 or so) Gee, I'm so happy I didn't drop the premium policy last year. I almost did since I never go to the Dr. except for check-ups. This test alone will probably make-up the profit I would have gained by taking a lesser policy.
Not Good: My youngest daughter just flew in from Florida for a quick break before school starts (she goes to USF). I had an ekg scheduled for her today. She has Long Q Interval too. She didn't seem overly upset. The Dr. gave her the list of banned medications, I told her to just live normally till we get the genetic testing done. She was fine with that. She was a very good competitive swimmer till age 13 and then opted to run cross-country and track through middle and high school. She, like me has never had a symptom in her life.
My oldest daughter is getting an ekg on Monday. Now my concern is my son. He is rarely sick and never goes to the doctor. He's coming down from Chicago this week-end to visit Sarah. I'm going to see if the Med-Check Clinic does ekg's. If they do I will lure him there with beer and duck him in the clinic for an ekg before he knows what's happening. jk, but I'll get him there somehow.
I want to thank everyone who is following this thread for their kind thoughts, encouragement, and outstanding information and links. This thread is my outlet for venting and expressing my feelings about this situation. I really don't have anyone else I can talk to about this whole mess. I think the very few people I have told are somewhat freaked out and either think I'm exaggerating or just plain crazy. Either way I definitely feel like they don't want to hear about it so I'm zipping my lips.
I've tried to tell a couple of my swimming team mates just for safety purposes. They sort of acted like I was talking about a common cold and seemed to think it would be fine in a week or so. I'm not looking for sympathy or answers. I just want a few folks to know in case of an emergency situation should arise. Hopefully the great luck I've had for the last 55 years will hold out for at least 50 more years and there won't be a problem!
As far as my kids go I'm going to take up religion and start praying. We have all been so healthy and robust since forever. It's hard to imagine I have passed a rare and potentially serious condition to them. Obviously I know I didn't do this on purpose so I have no feelings of guilt, but sadness is what is eating through my soul at this point.
The latest update. One bit of great news and one not so great.
Good: I received a message after school from the Genetic Testing Company; my insurance will pay for 100% of the testing. ($5,400.00 or so) Gee, I'm so happy I didn't drop the premium policy last year. I almost did since I never go to the Dr. except for check-ups. This test alone will probably make-up the profit I would have gained by taking a lesser policy.
Not Good: My youngest daughter just flew in from Florida for a quick break before school starts (she goes to USF). I had an ekg scheduled for her today. She has Long Q Interval too. She didn't seem overly upset. The Dr. gave her the list of banned medications, I told her to just live normally till we get the genetic testing done. She was fine with that. She was a very good competitive swimmer till age 13 and then opted to run cross-country and track through middle and high school. She, like me has never had a symptom in her life.
My oldest daughter is getting an ekg on Monday. Now my concern is my son. He is rarely sick and never goes to the doctor. He's coming down from Chicago this week-end to visit Sarah. I'm going to see if the Med-Check Clinic does ekg's. If they do I will lure him there with beer and duck him in the clinic for an ekg before he knows what's happening. jk, but I'll get him there somehow.
I want to thank everyone who is following this thread for their kind thoughts, encouragement, and outstanding information and links. This thread is my outlet for venting and expressing my feelings about this situation. I really don't have anyone else I can talk to about this whole mess. I think the very few people I have told are somewhat freaked out and either think I'm exaggerating or just plain crazy. Either way I definitely feel like they don't want to hear about it so I'm zipping my lips.
I've tried to tell a couple of my swimming team mates just for safety purposes. They sort of acted like I was talking about a common cold and seemed to think it would be fine in a week or so. I'm not looking for sympathy or answers. I just want a few folks to know in case of an emergency situation should arise. Hopefully the great luck I've had for the last 55 years will hold out for at least 50 more years and there won't be a problem!
As far as my kids go I'm going to take up religion and start praying. We have all been so healthy and robust since forever. It's hard to imagine I have passed a rare and potentially serious condition to them. Obviously I know I didn't do this on purpose so I have no feelings of guilt, but sadness is what is eating through my soul at this point.
