Since most of us aren't teenagers any more, I'm pretty sure a large masters population is having to overcome all kinds of health issues on order to getin shape, and go as far as competing.
I was starting to get pretty competetive 4-5 years ago and setting a lot of PB's, when in my mid to late 30's I got slammed with a lot of health issues, couple of which (ick) caused a lot of rapid heart rate even at rest, and made me very exercise intolerant. Some of this is getting under control, other things I just have to live with, and accept I can't push as hard as I used to :(
I have a genetic blood disorder, thallasemia, which manifests itself in my case an untreatable chronic anemia, fast thyroid causing heartbeat irregularities (and other things), and one of arthritic conditions, scleroderma. In last couple years I'm just starting to figure out how to handle my newly dysfunctional body, and still keep active. It's been a very disheartening struggle, since at 40, I'm supposedly too young to be falling apart. Eh!
I'd like to hear from people who are having to manage their health issues, so they can keep swimming, and even competing... I'm hoping this can be motivating to a *few* people.
Parents
Former Member
Most recently, I have developed "foot drop" in my left foot. It's a neurological condition that prevents me from "hooking" my left foot. In other words, I now have a very valid excuse for avoiding that horrid stroke. But it also means I'm stumbling a lot because I can't walk properly, and it's causing all sorts of knee/hip/back pains from the awkward gait. Neurology appointment Wed. Will also see podiatrist on Wed. to make sure that my orthotics (left leg is shorter, and I pronate badly with both legs) aren't making matters worse.
Ouch! :(
I'm not very familiar with that condition, but it doesn't sound like much fun :(
*hugz*
yes, definately keep from breaking bones. Close to two years ago, I was doing laundry, and leaning up and down started one of my frequent dizzy/lightheaded episodes, the dog got under my feet like she often does, I tripped, twisted my foot and crunched a few bones in my foot. That was NOT fun. It ticked me off, I had just lost a good chunk of the weight I gained (before they gave me beta blockers etc). I was still swimming a bit, and playing tennis, but then I got laid up for about 3 months doing nothing, during the holidays too with a lot of comfort food around... Bleh, you can guess where that went. With that and few other things going, last two years or so have been just awful.
Now I have to muster up the motivation to get going again....
Most recently, I have developed "foot drop" in my left foot. It's a neurological condition that prevents me from "hooking" my left foot. In other words, I now have a very valid excuse for avoiding that horrid stroke. But it also means I'm stumbling a lot because I can't walk properly, and it's causing all sorts of knee/hip/back pains from the awkward gait. Neurology appointment Wed. Will also see podiatrist on Wed. to make sure that my orthotics (left leg is shorter, and I pronate badly with both legs) aren't making matters worse.
Ouch! :(
I'm not very familiar with that condition, but it doesn't sound like much fun :(
*hugz*
yes, definately keep from breaking bones. Close to two years ago, I was doing laundry, and leaning up and down started one of my frequent dizzy/lightheaded episodes, the dog got under my feet like she often does, I tripped, twisted my foot and crunched a few bones in my foot. That was NOT fun. It ticked me off, I had just lost a good chunk of the weight I gained (before they gave me beta blockers etc). I was still swimming a bit, and playing tennis, but then I got laid up for about 3 months doing nothing, during the holidays too with a lot of comfort food around... Bleh, you can guess where that went. With that and few other things going, last two years or so have been just awful.
Now I have to muster up the motivation to get going again....
