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.
One of the reasons that I love Masters Swimming is the many stories and the wonderful support we get from each other. I am 68 and almost everyone in my age group has had some health issue. The stories of "learning to cope" are wonderful!
My health issues began at 50. I had my best times as a Masters swimmers at SC nationals when I was 50. Between May and July, acid reflux became so bad that it caused asthma-like symptoms. I had surgery in Nov to correct the problem. Then, I discovered that my allergies were getting worse and had my first real asthma attack at the next SC nationals. It took several years of trying different medications to get that under control. I do well most of the time, but have to be aware of chemical imbalances in the pool area and pollen counts. At meets in indoor pools, I have to be remember to leave the pool area regularly. When there are 1800 people in the pool area, the air handlers can't keep the air quality high enough. I had problems in both Austin and Atlanta on the last day - my own fault.
Once asthma was controlled, I started with Atrial Fib. I have had two ablations to correct it and am not on medication now and am doing well. When people inquire about my health status, I like to reply "At the moment, everyone is okay!" One of my friends always says her swimming is going well "considering ..." We all seem to have a "considering..." but we have to keep trying!
One of the reasons that I love Masters Swimming is the many stories and the wonderful support we get from each other. I am 68 and almost everyone in my age group has had some health issue. The stories of "learning to cope" are wonderful!
My health issues began at 50. I had my best times as a Masters swimmers at SC nationals when I was 50. Between May and July, acid reflux became so bad that it caused asthma-like symptoms. I had surgery in Nov to correct the problem. Then, I discovered that my allergies were getting worse and had my first real asthma attack at the next SC nationals. It took several years of trying different medications to get that under control. I do well most of the time, but have to be aware of chemical imbalances in the pool area and pollen counts. At meets in indoor pools, I have to be remember to leave the pool area regularly. When there are 1800 people in the pool area, the air handlers can't keep the air quality high enough. I had problems in both Austin and Atlanta on the last day - my own fault.
Once asthma was controlled, I started with Atrial Fib. I have had two ablations to correct it and am not on medication now and am doing well. When people inquire about my health status, I like to reply "At the moment, everyone is okay!" One of my friends always says her swimming is going well "considering ..." We all seem to have a "considering..." but we have to keep trying!
