Surving a heart attack

[O'Callaghan]

I'm so glad you made it and are still with us.

Strange that someone so fit should get a heart attack, but not entirely surprising, as I knew someone like that before. Everyone tends to think that only people of my sort of physique (overweight) are at risk.

Sadly this other fellow didn't make it. He was a security guard, and very well liked by those of us who used the building. He had run for a bus, missed it, turned around and went home, sat down in the kitchen and only then passed away of a heart attack. All this was related to us by his wife. He was a widower who had only just remarried after a number of years, and then left a newlywed widow.

[denmcdough]

O'Callaghan, yes, it is surprising that someone so fit could have a heart attack, but it can happen to anyone. In my case it was a family history. And, the number one risk factor for any disease is a family history. We can't choose our parents. Anyway, the doc said that all my exercise probably saved my life, as the collateral circulation around the heart was very good.

Anyway, since I was in good physical shape and if I do well in August, I should be able to return to full activity in September. Of course, I'll have to start out slow and rebuild.

Life is good!!

[wildrover]

So glad to hear you pulled through!!

Well now...what kind of rollerskis? V2? Old school wide wheels, new school skinnies with air core? Skate, or classic?

Here's to getting back on the horse, so to speak...or perhaps that's "back on the skis!"

-Sean

[denmcdough]

Wildrover, funny that you should know the different types of roller skis. I honestly thought no one on this forum would have a clue (sorry, guys). Anyway, my skis are Prusuit. For the money, the best out there.

I can be back on my bike in 4 weeks, but the doc din't mention the roller skis. I'll have to check into it.

Thanks for the encouragement!

[Livingston]

About the 12th of July, a very good friend of ours had a heart attack. She was flown from Estes Park to Loveland. The Drs put in 3 stents and less than 3 weeks later she was putting on an art show in Estes Park. That show was 2 weeks ago. She looked great but VERY tired which I can understand. Don't push yourself that much. Her partner was there and was keeping a VERY close eye on her, well, so were all of her friends that showed up and doing that for the same reason. Everything went well but you never know. Keep your Dr happy and take care.

[wildrover]

It's not often I encounter people who cross-country ski, much less they who keep summer training equipment around the house. If Colorado didn't lean so far toward concrete--as opposed to asphalt--sidewalks and bike paths, I'd be out daily...but the long routes on asphalt are about two hours from me. When I moved to the Midwest and found the Rails to Trails network, I invested in some good mid-resistant skate rollers for my old V2 skis, and would head out daily for a couple hours, mostly open field stride on fairly flat terrain...really a lot of cruising, but I gotta say, rain or shine there was no better way to spend an evening after work than putting miles under the wheels. The movement is damn near meditative.

...I figured talking about XC skiing and summer training would get you in good spirits, and beside R&R, that's the most important thing right now!

Soooo...how long you been on skinny planks? Ever done the Birkebeiner, either the American or the original?

[denmcdough]

Wildrover,

Great to hear from another skinny skier. And, thanks for the words of encouragement. I appreciate all the wonderfiul concern that I've gotten on this fourm. Great place, really!

Anyway, I've been on skinny skis for 35 years. And, I've skied all the major ski marathons on the east coast, and I got to do the American Birkie back in '86. I STILL want to return someday; determined, now, more so than ever!

The last 5 years, or so, I've been going to Traverse City, MI to ski the North American Vasa...wonderful race. And, I could live there, as the ski community is unbelievable. If you get a chance, go!!! I highly recommend it.

For now, I'm suppose to do 4 weeks of R&R. How often does one get that much time off? LOL! So far I've been good...following the doc's orders!

Thanks again!

Den

[MarkMcM]

Any day spent above ground is a good day. Thank the good Lord, you're still drawing breath. Sláinte!

[WeaselMender]

Welcome to the Heart Attack Suvivors Club!

Now go home and get well Don't attend anymore meetings, I sure am not planning to

Weasel

[denmcdough]

Weasel, I like belonging to clubs. Never thought I'd be a member of the 'heart attack survivors club.' Anyway, it's good that I get to say that. The alternative isn't too pleasant to think about!

Thanks for the note...everyone of them picks up my spirits!