I'm 52 years old and an EMT. The day after last Thanksgiving 2008, I had an SCA and was lucky enough to be among people (including my wife) who knew to begin CPR and next door to a firehouse with EMT's and an defibrillator. I had an ICD implanted, as well as open heart surgery to repair my mitral valve. Before the SCA I used to run, never very fast, but steadily. I ran in road races up to about 7 miles. Never finished well, but I always finished. In January 2009, I got on my treadmill and walked for 5 minutes. I was so discouraged and thought I'd never return to anywhere near my former abilities. But I kept at it and was able to increase my treadmill time each week. This past weekend I won the walking division of a 3.65 mile race. I never expected to be able to do this again, and I'm so happy I'm able to.
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Optimism
- By runner2002
- Posted May 27, 2009 at 11:08 am · 3 replies
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- By maureengraz
- Posted May 27, 2009 at 3:26 pm
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Congratulations! That's great news! My husband had an SCA in February 2009, and subsequently had a triple bypass and ICD. He also was quite athletic, cycling in excess of 50 miles. This weekend, about 14 wks since his SCA he was discouraged that he was tired after riding 5 miles. I told him just give it a little time. Hearing your story is great encouragement. Thanks!
- By MetalGoddess
- Posted May 29, 2009 at 3:47 am
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Congratulations!! Just to own that feeling has got to be the best treatment for anyone's heart...it made mine smile with you. Keep it up.
- By Nutbeem
- Posted May 30, 2009 at 2:40 pm
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Holy cow, talk about being at the right place at the right time to have an SCA!!! So glad you're with us!
I guess your situation is a little more complicated than mine because I had no underlying "plumbing" problems, but within a few months of my SCA I was back on the track running again.
I think once you get through your initial shock and fear, you'll pick right back up where you left off.
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